Autism Pathway (BANDS)
Description
The Autism Pathway is part of the Bradford/Airedale Neurodevelopmental Service (BANDS). It offers specialist support for adults referred for a comprehensive diagnostic assessment. The Autism Pathway is for adults 18 years+ without a learning disability across Bradford, Craven and Airedale.
Our specialist local service is accessible, friendly, and approachable.
We have a person-centred approach, always putting the needs of patients and their family and carers first. Our team has extensive experience working with autistic adults. We are trained in the relevant and recognised diagnostic assessment tools, in accordance with NICE (National Institute of Care Excellence) Guidelines.
What is autism?
“Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them”.
National Autistic Society (2020)
Our service uses the term ‘autism’ but recognises other labels and is in line with NICE Guidance and Quality Standards. Approximately 1-1.5 per cent of the general population are autistic. The exact causes are unknown. There is no cure, or medication for autism.
To receive a diagnosis of autism, difficulties must be present in the following areas: social interaction, social communication, social imagination and flexibility of thinking. Many autistic people also have sensory differences which can affect them in various ways. These difficulties must be present across a person’s lifespan.
If you are over 18 years of age and think you might be autistic, please see this guide for pre-diagnosis support from the National Autistic Society.
More about Autism
You may also find our factsheet helpful:
Autism factsheet – English
Autism factsheet – Arabic
Autism factsheet – Bengali
Autism factsheet – Gujarati
Autism factsheet – Pashto
Autism factsheet – Polish
Autism factsheet – Punjabi
Autism factsheet – Urdu
Referrals and referral criteria
Your GP can refer you for a diagnostic assessment.
We work with adults (18 years upwards), who do not have an additional learning disability.
Adults with a diagnosed learning disability may receive support from local learning disability services.
Report and recommendations
You and your referrer will then receive our comprehensive assessment report on how we came to our outcome including our recommendations and local and regional support.
The whole process can take several weeks. Every person we see is different which is why we use a person centred approach, taking into consideration personal circumstances. If you have any questions or worries about the process, we will be glad to help.
“Thank you for our enjoyable conversation today, and also for your consideration and kindness during the whole process. I have found it more beneficial and healing than all the other interventions put together.”
EC – diagnosed autistic June 2021
How to contact us
Our working hours are 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday – contact us on 01274 221189
BANDS Autism Pathway
Horton Park Health Centre,
99 Horton Park Ave,
Bradford BD7 3EG
For information on all mental health and wellbeing support services in Bradford and Craven, and self-help resources visit Healthy Minds: www.healthyminds.services.
Robert’s story…
Robert’s story – Polish subtitles
Robert’s story – Urdu subtitles
Robert’s story – Bengali subtitles
Robert’s story – Punjabi subtitles