What Support Can I Access After a Private Autism Diagnosis?
Getting an autism diagnosis as an adult can bring a sense of relief and clarity. It can also raise a new question: what happens now?
In brief
- Share your report with your GP, so your diagnosis is added to your medical record.
- You can ask for reasonable adjustments at work, in healthcare and in education.
- Local councils, charities and autistic-led communities offer support, often without needing an NHS diagnosis.
- NHS post-diagnosis support varies by area, and some services may want to review a private diagnosis first.
- There's no medication for autism itself, so medication shared care usually doesn't apply.
There's no single support pathway after a private diagnosis, and what's available can vary depending on where you live. But there are many types of support you can access, at work, through your GP, in your community and beyond. Many of them are based on your needs, rather than on how you were diagnosed.
Your GP
Your GP is a good place to start. Share your full assessment report, and ask for your diagnosis to be added to your medical record.
Having autism on your record can help health professionals understand your needs. You can also ask for reasonable adjustments in healthcare, such as:
- longer appointments, or the first or last appointment of the day
- a quieter place to wait
- information in writing, rather than only by phone
- booking appointments by email or online
- warning before physical examinations, and clear explanations
In England, you can ask your GP practice to record your reasonable adjustments, so they're shared with other NHS services.
Your GP can also talk to you about any other support you might need, such as help with anxiety, low mood or sleep, which are common in autistic adults.
Post-diagnosis support
NICE guidelines recommend that adults are offered support after an autism diagnosis. This might include information about autism, help understanding your diagnosis, or advice on where to find support.
What's available varies a lot between areas. Some NHS adult autism services offer:
- information sessions or courses after diagnosis
- one-to-one follow-up appointments
- peer support groups
- signposting to local services
Some areas offer these to anyone with a diagnosis, whether NHS or private. Others only offer them after an NHS diagnosis, or after reviewing a private one. Ask your GP or local autism service what's available near you.
Many private providers also offer some post-diagnosis support, such as a follow-up appointment, resources or a webinar. It's worth checking what's included before you book.
Support at work
Under the Equality Act 2010, autism is often recognised as a disability. This means your employer must make reasonable adjustments if you're at a disadvantage at work because of your autism. Your diagnosis doesn't need to be from the NHS.
Reasonable adjustments might include:
- a quieter workspace, or noise-cancelling headphones
- flexible hours, or working from home
- clear, written instructions and agendas before meetings
- regular check-ins with your manager
- advance notice of changes
- adjustments to interviews or appraisals
You don't have to tell your employer about your diagnosis. It's your choice. But sharing it can make it easier to get the adjustments you need.
Access to Work is a government scheme in England, Scotland and Wales that can fund extra support at work, such as coaching, assistive technology or a support worker. You don't need a formal diagnosis to apply, but a report can help. Northern Ireland has a similar scheme.
Support in education
If you're at college or university, your diagnosis can help you access support, such as:
- reasonable adjustments to teaching and exams
- extra time or a separate room for exams
- specialist study skills support or mentoring
- Disabled Students' Allowance, for students in higher education
Contact your college or university's disability or student support team to find out more.
Community and social care
You may be able to get support from your local council. Anyone can ask for a care needs assessment, which looks at how you manage day-to-day life. It's based on your needs, not on a diagnosis.
Support might include help with daily living, managing money, getting out and about, or connecting with others.
Other community support includes:
- autism charities, such as the National Autistic Society, which offer information, helplines and local branches
- local autism hubs or centres, where available
- autistic-led groups and online communities, where you can connect with others who share similar experiences
- carers' support, if a family member helps support you
Many autistic adults say connecting with other autistic people is one of the most helpful things after a diagnosis.
Mental health support
Autistic adults are more likely to experience anxiety, depression and burnout. If you're struggling, you can:
- speak to your GP
- refer yourself to NHS talking therapies in England, or ask your GP about similar services elsewhere in the UK
- ask for therapy to be adapted to your needs, for example with clearer structure, written summaries or a different pace
Your diagnosis can help therapists understand how to support you best.
Financial support
Some autistic adults may be eligible for benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Adult Disability Payment in Scotland. These are based on how your condition affects your daily life, not on the diagnosis alone. Your assessment report can be useful supporting evidence.
What about medication and shared care?
There's no medication for autism itself, so medication shared care agreements usually don't apply after an autism diagnosis.
However, some autistic adults also have conditions that may be treated with medication, such as ADHD, anxiety or depression. In these cases, the usual rules for those conditions apply. For example, if you're diagnosed with ADHD as well and want to explore ADHD medication, a specialist would need to start it, and your GP might later take over prescribing through shared care.
Tips for getting the most from your diagnosis
- Keep a copy of your full report, and share it with your GP.
- Make a list of what you find hard, and what helps. This can make it easier to ask for support.
- Ask about local services through your GP, council and local autism charities.
- Take your time. Many people need time to process a diagnosis. There's no rush to make changes or tell others.
- Connect with others. Peer support can be valuable, both online and in person.
Autism assessments with Raiys
Raiys works nationwide, offering online autism assessments for adults across the UK. Our experienced, specialist team follows NICE guidelines, and you'll receive a clear, detailed report designed to be shared with your GP, employer or place of study.
You'll also have access to the Raiys app, where you can securely read your report and use BeChange, our digital support programme. BeChange helps you understand your diagnosis and build practical, everyday strategies at your own pace, with resources across five areas: Mind, Resilience, Life, Move Matters and Nutrition.
If you're in crisis right now, call 999, go to A&E, or call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time of day or night.
Thinking about an assessment? Find out more about our adult autism assessment.
A diagnosis doesn't change who you are. But it can help you understand yourself, ask for what you need, and find support that works for you.