Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) has now replaced the term Austic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 

Read this guide to local and national resources and visit our video resources and sensory resources.

Guide to diagnosis

Diagnosis of ASC comes after a multidisciplinary assessment -  a referral for assessment can be made by any health professional currently involved in your child's care.  Read our guides to the assessment process, often called the 'pathway':

• pathway for ASC diagnosis in school age children
• pathway for ASC diagnosis in school age children

If you are concerned about possible autism in young person over the age of 16, please see your GP who can discuss this with you and make a referral if appropriate

Newly diagnosed with autism

People react to a diagnosis of autism in different ways.

For some, it's a relief to find out why they or their child think, feel and act the way they do. For others, it can be a shock.

Try to give yourself time to come to terms with the diagnosis.

Remember:

• help and support is available
• even if things are hard now, they can get better
• you or your child are still the same person as before
• autism is not an illness or disease with treatments or a "cure"
• autistic people have things they're good at as well as things they need help with

The NHS have provided some information on where to get support following an autism diagnosis that you may find useful.

Parent and carer programmes:

Milton Keynes has a range of programmes and workshops available which can be found on our Parent programme. 

• Hanen  "More than words" course - a course for parents, carers and professionals working with of children up to the age of five run by the Speech and Language Therapy service
  
  Call 01908 725299 for more information
• training for professionals
• PEERS training materials - explaining friendships to adolescents

To find out more about our parent and carer programmes, email sendsupport@milton-keynes.gov.uk

TEACCH

• lecture 1 - characteristics of autism
• lecture 2 - overview of structure 
• lecture 3 - communication
• lecture 4 - overview of visual structures
• lecture 5 - assessment
• lecture 6 - structured play and leisure
• lecture 7 - behaviour
• lecture 8 - independence
• lecture 9 - partnership
• lecture 10 - implementing TEACCH 

Information and resources can also be found on the NHS.

Other resources

• music and movement - guidance for schools
• weighted items