Who we are

The Sheffield Adult Autism and Neurodevelopmental Service (SAANS) is a specialist service consisting of a highly skilled multi-disciplinary team responsible for the assessment and diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).

The service also provides time limited post diagnostic support where the primary issue is related to these diagnoses.

We are also able to provide consultation and advice to other services providing support to people with ASD or suspected ASD.

We are an adult service and can accept referrals for clients over the age of 16.

Unfortunately, we do not provide diagnostic assessments for dyslexia or developmental coordination disorder (dyspraxia).

What we do

We offer a diagnostic assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). These assessments can help clients to better understand their needs and abilities, as well as being the first step in enabling them to reach their full potential with a diagnosis.

After your diagnostic assessment, you will be offered a follow-up appointment to discuss the outcome and further support options. If for whatever reason your circumstances change, or you are new to the service but have a pre-existing diagnosis, we can offer an appointment to review your current support needs.

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 education and strategies
  • Advice on medication (ADHD)
  • Group education sessions
  • Counselling

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 do I get a referral to the service?

If you think you would benefit from a referral to our service you need to speak to your GP or health professional who is supporting you.

If they agree that an assessment would be appropriate they need 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.

When we receive a referral we will assess it and if appropriate you will be put on our waiting list. We will send out a letter to confirm this and we will provide you with resources to help and support you while you wait for your assessment. 

Unfortunately we cannot accept self-referrals.  

If you are a health professional making a referral to our service you can take a look at our guidance for referrers and eligibility and selection criteria here. Should you have any clinical queries please email SAANSClinicalQueries@shsc.nhs.uk

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

Waiting for your first appointment

We have updated our ASD diagnostic assessment referral process for 2023, please see the below information:

Once you have been referred to SAANS by your GP or another health professional, your referral will be screened to ensure it meets the essential criteria. You will then be sent a pack of 4 questionnaires through the post (also available by email on request). You should complete the questionnaires with a parent or care giver, and an adult informant (such as a partner, sibling or close friend). You need to send the completed questionnaires back to us within 6 weeks. If you are struggling to complete your questionnaires, please contact the service for support.

We will triage your submitted questionnaires against our criteria for an assessment appointment. After screening the questionnaires, we will be in contact to confirm the next steps. Either we will call you to book an appointment for your assessment (if you have reached the top of the waiting list) or write to confirm that you have or have not been accepted on to our waiting list (if it is a recent referral). We aim to contact you about the outcome of this screening process within 6 - 8 weeks of receiving the questionnaires.

You can refer to our Waiting Times below, this information is updated on a regular basis. Once you reach the top of the waiting list, you will be contacted to arrange an appointment.

Useful videos about autism

You may find the videos below useful for managing your condition while you are waiting for your assessment or after your diagnosis.

General mental health support

Get involved with research

Videos and links about ADHD

Videos:

Books:

You mean I’m not lazy, stupid or crazy? The classic self-help book for adults with Attention Deficit Disorder. By Kate Kelly and Peggy Ramundo (published by Scribner, 2006).



Too loud, too bright, too fast, too tight. What to do if you are sensory defensive in an over-stimulating world. By Sharon Heller (published by Harper, 2003)


Delivered from Distraction: Getting the Most Out of Life with Attention Deficit Disorder. By John J. Ratey (published by Ballantine Books, 2006)

Delivered from Distraction: Getting the Most Out of Life with Attention Deficit Disorder: Amazon.co.uk: Hallowell M D, M D Edward M, Ratey, John J: 9780345442314: Books

Thriving with Adult ADHD: Skills to Strengthen Executive Functioning, By Phil Boissiere, 2018