Service detail

The CLASS clinic accepts referrals for individuals (aged 18 and over) who are registered with a GP in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Region (currently Royston and Oundle GP referrals are not accepted).

Referrals must come from a GP and have had an initial assessment by the Primary Care Mental Health Service. Referrals can also be made by mental health services in CPFT.

If you think that you may have an Autistic Spectrum Condition, it is important that you meet with your GP to discuss your concerns. Your GP will refer you to the Primary Care Mental Health Service and they will complete an initial assessment with you. This information is used to make a referral to the CLASS clinic.

We understand that making appointments and visiting the GP can be difficult for some people. For additional support around vising your GP, please see this guide for adults who think they might be autistic.   

Waiting for an assessment

After you have been referred to the Service you will receive a letter informing you that CLASS has received your referral. In addition, you will receive a pack of questionnaires which will include:

• Some questionnaires to be completed by you about your personal details and a range of signs and behaviours associated with autism
• CLASS consent form (to be completed by you)
• Relatives Questionnaire (to be completed by a relative who can provide relevant developmental information)

This information, together with your referral, helps us to decide whether an autism assessment is appropriate. Please complete and send all the questionnaires back to CLASS within 4 weeks (20 working days).

If a full assessment is appropriate you will be informed that your name has been placed on a waiting list. The clinic will get in touch with you approximately every 6 months while you are waiting, to ensure that your contact details and circumstances are updated. You will be contacted again when an assessment slot is available.

While you are waiting for an assessment you may find this information helpful https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/pre-diagnosis/adults

When your name is near the top of the waiting list, we will send you a letter to tell you that you will be offered an assessment within the next three months. Someone from the CLASS clinic will then contact you to offer you a firm date.

Some assessments are being carried out remotely via video. The NHS uses an online service called Attend Anywhere. You will need a laptop, tablet or desktop computer with Google Chrome or Safari and a good wifi connection to use this.

You may also be offered a face-to-face appointment in the clinic at either Cambridge or Peterborough.

There are pros and cons to both online and face-to-face assessments and we will talk to you about which is most appropriate for you. There is no difference in waiting times for either type of assessment and decisions are made based on your personal circumstances and the clinical information provided.  

There may be two or three appointments offered in order to complete the assessment. The clinician may also request your consent to talk to a parent, older relative or other informant who can provide information that will help in the process.

Following the assessment, you will receive a copy of your report and the clinician will discuss with you who else might need a copy e.g. your GP. There will also be a chance to discuss recommendations from the assessment and how to access support if a diagnosis of ASD is given.

The assessment process

When your name is near the top of the waiting list, we will send you a letter to tell you that you will be offered an assessment within the next three months. Someone from the CLASS clinic will then contact you to offer you a firm date.

Some assessments are being carried out remotely via video. The NHS uses an online service called Attend Anywhere. You will need a laptop, tablet or desktop computer with Google Chrome or Safari and a good wifi connection to use this.

You may also be offered a face-to-face appointment in the clinic at either Cambridge or Peterborough.

There are pros and cons to both online and face-to-face assessments and we will talk to you about which is most appropriate for you. There is no difference in waiting times for either type of assessment and decisions are made based on your personal circumstances and the clinical information provided.  

There may be two or three appointments offered in order to complete the assessment. The clinician may also request your consent to talk to a parent, older relative or other informant who can provide information that will help in the process.

Following the assessment, you will receive a copy of your report and the clinician will discuss with you who else might need a copy e.g. your GP. There will also be a chance to discuss recommendations from the assessment and how to access support if a diagnosis of ASD is given.