Find out about assessment for autism and what help and support is available in Bath and North East Somerset for adults with autism.
What is autism?
Autism is a lifelong condition that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people. Autistic people may find it hard to communicate and interact with others, and to understand how other people think or feel. They may find bright lights or loud noises overwhelming, stressful or uncomfortable. They may also get anxious or upset about unfamiliar situations and social events, take longer to understand information, do or think the same things over and over. The National Autistic Society explains what autism is in more detail.
Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Community Health I Think I Might Be Neurodivergent gives information about neurodiversity.
How to access support
The Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence service supports adults with learning disabilities, autism or ADHD in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire. They can assess you and help you understand your diagnosis, offering therapeutic input. They can also advise on what you might practically need to support you in your daily life, physical health, communication, mental health and independence.
B&NES council Learning Disabilities, Autism and Hearing and Vision Service helps people live as independently and confidently as possible, is person-centred and tailored to your needs. Offering support for adults aged 18 and over, working with you to identify your strengths and connect you with the right support in your community.
Going to the doctor
If you find visiting the doctor difficult, there are some things you can do to make it a bit easier, and to make sure you get good care from them.
Going to the doctor
- Tell your doctor what you need and how they can help you (for example, easy information about your health, more time for your appointment, somewhere quiet to wait, or to see the same doctor).
- Ask your doctor to put something on their computer to say you have autism
- Tell your doctor if you do not understand what they say (ask them to say it again or use easier words)
- Take some information with you to the doctor, for example, a hospital passport (this is a small book that tells doctors and nurses what you need - make it yourself, or use the one on this website)
- If you are worried about seeing a new doctor, ask to visit the doctor’s surgery first to see what it is like
- A key named contact person who will navigate the system for you (this may be a receptionist, administrator or nurse)
- Alternative ways of booking appointments such as, online
- Accessible information in a format you understand about how and when appointments are available, how to get prescriptions or access services
- If you need to go to hospital, make sure the doctor tells the hospital what you need
If you look after someone else who needs support, tell your doctor this as well and they can put something on their computer to say you are a carer.
Other help
Find details of groups and services for autistic adults in Bath and North East Somerset.
Health passport
Get a health passport to help you communicate your needs to doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers.
Alert cards
Get a NAS autism alert card so you can let other people know you are autistic and you may need some extra time or help in certain situations.
You can also download alert cards for travelling on the bus. FirstBus service have produced some alert cards called Extra Help to travel cards (journey assistance cards). Show the card to the bus driver so they are aware that you need a bit of extra help.
National Autism Society (NAS)
Visit the NAS website to find out more about autism and what the NAS do to help adults with autism in education, in work or more about diagnostic services.
The NAS Bristol and Avon Branch is run by a group of volunteer parents, carers and friends of people on the autism spectrum. They communicate through a closed Facebook group, a safe place to ask questions and share information. They also organise events and activities.
Last updated: 13 April 2026