Autism Spectrum Assessment Service

Request for help from the Autism Spectrum Assessment Service

Who is the service for?

Any child / young person aged up to their 18^th birthday, who presents with signs and symptoms that may be indicative of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Young people who are 17 years 6 months should be referred to Devon Adult Autism and ADHD Service (DAANA).

Please see https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/our-services/adult-autism-and-adhd/accessing-our-service.

Signs and symptoms of ASD might include:

For younger children:-

• Not responding to their name
• Avoiding eye contact
• Not smiling when you smile at them
• Getting very upset if they do not like a certain taste, smell or sound
• Repetitive movements, such as flapping their hands, flicking their fingers or rocking their body
• Not talking as much as other children
• Repeating the same phrases

For older children:-

• Not seeming to understand what others are thinking or feeling
• Finding it hard to say how they feel
• Liking a strict daily routine and getting very upset if it changes
• Having a very keen interest in certain subjects or activities
• Getting very upset if you ask them to do something
• Finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on their own
• Taking things very literally – for example, they may not understand phrases like ‘break a leg’

Autism in girls and boys:-

Autism can present in many different ways. Some children are more aloof than others, and some are more active or passive. It can sometimes present differently in boys and girls.

Passive autistic children (these can be boys or girls but are more often girls) may be quieter, may hide their feelings and try hard to please, and may appear to cope better with social situations. This means that autism can be harder to identify in passive children.