Sheffield Adult Autism and Neurodevelopmental Service (SAANS)

If you have a face-to-face appointment booked here are a list of things you need to consider before you attend:

• Do you plan to bring someone with you? (we can only allow one per client)
• Does the person who is coming with you live in the same house or 'bubble’? (will they need to social distance from you?)
• There is no inside waiting area so please do not arrive in advance of your appointment
• On arrival you can use the door buzzer or phone reception if you do not want to touch the buzzer
• Your clinician will then come and meet you and ask you some questions about your health
• There is a PPE station at the entrance with hand gel, masks, gloves and disposable chair covers
• You must sanitize your hands but you do not have to wear a mask if this is difficult for you.
• Your clinician will be wearing a mask as will any other staff you see in the building
• You will be asked not to touch any door handles
• The room will be well ventilated and cleaned between each appointment
• A toilet is available and is equipped with cleaning materials
• There will not be any refreshments available.

If you or anyone in your household has any symptoms of COVID-19 on the morning of your appointment do not attend. Contact the service to cancel and we will make alternative arrangements for you. 

We offer a diagnostic assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) previously known as Dyspraxia. 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 support
• Advice on medication
• Group support
• 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. 

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 by clicking here. 

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

When you reach the top of our waiting list we will send you a letter with a questionnaire for you to complete. You should complete the questionnaire with a partner or parent if possible. 

You need to send the completed questionnaire back to us. Once we have received it we will contact you to arrange an appointment. 

Assessments can be carried out in person at our clinic or via a live video call depending on your needs and preferences. 

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

• Reasonable adjustments - this video outlines what help you may be able to request from your employer.
• Social battery - this video gives advice on how to manage stress arising from social interaction.
• Alison's story - Alison Debenham gives a personal account of her experience of being a woman with Asperger Syndrome.
• Annie's story - Annie Ryan shares her experience of ASC diagnosis in adulthood.
• Lynne's story - Lynne Gill shares her experience of being diagnosed with ASC as an adult.
• Glyn's story - Glyn talks about his experience with SAANS and what life was like before and after his diagnosis of Autism.
• The pros, cons and process of seeking an ASC diagnosis in adulthood.

To watch a video just click on the title.

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. 

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 appointments which are usually between one and a half to two 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.