Autism
What do I do if I think I have Autism? How can I access a referral?
If you think that you may have Autism, submit an online request and our Care Coordinator will contact you to take you through the process.
Currently all diagnoses of Autism are made by specialists (a consultant psychiatrist) and if your GP feels you need further assessment, they will be able to make a referral.
The usual route for referral would then be to secondary care services in Sheffield SAANS (Sheffield Adult Autism and Neurodevelopmental Service) and the waiting list for this is currently very long.
There is an alternative via Right to Choose (RTC) which was introduced in 2018. This pathway offers an alternative provider of services if you meet the criteria for a secondary care referral. It does not give you an automatic right to a referral (a common misconception); you will still need to go through the screening process.
The list of RTC providers changes, as does their waiting times, so we suggest that you do the research yourself to find the best fit for you.
Other support available for people with Autism
There is support available via DDSS (the University's Disability and Dyslexia Support Service) including signposting to study support sessions, peer support and more.
Some students may benefit from a specific Learning Support Plan which may be put in place after an assessment depending on your individual needs. The DDSS may ask you to contact UHS for Medical Evidence to support this, and you can request this by submitting an online request.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Workshops and Support Groups
Disability and Dyslexia Support Service (DDSS)
For more general information and support, visit:
