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The service is an Autism specific, non-urgent, service which, due to high demand, operates with a significant waiting list.
The service offers:
• specialist assessment and diagnosis of Autism
• post-diagnostic support for those newly diagnosed in the service
• signposting to community services
- Service Type: Specialist Services
- Service Contact: AutismAdultsMertonSutton@swlstg.nhs.uk
- Service Category: Community
- Disabled access: Yes
- Address: Jubilee Health Centre East, 6 Stanley Park Road, Wallington, SM6 0EX
- Reception hours: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
- Reception phone number: 020 3513 5000
About our care
Autism assessments are completed by highly specialist psychologists. The assessment process consists of clinical interview and standardised assessment tools for Autism (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R) in line with NICE guidelines. Assessments are typically completed over one day, with a follow-up appointment to discuss outcomes.
Post diagnostic support
People diagnosed with autism following assessment, will be offered to join our 8-week post-diagnostic group for people newly diagnosed adults in the borough. The group is delivered by a team member and our autistic peer support worker. The group covers a multitude of topics including understanding autism, wellbeing, relationships and employment. People have used the group to explore the impact of receiving the diagnosis of autism and the strengths and challenges experienced day-to-day. It can also be a space to ask any questions that may have arisen since diagnosis. We can discuss and barriers a person may experience in accessing the group at the assessment outcome appointment.
For those who do not receive an autism diagnosis, we will discuss alternatives and possible next steps, including recommending and signposting you to relevant services, e.g. for mental health support and/or assessment with other neurodevelopmental services.
Who is this service for?
This service is for people aged 18 + who are registered with a GP in the London Boroughs of Merton or Sutton.
Referrals and access
We accept referrals from:
- Primary Care – GPs referrals are accepted via the NHS e-Referral (e-RS) system to the Merton or Sutton SPA
- Mental health teams within the Trust.
If you are a healthcare professional outside of the Trust, you can contact the service for advice and guidance on the referral process.
The service does not accept self-referrals directly from individuals or families.
Patient information
AUTISM ASSESSMENT WAITING LIST INFORMATION:
Following a clinical review of your referral you will receive a letter from the team advising you whether you have been accepted on to the waiting list for the Autism Assessment Service.
People who are currently being offered their first appointment with the service have waited over two years (last updated July 2024).
In recent years, across the UK, there has been an increase in demand for autism services. This is in part because people are becoming better at recognising the signs of autism and understandably want to seek an assessment. However, with more people accessing services, the waiting list for services has grown.
The waiting times for ADHD services are impacted by various factors. We are unable to provide a precise time when people on the waiting list will be offered an appointment. We are aware how difficult such a long wait is for individuals.
You will be contacted by the service when we are able to offer you an appointment.
If you would like confirmation that you are on the waiting list for the Autism Assessment service, you can contact the team address provided and we will respond to this enquiry.
