# Waiting for an autism assessment? What you can do now > While you wait for an autism assessment, you can start helping your child straight away, because you do not need a diagnosis to get support. Use visual supports and simple communication strategies at home, keep a diary of examples, and ask the nursery or school for SEN support. In England you can request an EHC needs assessment, and you can claim DLA if your child needs much more care than others their age. - Canonical page: https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/waiting-for-an-autism-assessment - Publisher: Rocks Make Pebbles (https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk) - Topic: Signs, assessment and diagnosis - Applies to: UK - Last updated: 28 September 2026. Checked against sources: 28 September 2026 - Professional review: Not yet reviewed (waiting for review by a paediatrician or clinical psychologist and SEND adviser) - Drafted with the help of AI tools and checked against the sources listed below. Editorial policy: https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/editorial-policy ## Key points - You don't need a diagnosis to start visual supports or other help at home. - Nurseries and schools should give SEN support based on need, not diagnosis. - In England you can ask your council for an EHC needs assessment without a diagnosis. - DLA depends on your child's care needs, not on a diagnosis, and can't be backdated. - Ask the autism service how long the wait is, and tell them in writing if things change. - If your child loses skills, has a possible seizure or is losing weight, get medical help promptly. ## How long is the wait for an autism assessment? Waits are long across the UK and vary by area. In June 2026, 294,792 people in England had an open referral for suspected autism, and 86.8% of them had been waiting at least 13 weeks ([NHS England Digital](https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/autism-statistics/july-2025-to-june-2026)). These figures cover all ages and are "official statistics in development", so treat them as a guide. They also leave out children assessed by community paediatric teams. The next figures are due on 12 November 2026 ([NHS England Digital](https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/autism-statistics)). In 2022 to 2023, the Children's Commissioner for England found that children waited on average 527 days from referral to diagnosis in mental health services and 791 days in community health services ([Children's Commissioner](https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/?p=36183)). [NICE](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#nice) recommends that an autism assessment starts within 3 months of the referral to the autism team ([NICE CG128](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg128/chapter/Recommendations)). This is a recommendation, not a legal right, and most people currently wait longer. > **Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland:** In Scotland, 42,530 children were waiting for a neurodevelopmental assessment in March 2025, and there is no national waiting-time target ([SPICe](https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/research-prepared-for-parliament/research-briefings/2025/6/24/sb-2525)). Wales aims to assess 80% of children within 26 weeks, but in June 2023, 67% of children waiting for an autism or ADHD assessment had already waited 26 weeks or more ([Senedd Research](https://research.senedd.wales/research-articles/the-growing-demand-for-adhd-and-autism-assessments-in-wales/)). In Northern Ireland, 17,205 children were waiting for an autism assessment in October 2025 ([FactCheckNI](https://factcheckni.org/articles/autism-in-ni-are-over-17000-children-on-the-waiting-list-for-an-assessment/)). ## Do you need a diagnosis to get help? No. You do not need a diagnosis to get support for your child, or to start helping at home. The legal advice charity [IPSEA](https://www.ipsea.org.uk/blog/the-myth-of-needing-a-diagnosis-before-you-can-get-support) says: "A child does not need a formal diagnosis in order to receive support in school. Support should be available based on the child's needs." [Scope](https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/find-support-services-before-child-diagnosed), a disability charity, says the same about SEN support and Disability Living Allowance. | What you can do now | Who can help | Do you need a diagnosis? | |---|---|---| | Use visual supports, such as a Now and Next board | You, with ideas from nursery, school or a speech and language therapist | No | | Try simple communication strategies at home | You; a speech and language therapist can advise | No | | Keep a diary of what you notice, with examples | You | No | | Make a one-page profile of your child | You, your child, and nursery or school | No | | Ask for SEN support at nursery or school | The SENCO | No | | Request an EHC needs assessment (England) | Your council's SEN team; SENDIASS or IPSEA can advise | No | | Ask for a speech and language therapy referral | Your GP, health visitor or SENCO, or the service itself in some areas | No | | Claim DLA (Child Disability Payment in Scotland) | Contact's helpline and guides can help with the form | No | | Ask the council for a needs assessment for your child and a carer's assessment for you | Your council's children with disabilities team | No | | Find local services, groups and advice | Your council's Local Offer and your parent carer forum | No | ## What can I start at home now? You can start straight away with approaches that UK guidance recommends for autistic children. None needs special equipment. ### Visual supports [Visual supports](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#visual-supports) are pictures, symbols, objects or written words that show your child what is happening and what comes next. NICE lists "providing visual supports, for example, words, pictures or symbols that are meaningful for the child" among the adjustments for autistic children ([NICE CG170](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg170/chapter/Recommendations)). A large US review counted 65 studies supporting visual supports ([NCAEP 2020](https://ncaep.fpg.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/EBP-Report-2020.pdf)), although most studies in that review were small ([Hume and colleagues, 2021](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04844-2)). 1. Make a [Now and Next board](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#now-and-next-board): one picture for what is happening now and one for what comes next. Our [printable Now and Next board](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/printables/now-and-next-board) is free. 2. Use photos of your child's own things if symbols are hard to understand. 3. Put things your child enjoys on it too, not only tasks they dislike. 4. When that works, try a [visual timetable](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#visual-timetable) for part of the day, using our [printable timetable](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/printables/visual-timetable). See our [visual supports guide](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/visual-supports). ### Communication strategies You don't need to wait for speech and language therapy to start. The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists says "there are no pre-requisites" to using [AAC](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#aac) (augmentative and alternative communication), such as pictures, signs or a communication app ([RCSLT](https://www.rcslt.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/RCSLT-AAC_position-statement_May2024.pdf)). Try ten minutes of "together time" each day, when your child is calm: - Get down to their level and watch what interests them. Don't ask for eye contact. - Join in by copying what they do, with a similar toy of your own ([Hanen](https://www.hanen.org/information-tips/imitate-to-connect)). - Wait. Stop talking, lean in and give them time: the Hanen Centre suggests up to 10 seconds ([Hanen](https://www.hanen.org/information-tips/waiting-the-key-to-supporting-your-childs-communication)). - Treat any look, sound, reach, sign or word as a turn, and answer it. - Talk about what they're already looking at ("Car. Fast car.") rather than asking lots of questions. - Play simple games with a pause, such as "Ready, steady..." and wait for any signal before "go". In two UK trials of PACT, a programme in which a therapist coaches parents, parents learned to respond in step with their child, and children started more interactions with them. Gains in language were small or absent ([Green and colleagues, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20494434/); [Green and colleagues, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35605069/)). Ask about a speech and language therapy referral now, because waits are long: 66,695 children and young people in England were waiting in April 2026 ([UK Parliament written answer](https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-06-22/11799)). In some areas parents can contact the service directly ([Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust](https://www.cpft.nhs.uk/speech-and-language-therapy-referrals/)). ### A calm bedtime routine Sleep is often hard for autistic children. NICE's advice starts with a regular bedtime, a look at the bedroom and a sleep plan, before any medicine ([NICE CG170](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg170/chapter/Recommendations)). A review of 11 studies found that behavioural sleep approaches delivered by parents were "generally effective and valued by parents" ([Kirkpatrick and colleagues, 2019](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/30529483)). - Do the same few steps in the same order every night, and show them as pictures. - Keep the bedroom screen-free, with no screens in the hour before bed, as England's 2026 early years screen time report advises ([EYSTAG report](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69c53daf4a06660f085442a7/EYSTAG_report.pdf)). - If sleep is a big problem, keep a 2-week sleep diary. NICE uses one to build a sleep plan. - Tell your GP if your child snores loudly, chokes or seems to stop breathing in their sleep. The Sleep Charity's National Sleep Helpline is on 03303 530 541 ([The Sleep Charity](https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/national-sleep-helpline/)). See our [sleep guide](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/sleep) for more. ### A diary of what you notice A diary helps professionals see your child's everyday life, not just one appointment. NICE asks professionals to consider whether signs show up in different settings and how much they affect your child and family ([NICE CG128](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg128/chapter/Recommendations)). The same notes help with a DLA claim: the charity Contact suggests keeping a diary for a week when you fill in the form ([Contact](https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/benefits-financial-help/disability-living-allowance/tips-on-completing-the-dla-form/)). > **Try this:** For two weeks, jot down a few lines each day: what happened, where, what came just before, how your child showed you how they felt, and what helped. Add short phone videos of things a professional may not see, kept private. Note sleep, first words and any lost skills too. ### A one-page profile A [one-page profile](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#one-page-profile) is a short summary of your child: what they love, how they communicate, what upsets them and what helps them feel calm. It helps new people, such as a childminder or doctor, get to know your child quickly. Our [one-page profile template](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/printables/one-page-profile) is free to print. For hospital visits, the National Autistic Society's free [My Health Passport](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/physical-health/my-health-passport) does a similar job. ## How can nursery or school help before a diagnosis? In England, nurseries and schools should give SEN support based on your child's needs, not a diagnosis ([IPSEA](https://www.ipsea.org.uk/blog/the-myth-of-needing-a-diagnosis-before-you-can-get-support)). The [SEND Code of Practice](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7dcb85ed915d2ac884d995/SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf) says schools "should take seriously any concerns raised by a parent". 1. Ask to meet your child's teacher or key person and the [SENCO](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#senco). Take your diary and examples. 2. Ask for an assessment of your child's needs that includes your views and your child's. 3. If [SEN support](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#sen-support) is agreed, the Code says you must be told formally. Ask for the plan in writing, with the support, what it should achieve and a review date. 4. At each review, ask what difference the support has made. If progress is still limited, ask about specialists, such as an educational psychologist or speech and language therapist. This cycle of assess, plan, do and review is called the [graduated approach](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#graduated-approach), and the Code applies it in nurseries too. ### Asking for an EHC needs assessment If your child needs more help than SEN support can give, you can ask your council for an [EHC needs assessment](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#ehc-needs-assessment) yourself. [Scope](https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/find-support-services-before-child-diagnosed) says you don't need a diagnosis or the school's backing, although both can make it easier. The law says the council must assess if your child "has or may have special educational needs" and may need support through an [EHCP](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#ehcp) ([Children and Families Act 2014, section 36](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/section/36)). The council must decide whether to assess within 6 weeks of your request ([SEND Regulations, regulation 5](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1530/regulation/5)), and, if it issues a plan, send the final version within 20 weeks of your request ([regulation 13](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1530/regulation/13)). In 2025, only 46.1% of new plans in England were issued within 20 weeks, and councils agreed to assess 44.0% of requests from parents, compared with 75.8% of requests from schools ([Department for Education](https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/education-health-and-care-plans)). These figures don't show why, but it's worth including clear evidence and, if you can, asking the school to support your request. IPSEA has a free template letter ([IPSEA](https://www.ipsea.org.uk/Pages/Category/service-overview/)), and our guide explains [how to request an EHC needs assessment](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/how-to-request-an-ehcp). As of September 2026 the law has not changed. The government says no changes to the support given by EHCPs will begin before September 2030 ([Department for Education](https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2026/05/schools-white-paper-what-parents-need-to-know-about-changes-to-the-send-system/)). See [SEND reforms 2026](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/send-reforms-2026). > **Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland:** Each nation has its own system. In Scotland, support is meant to be based on needs, not on a diagnosis, and schools give additional support for learning without one ([SPICe](https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/research-prepared-for-parliament/research-briefings/2025/6/24/sb-2525)). Wales uses additional learning needs (ALN) and individual development plans ([Welsh Government](https://www.gov.wales/additional-learning-needs-guidance-parents-and-carers)). Northern Ireland uses statements of special educational needs, with reforms pending ([Department of Education NI](https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/new-sen-framework)). ## Can I get DLA or other money while we wait? Yes. [Disability Living Allowance (DLA)](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#dla) for children depends on your child's needs, not a diagnosis. The charity [Contact](https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/benefits-financial-help/disability-living-allowance/) says: "You don't need to wait for a formal diagnosis to make a claim." Your child must be under 16 and need much more looking after than a child of the same age without a disability, or have walking difficulties. The difficulties must have lasted at least 3 months and be expected to last at least 6 months ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/eligibility)). You can claim whether or not you work. In 2026/27, DLA pays between £30.30 and £194.60 a week ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/rates)). - **Claim early.** DLA can't be backdated. If you phone the DLA helpline on 0800 121 4600 for a form, your claim can start from the date of the call, as long as you return the form within 6 weeks ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/how-to-claim)). - **Describe your child's needs fully.** Contact suggests describing bad days and "better days", comparing your child with children of the same age, and not waiting for reports before you send the form ([Contact](https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/benefits-financial-help/disability-living-allowance/tips-on-completing-the-dla-form/)). - **DLA can lead to other help.** In England, a 2-year-old who gets DLA can have 15 hours of funded early education a week, for 38 weeks of the year ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-2-year-olds-extra-support)), and their nursery can receive at least £975 a year from the [Disability Access Fund](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#disability-access-fund) in 2026/27 ([Department for Education](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-funding-2026-to-2027/early-years-entitlements-local-authority-funding-operational-guide-2026-to-2027)). You may also get Carer's Allowance if your child gets the middle or highest care rate and you care for them at least 35 hours a week ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/rates)), depending on your earnings ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/eligibility)). In Scotland, apply for [Child Disability Payment](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#child-disability-payment) instead, which you can do without a diagnosis ([mygov.scot](https://www.mygov.scot/child-disability-payment)), and Carer Support Payment instead of Carer's Allowance ([mygov.scot](https://www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment)). Northern Ireland has its own DLA claim route ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/eligibility)). See [DLA for autistic children](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/dla-for-autistic-children) and [money and practical help](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/money-and-practical-help). ## How do I chase the referral, and are there faster routes? Check the referral has arrived, and keep in touch. 1. Ask whoever referred your child, such as the GP, health visitor or school, to confirm it was sent, and ask for a copy. 2. Contact the autism service to check it has been accepted. Ask how long the current wait is and what support they offer before the assessment. NHS England's [framework for autism assessment services](https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/a-national-framework-to-deliver-improved-outcomes-in-all-age-autism-assessment-pathways-guidance-for-integrated-care-boards/) says they should give clear information and support before the assessment, including signposting to other services. 3. Keep a note of every call, email and letter, with dates. 4. Send the service anything new in writing, such as a nursery report or a big change in your child's needs. 5. If you can't get answers, ask your GP practice to chase it. ### Right to Choose (England) In England, [Right to Choose](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#right-to-choose) lets you ask for the assessment to be done by a different NHS-funded provider, which may have a shorter wait ([NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/assessments/)). From late 2025, at least nine NHS areas paused or restricted new Right to Choose referrals for autism and ADHD ([Special Needs Jungle](https://www.specialneedsjungle.com/adhd-autism-right-to-choose-pause-assessments-9-nhs-areas/)). The government said in May 2026 that the legal right is unchanged ([UK Parliament written answer](https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-05-13/902/)), but ask your GP whether it's available where you live. See our [Right to Choose guide](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/right-to-choose-autism-assessment). ### Private assessments Private assessments can be quicker but are costly. Standard published prices for a child's assessment, checked in September 2026, ranged from £1,900 ([Autism 360](https://www.asd-360.com/pricing/)) to £3,800 at the National Autistic Society's own service ([NAS](https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/diagnostic-service)). The [National Autistic Society](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/diagnosis/before-diagnosis/how-to-request-an-autism-assessment) says some families struggle to get a non-NHS diagnosis accepted by councils and NHS services, so check locally before you pay, and ask your GP whether your child can stay on the NHS list. See [what happens at an autism assessment](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/autism-assessment-for-children) for a provider checklist. ## When should I ask for an urgent review? Some changes should not wait for the autism assessment. See your GP promptly, and tell the autism service in writing, if your child: - loses words, social skills or movement skills they used to have ([NICE CG128](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg128/chapter/Recommendations)) - may be having seizures, such as staring spells, jerking movements or suddenly falling ([NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/epilepsy/)) - is hurting themselves, or getting injured often - is eating very few foods, losing weight or not growing as expected ([NICE CG170](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg170/chapter/Recommendations)) - snores loudly, chokes or seems to stop breathing when asleep - is excluded from nursery or school, or your family is reaching breaking point > **Get help now:** Call 999 if your child has a seizure for the first time or one lasting longer than 5 minutes, or if anyone's life is at risk. For urgent medical advice, call NHS 111. If your child loses skills, injures themselves or is losing weight, get medical advice promptly from your GP or 111. In Northern Ireland, where there is no NHS 111, call your GP or the [GP out of hours service](https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/gp-out-hours-service). ## How do I look after myself while we wait? Waiting is hard, and your wellbeing matters too. In England, you can ask your council for a [parent carer needs assessment](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#parent-carer-needs-assessment) of the support you need, and the council must carry one out if you ask ([Children Act 1989, section 17ZD](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/41/section/17ZD)). - Ask your council for its [short breaks](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#short-breaks) services statement. Councils in England must publish one, setting out the breaks available and who can get them ([Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/707/made)). - Talk to parents who understand. Contact's Listening Ear offers one-to-one phone appointments with advisers who are parents of disabled children themselves ([Contact](https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/listening-ear/)), and the National Autistic Society has a Parent to Parent emotional support service ([NAS](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/help-and-support)). - Carers UK has a helpline on 0808 808 7777 ([Carers UK](https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/helpline-and-other-support/)). - If you're struggling, talk to your GP. You can call Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time ([Samaritans](https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/)). If someone's life is at risk, call 999 or go to A&E ([NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/)). See [looking after yourself](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/looking-after-yourself) for more. ## Where can I find support near me? - **Your council's Local Offer.** Every council in England must publish information about local services for children with special educational needs or disabilities ([Children and Families Act 2014, section 30](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/section/30)). Search for your council's name and "[Local Offer](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#local-offer)". - **SENDIASS.** Your local [SENDIASS](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#sendiass) gives free advice on SEN support and EHC needs assessments. Find yours through the [Council for Disabled Children](https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/information-advice-and-support-services-network/find-your-local-ias-service/). - **Parent carer forums.** These are local groups of parents and carers of disabled children who work with councils and health services ([NNPCF](https://nnpcf.org.uk/)). - **Home visits for under-5s.** Some areas offer home visits, sometimes called Portage, for preschool children with special educational needs ([Scope](https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/find-support-services-before-child-diagnosed)). - **Helplines.** [Contact](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#contact) has a free helpline for families with disabled children on 0808 808 3555 ([Contact](https://contact.org.uk/about-contact/contact-us/)). [IPSEA](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#ipsea) gives free legal advice on special educational needs, and the [National Autistic Society](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#nas) has guides and a services directory. - **Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.** [Enquire](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#enquire) in Scotland, [SNAP Cymru](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#snap-cymru) in Wales and [Autism NI](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#autism-ni) in Northern Ireland give local advice. ## Where our app, Pebble, fits Pebble never asks about diagnosis, so you can start using its visual supports now, while you wait, and keep using them afterwards. My day shows Now and Next side by side and can print a matching picture strip for nursery, and All about me lets you tell other people how your child communicates. Paper pictures work just as well. Pebble by Rocks Make Pebbles is our free app for autistic children, used together with a grown-up. This guide is written to be useful without it. More: https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/pebble ## Questions parents ask ### What can I do while waiting for an autism assessment? Quite a lot, and none of it needs a diagnosis. Start visual supports and simple communication strategies at home, keep a diary of what you notice, and make a one-page profile of your child. Ask the nursery or school SENCO about SEN support. In England you can also request an EHC needs assessment. Check whether your child could get DLA, and look up your council's Local Offer and your local SENDIASS for advice. ### Can you claim DLA while waiting for an autism assessment? Yes. DLA for children depends on how much extra care or supervision your child needs compared with children of the same age, not on a diagnosis. Your child must be under 16, and the needs must have lasted at least 3 months and be expected to last at least 6 months. DLA can't be backdated, so it's worth phoning for a claim form early. In Scotland, apply for Child Disability Payment instead. ### Can I apply for an EHCP without a diagnosis? Yes, in England. You can ask your council for an EHC needs assessment yourself, and a diagnosis is not required. The law says the council must assess if your child has or may have special educational needs and may need support through a plan. Include evidence of your child's needs and of the support the nursery or school has already tried. The council must decide within 6 weeks whether to assess. ### How long is the wait for an autism assessment in the UK? It varies a lot by area. NHS figures, which leave out community paediatric teams, show 294,792 people of all ages in England had an open referral for an autism assessment in June 2026, and 86.8% had been waiting at least 13 weeks. In 2022 to 2023, the Children's Commissioner found that children waited on average 527 days from referral to diagnosis in mental health services and 791 days in community health services. Ask your local service for its current wait. ### Can nursery or school help before my child is diagnosed? Yes. In England, SEN support is based on your child's needs, not on a diagnosis. Talk to the SENCO about what you have noticed. The SEND Code of Practice says schools should take parents' concerns seriously, and if SEN support is agreed they must tell you formally. Ask for a written plan with the support, what it should achieve and a review date. ### Should we pay for a private autism assessment? That is your choice, and it depends on your circumstances. Standard published prices for a child's private assessment ranged from about £1,900 to £3,800 in September 2026. The National Autistic Society says some families struggle to get a non-NHS diagnosis accepted by councils and NHS services, so check locally first. Remember that you don't need a diagnosis for SEN support at nursery or school, or to claim DLA. ### Can I speed up my child's autism assessment? Sometimes. In England, Right to Choose lets you ask for an assessment by a different NHS-funded provider, which may have a shorter wait, although several areas paused or restricted new referrals from late 2025. You can also pay privately. Tell the autism service in writing if your child's needs change. If your child loses skills or has a possible seizure, get medical help promptly rather than waiting. ## Sources 1. [GP out of hours service](https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/gp-out-hours-service), nidirect, 26 November 2024 2. [Autism Statistics, July 2025 to June 2026](https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/autism-statistics/july-2025-to-june-2026), NHS England Digital, 13 August 2026 3. [Autism Statistics (series page)](https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/autism-statistics), NHS England Digital 4. [Waiting times for autism assessments in children's services](https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/?p=36183), Children's Commissioner for England, 18 October 2024 5. [Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: recognition, referral and diagnosis (CG128), recommendations](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg128/chapter/Recommendations), NICE, April 2025 6. [SPICe briefing: neurodevelopmental assessment and support for children in Scotland](https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/research-prepared-for-parliament/research-briefings/2025/6/24/sb-2525), Scottish Parliament Information Centre, 24 June 2025 7. [The growing demand for ADHD and autism assessments in Wales](https://research.senedd.wales/research-articles/the-growing-demand-for-adhd-and-autism-assessments-in-wales/), Senedd Research, 7 November 2024 8. [Autism in NI: are over 17,000 children on the waiting list for an assessment?](https://factcheckni.org/articles/autism-in-ni-are-over-17000-children-on-the-waiting-list-for-an-assessment/), FactCheckNI, 21 November 2025 9. [The myth of needing a diagnosis before you can get support](https://www.ipsea.org.uk/blog/the-myth-of-needing-a-diagnosis-before-you-can-get-support), IPSEA, 25 April 2025 10. [Support for a child without a diagnosis](https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/find-support-services-before-child-diagnosed), Scope, 15 July 2026 11. [Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: support and management (CG170), recommendations](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg170/chapter/Recommendations), NICE, 2021 12. [Evidence-based practices for children, youth and young adults with autism (NCAEP report)](https://ncaep.fpg.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/EBP-Report-2020.pdf), National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice, 2020 13. [Evidence-based practices for children, youth, and young adults with autism: third generation review (Hume and colleagues)](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04844-2), Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2021 14. [Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) position statement](https://www.rcslt.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/RCSLT-AAC_position-statement_May2024.pdf), Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, May 2024 15. [Waiting: the key to supporting your child's communication](https://www.hanen.org/information-tips/waiting-the-key-to-supporting-your-childs-communication), The Hanen Centre, May 2024 16. [Imitate to connect](https://www.hanen.org/information-tips/imitate-to-connect), The Hanen Centre, June 2023 17. [Parent-mediated communication-focused treatment in children with autism (PACT): a randomised controlled trial (Green and colleagues)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20494434/), The Lancet, 2010 18. [PACT-G randomised controlled trial of parent and school coaching (Green and colleagues)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35605069/), The Lancet Psychiatry, 2022 19. [Speech and language therapy referrals](https://www.cpft.nhs.uk/speech-and-language-therapy-referrals/), Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust 20. [Written question 11799: speech and language therapy waiting lists](https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-06-22/11799), UK Parliament, 1 July 2026 21. [Early Years Screen Time Advisory Group report](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69c53daf4a06660f085442a7/EYSTAG_report.pdf), Department for Education and Department of Health and Social Care, March 2026 22. [Systematic review of parent-delivered behavioural sleep interventions for autistic children and children with intellectual disability (Kirkpatrick and colleagues)](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/30529483), Sleep Medicine, 2019 23. [National Sleep Helpline](https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/national-sleep-helpline/), The Sleep Charity 24. [Tips on completing the DLA form](https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/benefits-financial-help/disability-living-allowance/tips-on-completing-the-dla-form/), Contact 25. [My Health Passport](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/physical-health/my-health-passport), National Autistic Society 26. [SEND code of practice: 0 to 25 years](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7dcb85ed915d2ac884d995/SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf), Department for Education and Department of Health, January 2015 27. [Early years entitlements: local authority funding operational guide 2026 to 2027](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-funding-2026-to-2027/early-years-entitlements-local-authority-funding-operational-guide-2026-to-2027), Department for Education, 2026 28. [Children and Families Act 2014, section 36: assessment of education, health and care needs](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/section/36), legislation.gov.uk 29. [Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014, regulation 5](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1530/regulation/5), legislation.gov.uk 30. [Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014, regulation 13](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1530/regulation/13), legislation.gov.uk 31. [Education, health and care plans, reporting year 2026](https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/education-health-and-care-plans), Department for Education, 25 June 2026 32. [Our helplines and services](https://www.ipsea.org.uk/Pages/Category/service-overview/), IPSEA 33. [Schools white paper: what parents need to know about changes to the SEND system](https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2026/05/schools-white-paper-what-parents-need-to-know-about-changes-to-the-send-system/), Department for Education, 13 May 2026 34. [Additional learning needs (ALN): guidance for parents and carers](https://www.gov.wales/additional-learning-needs-guidance-parents-and-carers), Welsh Government, 19 November 2025 35. [New SEN framework](https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/new-sen-framework), Department of Education (Northern Ireland) 36. [Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children](https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/benefits-financial-help/disability-living-allowance/), Contact 37. [Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children: eligibility](https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/eligibility), GOV.UK 38. [Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children: what you'll get](https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/rates), GOV.UK 39. [Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children: how to claim](https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/how-to-claim), GOV.UK 40. [Carer's Allowance: eligibility](https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/eligibility), GOV.UK 41. [15 hours free childcare for 2 year olds](https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-2-year-olds-extra-support), GOV.UK 42. [Child Disability Payment](https://www.mygov.scot/child-disability-payment), mygov.scot 43. [Carer Support Payment](https://www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment), mygov.scot 44. [A national framework to deliver improved outcomes in all-age autism assessment pathways](https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/a-national-framework-to-deliver-improved-outcomes-in-all-age-autism-assessment-pathways-guidance-for-integrated-care-boards/), NHS England, April 2023 45. [Written question 902: autism and ADHD assessments](https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-05-13/902/), UK Parliament, 22 May 2026 46. [Autism assessments](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/assessments/), NHS, 6 May 2026 47. [ADHD and autism Right to Choose referrals paused in at least nine NHS areas](https://www.specialneedsjungle.com/adhd-autism-right-to-choose-pause-assessments-9-nhs-areas/), Special Needs Jungle, 6 January 2026 48. [Pricing](https://www.asd-360.com/pricing/), Autism 360, 10 September 2026 49. [Diagnostic and Assessment Service](https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/diagnostic-service), National Autistic Society 50. [How to request an autism assessment](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/diagnosis/before-diagnosis/how-to-request-an-autism-assessment), National Autistic Society 51. [Epilepsy](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/epilepsy/), NHS 52. [Children Act 1989, section 17ZD: parent carers' needs assessments](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/41/section/17ZD), legislation.gov.uk 53. [The Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/707/made), legislation.gov.uk 54. [Listening Ear](https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/listening-ear/), Contact 55. [Help and support](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/help-and-support), National Autistic Society 56. [Helpline and other support](https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/helpline-and-other-support/), Carers UK 57. [Contact a Samaritan](https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/), Samaritans 58. [Where to get urgent help for mental health](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/), NHS 59. [Children and Families Act 2014, section 30: local offer](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/section/30), legislation.gov.uk 60. [Find your local IAS service](https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/information-advice-and-support-services-network/find-your-local-ias-service/), Council for Disabled Children 61. [National Network of Parent Carer Forums](https://nnpcf.org.uk/), NNPCF 62. [Contact us](https://contact.org.uk/about-contact/contact-us/), Contact --- General information for families in the UK, not medical, legal or financial advice. If you are worried about your child's health, contact your GP or call NHS 111 (in Northern Ireland, your GP out of hours service). In an emergency, call 999.