Due to Covid-19 and following advice from NHS Wales and the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, the Integrated Autism Service has made temporary changes to the service.
Individual support
We are continuing to provide individual support to existing and new clients and are still accepting referrals. Support is currently being provided over telephone calls, emails, and video calls, depending on the person’s preference. We are seeing a limited number of people face-to-face based on need.
Group support
We now provide a virtual Post Diagnostic Group. Other groups previously offered are being reviewed.
Diagnostic Assessments
We are still accepting referrals for an autism diagnostic assessment, but please read the information on this site about diagnostic assessments and consider whether a referral is warranted. We are now completing face-to-face diagnostic assessments but regularly review this situation.
Please note that our current waiting list for diagnostic assessments has now increased to over 20 months (May 2022) and this may continue to increase. We are very sorry about this lengthy wait; we recognise that it is disappointing and frustrating. Please note that the IAS may not be able to respond to queries about when you can expect to be seen.
If you need any support while you are waiting, for example, support with anxiety or low mood, then please speak to your GP so that you can be referred to the appropriate service.
Resources
You will find a list of useful resources relating to Covid-19 on the Autism Wales website. Home - Awtistiaeth Cymru | Autism Wales | National Autism Team
If you are looking for specific information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Contact us
We continue to respond to telephone calls and emails between 9.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Thursday; 9.30am to 4pm Friday.
We are currently using a temporary mobile number. To speak to the Integrated Autism Service please call 07970 647820 or 02921 824240 or you can contact us by email at cav.ias@wales.nhs.uk.
Process Information
There is more than 20 month wait at the current time (May 2022). However, due to significant demand on assessments the waiting times are increasing so the wait may be longer than this.
Prior to the assessment , two pre-assessment questionnaires will be sent out to be completed by the person being assessed and by someone who knows them well.
The assessment includes 1-2 appointments with two Clinicians. The full assessment may take up to 5 hours.
Many people referred for assessment do not meet the diagnostic criteria despite presenting with traits/behaviours that overlap with autism. We recognise that it can be very disappointing for some people when they do not receive a diagnosis.