What is autism?
Autism (sometimes referred to as autistic spectrum condition - ASC) is a developmental condition that affects the way people communicate, behave, or interact with others. Some autistic people may have very noticeable characteristics, and others may not. The common thread is differences in social skills, communication, and behaviour, compared with people who are not autistic.
Autistic people process information differently. Processing sensory information can be difficult. Any of their senses can be over- or under-sensitive, or both, at different times. Find out what it’s like to be autistic.
How is autism diagnosed?
Getting an autism diagnosis requires a detailed assessment and involves a team of professionals. This is known as a diagnostic assessment. There are guidelines for professionals to follow when they are carrying out a diagnostic assessment.
It is important to note that there are long waiting lists for assessments. Often people who are displaying signs of autism can access some support whilst they are waiting for an assessment.
Information on the support available
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The North Wales Integrated Autism Service offers adult diagnostic assessments to people aged 18 and over who are not already being supported by learning disability or mental health teams. People can refer themselves for a diagnostic assessment using a referral form on their web page.
The Integrated Autism Service supports people to understand their diagnosis of autism and can provide resources, advice and support to autistic people and their families. The team runs regular Understanding Autism courses for people recently diagnosed as autistic.
Although this is an adult diagnostic service, the team also offers resources and support to parent carers of autistic children and adults.
Think about whether or how an autism diagnosis might affect you. For some autistic people, their diagnosis has helped them to understand themselves better. Sometimes people can feel that the diagnosis has an impact on their sense of identity.
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Children’s diagnostic assessments are usually the responsibility of the North Wales NHS Neurodevelopmental Service. The school or a GP can refer a school-aged child showing signs of autism to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). CAMHS screen the referral, and where appropriate, will forward on to the neurodevelopmental team for a referral decision. Children under 5 years of age can be referred to a local Community Paediatrician by their school or a Health professional. Speak to them about your concerns and how your child can be referred.
There is usually a long waiting list for assessments. Often children and their families can access advice and support from other local organisations and groups in the meantime.
Think about whether or how an autism diagnosis might affect the child you are responsible for. A diagnosis of autism can help some children and their families to understand them better. Sometimes a diagnosis can have an impact on a child’s sense of identity.
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The National (Autism) Neurodivergence Team provides information, support and guidance to autistic people, families and carers. They also produce autism-specific resources and advice sheets for autistic people, their families and carers.
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The National Neurodivergence Team has developed two online training modules. Anyone can access this training
- The ‘understanding autism’ module provides a basic level understanding of autism and the ways in which it can affect the daily lives of autistic people. It includes advice on things people can do to be more understanding of autism.
- The ‘understanding effective communication and autism’ module aims to improve understanding of communication differences, how best to communicate, and to increase awareness of the impact that environmental factors can have on autistic people's communication.
Some people prefer face-to-face training. Local organisations sometimes arrange autism-specific face-to-face training. This is usually advertised on their social media.
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Sometimes autistic people want support that is tailored to their needs. There are activities and local organisations providing support to autistic people. Often people can access support whilst they are waiting for a diagnostic assessment. Below is a list of some local organisations who support autistic people and their families
- NAS - The Conwy and Denbighshire branch of the National Autistic Society provides information and support for autistic people, their families and carers. They run social groups and events. They collate a directory of local support, which lists the different activities and organisations. To request a copy, please email denbighshireconwy.branch@nas.org.uk.
- Autistic UK are an autism-led organisation, based in Llandudno. They offer peer support, consultancy, training and a range of other services.
- Stand is a parent-led organisation that supports families and adults with additional needs and disabilities. STAND offers a range of training, parent support groups, and activities within the community for all ages. STAND has members of the team who are trainers for the National Autistic Society.
- Conwy Connect CC4LD are a member led organisation across North Wales. In addition to organising activities for all ages, they have Transition, Health, Engagement and Self-advocacy projects.
- Community and Voluntary Support Conwy support and promote voluntary and community groups and activities.
- The North Wales Integrated Autism Service offers information and support. They also run regular drop-in sessions across the county. Visit their Facebook page to find out what's going on in your area.
- Conwy Family Centres provide support for families through groups and activities across Conwy. Visit their page to find out what's going on in your area.
In addition, Conwy and Denbighshire Councils fund a range of autism-specific projects each year. Information about this year’s projects is available from jeni.andrews1@conwy.gov.uk.
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Sometimes people need care and support from Social Services. It is impossible for everyone to know about all the services available to support people’s health and well-being. The Single Point of Access (SPoA) team can provide information, advice and assistance about the services available. SPoA can help you to understand how the care and support system works and how to request an assessment of your care and support needs.
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Sometimes people need care and support from Social Services. Conwy can provide support to families and work to ensure that we meet the needs of children in a coordinated manner. There are a number of different teams, depending on individual circumstances. Visit the Children and Families web pages.
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People have the right to an assessment of their needs, where it appears that they have a need for care and support.
A needs assessment is a conversation between you and/or your family and a Social Care Officer, to help work out how best to meet your care and support needs. In Conwy, the Disability teams who support people under the age of 25 and people aged 25 years and over are usually responsible for carrying out needs assessments with autistic people and their families.
You can contact the Single Point of Access team if you or the person you care for don’t have a Social Worker or Social Care Officer.
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There is help for families with understanding and responding to distressed behaviour at home. The Local Integrated Family Team (LIFT) is a multi-agency team. Professionals can make a referral to the LIFT team online or by completing a referral using the LIFT referral form.
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Finding and keeping a job can sometimes be more difficult for autistic people. The Conwy Employment Hub helps people to find employment, work experience and volunteering roles.
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Welsh Government set out guidance and duties for councils. These have an impact on local support services.