Autism
Sometimes referred to as autistic spectrum condition, autism is a lifelong, developmental condition that affects how a person relates to and communicates with other people, and the way in which they experience the world around them.
Where can I get help with diagnosis?
A diagnosis is the formal identification of autism by a health professional, such as a paediatrician or psychiatrist.
If you think you or your child may be on the autistic spectrum, follow these steps.
- Make a list of the reasons why you think you or your child may be autistic.
- If you think your child might be autistic, talk to your child's school, ask for their views and if they have information that might also indicate your child has autism.
- Make an appointment to discuss your thoughts and the information with your GP.
If your GP agrees, they will make a referral to the child development centre and/or relevant health professionals.
What support can I get now?
Whether you are awaiting a diagnosis or have received a diagnosis, there's lots of support available for families.
Autism Support (ASD) pathway
Although the full assessment process for autism can take up to 24 months, there’s plenty of support, activities, and resources available for you and your child during this time. You don’t have to wait for a diagnosis to start getting help - many services, charities and support groups are happy to help families even without a formal diagnosis. We call this the ‘Autism Support Pathway’.
Schools and pre-schools can also provide support before a diagnosis is confirmed, so it’s always a good idea to speak with them about how they can help your child.
Further support for parents and carers of children with autism
If you're a parent or carer, there are lots of resources, information and support around autism, which you can access.
Programmes and workshops
- Parents and carers of children aged 0–5 are encouraged to attend the “What do I do now?” Workshop. This session provides strategies and practical advice for families awaiting an appointment at the CDC Child Development Centre, focusing on social communication needs and/or autism. It also offers the chance to connect with other parents and learn about local services. To book an online or in-person workshop, call 01895 559860 or email srcc@hillingdon.gov.uk.
- Additional workshops are also available both online and in person from your local Best Start family hub or children’s centre.
- Early Bird Programme (for parents/carers of 2 to 6-year-olds) is a 6-week course that helps you understand autism, improve communication, and better support your child’s behaviour.
- Triple P Stepping Stones (for parents/carers 5 to 11-year-olds) is a 8-week course to support parents with positive parenting strategies, set meaningful goals, and discover ways to encourage your child’s independence and development.
- Cygnet Programme (for parents/carers of 5 to 18-year-olds) is a 6-week course to support autism understanding, sensory needs, social skills, and positive behaviour support. Look for adverts at your child’s school if interested.
- The Centre for ADHD and Autism Support (CAAS) provides monthly topic-based workshops and a range of parenting programmes, both in-person (held at their centre in Eastcote) and online, designed to support families of children with ADHD and autism. These also include online ‘Understanding the Diagnosis’.
- Hillingdon Autistic Care and Support (HACS) provides a range of workshops and a six-week course for parents/carers of children 5yrs+ called 'Autism Explained: A Parent’s Guide', covers key areas including understanding autism, communication, sensory needs, behaviour management, school and EHCPs, and accessing further support.
- Parent/carer support drop-ins are also run by Arts for Life, Centre for ADHD and Autism Support (CAAS), Hillingdon Autistic Care and Support (HACS), Best Start Family Hubs and Children’s Centres and the Parent Carers Forum.
Guidance and resources for parents
- SEND: guide for parents and carers - a guide on the support system for children and young people with special educational needs and disability (SEND).
- How to help your autistic child with day-to-day life - NHS
- Awareness of myths, scams and treatments that are NOT recommended
- NICE Guidance: Autism spectrum disorder in under-19s: support and management
Groups and organisations
While you are waiting for a diagnosis, you can also find information on benefits / entitlements, workshops and training, support available to you and your family through our Care and Support Directory.
- 0-19 Service (Health Visiting and School Nursing)
- Arts For Life Project (UK)
- Centre for ADHD and Autism Support (CAAS)
- Children’s Integrated Therapy (CITS)
- Contact (previously known as Contact a Family)
- Early years settings - if you have concerns about your child's progress at nursery or with a childminder, speak directly with them first. They may put an individual support plan in place.
- Hillingdon Care and Support (HACS)
- Hillingdon Youth Offer
- Home Start
- Family hubs and children’s centres
- Kooth
- Parents Carers' Forum
- SENDIASS
- Under-5s service
Visit our Care and Support Directory
What local activities are there for people with autism?
In Hillingdon, there are various activities that are specifically designed for people with autism. Many of these activities are listed on our Care and Support Directory.
Search for activities for children and young people with autism