Adult autism assessments not 'neurodivergent friendly'

Freddy Morris said more help with the assessment process would be welcome.

A woman in Guernsey seeking an autism diagnosis has described the process as "disheartening".

Freddy Morris has wanted to get a diagnosis for the past two years but has yet to go complete all the assessment steps.

She said: "It's a system made by neurotypicals, for neurotypical people, and they've made it for what they think neurodivergent people want."

Adult and Community Services, which comes under Health and Social Care, said recent NHS England guidance was employed as part of the process for local assessments of autism.

Mrs Morris said the process so far had not been very neurodivergent friendly, particularly a questionnaire.

She said: "That in itself for many neurodivergent people, specifically autistic people, is very difficult to do, unless you have support around you [to help fill it out]".

A spokesperson from the service said staff utilised "questionnaires and assessments, alongside referral information, direct observation and, where possible, information from someone who knows the person well, usually from childhood".

Not 'enough support'

Mrs Morris also described long wait times as "off-putting".

In 2023, waiting lists for assessments were between six and 12 months.

She said: "Knowing that I could go through all the process and, at the end of it, they say I don't have [autism]... and it could all be for nothing, is really not pleasant".

Ongoing support was also a concern for Mrs Morris, as she said she did not feel "there's enough support for autistic people from the States".

Adult and Community Services said "post-diagnosis support is a priority area that is being worked on".

The service added that it was "happy to take feedback at any time" about the assessment process.

Staff said this could be done via the team's survey, which is offered following assessment; through the HSC We Are Listening form, or via the States' Customer Care Team, which could be emailed at [e-mail].