nidirect — getting an autism assessment and diagnosis
Northern Ireland public information on autism referral through local Health and Social Care Trust services, assessment, waiting and private-assessment checks.
Scope for navigation
Northern Ireland Practical guide
The reviewed scope specifically identifies Northern Ireland.
What it is for
Use as the national Northern Ireland-facing starting route for adult or child autism assessment and local Trust navigation.
Who or what context
Adults, children and young people, families and supporters in Northern Ireland.
Access
Related topics
Questions that lead here
- How do I seek an autism assessment for a child or young person in Northern Ireland?
- How do I start looking into an adult autism assessment in Northern Ireland?
- What can I do if an autism or ADHD referral is refused, or I disagree with an assessment outcome in the UK?
- What happens after an autism or ADHD assessment in the UK?
- What should I check before paying for a private autism or ADHD assessment in the UK?
- What support can I look for while waiting for an autism or ADHD assessment in the UK?
Limitations and possible poor fit
- Operational assessment pathways and waits vary between HSC Trusts and age groups.
- People considering private assessment are advised to check whether their Trust has accepted the provider's reports and what follow-up is available; this is not a guarantee of acceptance.
- The page cannot establish whether a particular person is autistic.
Cost and access notes
- Publicly accessible online; HSC assessment access depends on local Trust pathways. Private assessment has separate costs.
Ownership and conflicts
- nidirect is the Northern Ireland government public-information service; ND Oracle records the official route without assuming local availability or outcome.
Evidence status
This listing makes no efficacy or safety claim. It records what the resource is, what it is for, how to reach it and what limitations are already known.
Page provenance and review state
Current nidirect autism assessment page checked on 2026-09-03 for referral, Trust variation, waiting and private-assessment wording. Listing is descriptive and claimless.