Children who have been assessed and a diagnosis of Autism has been confirmed, should be issued with an Education, Health and Care Plan by their local Authority and may be offered or be able to access additional support in school – in some circumstances they may be offered a place in a Special Educational Needs School specialising in Autism Spectrum Conditions as a direct outcome of the assessment results.

The SEN and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice 2015 requires Local Authorities to consider “whether there is evidence that despite the early years provider, school or post-16 institution having taken relevant and purposeful action to identify, assess and meet the special educational needs of the child or young person, the child or young person has not made expected progress”. The Local Authority must take into account the education, health and care needs of the child or young person, as well as the views, wishes and feelings of the parent. They are required to issue an Educational, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) for each child with an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis, this plan must include additional supportive measures at school or at home, in accordance with the child’s specific needs. 

Families also report that by having a better understanding of their child’s behaviour and an understanding and appreciation of how their child sees and experiences the world around them, they themselves are able to find helpful strategies to manage and alleviate the difficulties their child may be experiencing and different ways to engage and communicate with them.

For adults in the event a diagnosis is confirmed, the outcome is one of relief, they talk about finally understanding why they may have experienced difficulties in their lives – difficulties with communication or social interaction, holding down a job or making and sustaining relationships with others. A huge burden is lifted. Recommendations provided with the assessment report will help the person to access practical, emotional and financial support measures to help them understand their condition manage the demands of day to day life and help them flourish – support at home, or in their work place

The benefits are the same if the end result of the assessment is that Autism is not diagnosed. The knowledge of this can result in different options being explored.