Coronavirus - changes to this service

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak we have made changes to the way this service is delivered. To find out more please visit shsc.nhs.uk/coronavirus

The Sheffield Adult Autism and Neurodevelopmental Service, also known as SAANS, provides a diagnostic assessment and post-diagnosis support for people with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and associated neurodevelopmental disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). 

Unfortunately, we do not provide diagnostic assessments for dyslexia. 

Our service is open to anyone over the age of 16 and has a reason to believe they have ASD or ADHD. 

What support do we offer?

We offer a diagnostic assessment which can help you better understand your needs, abilities and is the first step to helping you manage the condition.

You can find out more about what to expect in an assessment by clicking here.

After your diagnostic assessment we’ll offer you a follow-up appointment to discuss the outcome. If for whatever reason your circumstances change we can review the support you receive by reassessing your needs by re-referring you to the service. 

We also provide time limited post-diagnostic support which can include:

  • Speech and language therapy to support you with your communication
  • Occupational therapy which can offer support with things like employment, education and day-to-day activities
  • Psychological support
  • Advice on medication
  • Group support 

At your appointment you may meet a variety of people in the team, including psychologists, psychiatrists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapist and administration staff. 

How is the service accessed? 

We only accept referrals from GPs and other NHS services. We cannot accept self-referrals.  

To make a referral a professional needs to complete a referral form. To make a referral for an Autistic Spectrum Disorder assessment complete this form. If you are making a referral for a Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder assessment complete this form. 

Once you have completed your referral form you need to email it to SAANS@shsc.nhs.uk or send in the post to Sheffield Adult Autism and Neurodevelopmental Service, Michael Carlisle Centre, 75 Osborne Road, Sheffield, S11 9BF.

To take a look at our service eligibility and selection criteria in full click here. 

Please note that we cannot accept referrals for anyone who has been diagnosed with a learning disability. 

Support to people living outside of Sheffield

Anyone living outside of Sheffield can be referred to our service subject to a funding agreement from their local NHS Clinical Commissioning Group. They can also refer you for counselling subject to funding. 

Dyspraxia assessment

If you have been referred for a Dyspraxia assessment please make sure you wear comfortable clothing and flat shoes that are suitable for moving around in and doing gentle exercise. 

Trousers or leggings, with trainers, would be ideal. 

If you wear glasses or use a hearing aid please bring these to your appointment too. 

How to find us

We know that for some people coming to your first appointment can be a daunting experience, and it’s okay to feel nervous. 

We’ve put together a short guide to help you find the building easily and talk through practical things like transport and where to find our reception. 

The Sheffield Adult Autism and Neurodevelopmental Service is based at the Michael Carlisle Centre in Nether Edge just outside the city centre.

If you’re travelling to your appointment by car you can make use of our free car park on site. There is limited parking but if you can’t find a space there is on-road parking available. 

Our building is on the Lyndhurst Road side of the Michael Carlisle Centre and the way to the entrance is signposted in the car park, so all you need to do is follow the signs. 

If you get lost on the way, don’t worry, just ask a member of staff who will be able to point you in the right direction. 

If you’re travelling by bus you can get on the number 56 bus to reach us. If you get off at the stop on Union Road we’re just a short walk away.

You can find out more about public transport in Sheffield by visiting www.travelsouthyorkshire.com 

Entering the building

When you get to the entrance of the building you will need to press the buzzer on the front door to speak to reception.

All you need to do is give them your name and they will let you in.

You can then speak to the receptionist and then take a seat in the waiting area where refreshments are available. 

What to expect from at your assessment

When you are first offered an appointment you will be sent out a questionnaire for you to fill in. 

The questionnaire will ask you about your early experiences and you may find it helpful to fill this in with a family member or someone who is close to you.

Please bring the questionnaire with you to your first appointment or return it to us prior to your assessment. 

Your assessment will be split up into two sessions which are usually between 1 and a half to hours long. The first will focus on your early experiences, from childhood to adulthood, where we’ll go through the answers you have given on your questionnaire. 

Your second appointment will focus more on providing you with a diagnosis. We will share our thoughts about your assessment towards the end of your assessment and support you to understand the next steps we need to take. 

You might find it helpful to bring a family member or a loved one with you to help you through these appointments. 

If you have previously had any assessments carried out please bring along any reports that you’ve been given to your appointment. 

You can take a look at a guide to what expect from your appointment by clicking here.

Sharing your feedback on Care Opinion

Care Opinion is an independent organisation that gives you the chance share your experience of using our services, to help us make changes that benefit everyone. 

We want you to share honest feedback about our services. Good or bad we want to hear what you think. 

You can choose how much detail you want to go into about your personal story, but if there’s anything we could improve on we want to know. 

You can give feedback by filling in the form below.