Adult Autism Triage Diagnostic Service

This service accepts and completes the clinical triage of all new adult Autism diagnostic referrals from 1 April 2025.

The team will gather additional information from the patient to support the clinical triage and will inform the patient and the referrer of the outcome.

The service offers support to patients to complete the pre-assessment paperwork associated with this referral if the patient does not have others to help them.

If clinical triage criteria is met, the team will transfer the referral directly on to the named Right to Choose provider.

If clinical triage criteria is not met, the team will transfer the referral back to the GP.

A map of the patient journey helps to understand each step of the referral and decision-making process.

Patient journey

Patient journey for referral process

The patient will complete an Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ50) questionnaire.
The patient visits their GP and shares the completed AQ50 questionnaire.
The GP decides a referral is required (as symptoms are not explained by other psychiatric diagnoses).
The GP completes an Autism diagnostic assessment referral form and submits this along with the AQ50, details of the chosen Autism assessment NHS Right to Choose provider, for clinical triage to KCHFT.
KCHFT will review and begin the triage process. This involves a check of the referral form and the AQ50.
1. Possibly go to No10.
KCHFT will send the patient three pre-assessment questionnaires to complete and return. These will be sent by email unless the patient has advised this is not their preferred method of communication as identified on the referral form. Guidance and a two week timeframe will be given, with the offer of support to complete these if the patient does not have others to help them.
The patient returns the questionnaires to KCHFT.
KCHFT will complete clinical triage of all referral paperwork and questionnaires.
1. Possibly go to No10.
If clinical triage indicates an Autism assessment is required. KCHFT will forward the request, along with all clinical information to the chosen Right to Choose provider for an assessment to be offered. The GP and the patient will be informed of the decision. KCHFT will discharge the patient from their pathway and all further communication takes place between the patient, GP and chosen provider.
If the referral does not indicate the need for additional triage and or a diagnostic assessment the referrer and patient will be informed.

The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ50) questionnaire

All patients must complete the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ50) questionnaire which they complete and take to their GP before a referral for an Autism diagnostic assessment can be considered by their GP.

AQ50

The AQ50, Autism-Spectrum Quotient Test (abbreviated AQ) is a diagnostic questionnaire designed to measure the expression of Autism-Spectrum traits in an individual, by his or her own subjective self-assessment.

Make a referral

You can complete the Adult Neurodevelopmental Autism Diagnostic Triage Service form.

Sections within this form marked* are mandatory.

If you are unable to complete an online form and do not have alternative means to make the referral, please email kentchft.adultautismtriage@nhs.net.

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