#rcgp

The Royal College of General Practitioners have a resource page on their website. The language isn’t perfect and seems to be primarily person first, but the information might still be useful or of interest.

This Autism Toolkit aims to be a 'one stop shop', a user-friendly guide to autism for primary care professionals, people affected by autism, clinical commissioning groups, as well as interested members of the general public.

Resources and guidance for patients and carers

This section contains useful articles for people on the autistic spectrum, on what autism is, and how to make the most of visits to the doctor, plus other background information and resources.

Background information

- What is autism? A summary of autism features and diagnosis from the National Autistic Society. - What is Asperger syndrome? Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. It can be a hidden disability as it is not always easily recognised. This is a summary from the National Autistic Society about the features of Asperger syndrome. - Adults on the Autism Spectrum: what you need to know - Children and young people on the Autism Spectrum: what you need to know - Early Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder Saint Mary's University of Minnesota - Amazing Things Happen This video from the independent animation director Alex Amelines tackles the complex subject of autism with simple descriptions, relatable situations

Visiting your GP

- Making the most of your visit to the GP: a guide for those on the autistic spectrum [PDF] A resource for people with autism and their carers to make it easier to access their GP. - Going to your doctor An easy read version with pictures. - My hospital passport developed by the National Autistic Society [NAS] to help people with autism to communicate their needs to doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. Can be used in all health settings. - Guidance notes for ‘My hospital passport’. - A Guide for Women with Autism when Engaging with Health Professionals produced by Scottish Women’s Autism Network.

Getting a diagnosis

- How do I get a diagnosis for my child? If you think your child may have autism, discuss this with your GP or health visitor. You can also contact the National Autistic Society for advice. Here is a guide on what to do. - How do I get a diagnosis as an adult? Referral and diagnostic pathways differ depending on where you live. Your first port of call is likely to be your GP.  Below is a guide on what to do if you think you may have autism and want to be tested.

Other useful information for people on the autistic spectrum

- Autism and Mental Health articles about co-existent anxiety, depression and OCD, all of which are more prevalent in people with autism. People with autism speak about their condition: These sites feature articles and videos from people on the autism spectrum and their carers. NHS Choices Autistica - Getting older Understanding more about the challenges people with autism face in older age. - Diverse Perspectives, The challenges for families affected by autism from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities published in July 2014 - Autism and epilepsy:  guide to managing epilepsy in autism a leaflet by Autistica - Autism and mental health: a guide to looking after your mind a leaflet by Autistica - Ambitious about Autism A toolkit to help those with autism remind people that everyone's normal is different and that those quirks and idiosyncrasies that everyone has are what makes them who they are.

Useful resources