• Frequently Asked Questions

    BAAS Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my adult child has Autism?

Please click here to visit our ‘About Autism’ page to learn more about Autism. Remember, most people will have some traits, but the defining factor for autism is that the person has the ‘triad of impairments’ (ie one or more traits from each).

Take A Test

  • Autism Quiz >
    The AQ Test – Use this quiz to help you determine if you might need to see a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment of Autism.
  • Quiz >
    To go directly to the test click on I accept. The goal of this test is to check for neurodiverse/neurotypical traits in adults. The neurodiversity classification can be used to give a reliable indication of autism spectrum traits prior to eventual diagnosis.
  • The Ritvo Autism Diagnostic Scale-Revised >
    The professional form for a diagnosis – a score over 65 indicates Autistic Spectrum.
BAAS Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a diagnosis?

The best place to start is by visiting your GP to discuss your concerns. Ask for a suitable referral. Please click on the link below for more information regarding obtaining a diagnosis.

Diagnostic Pathway >

How do I get an EHC Plan?

You can either ask a school or college to start proceedings or you can request it yourself via your Local Education Department. There is an assessment process that takes several months, so bear this in mind when thinking of applying.

Find out more >

What other help is available locally?

Please click here to visit our ‘Useful Links’ page to find organisations who can be of assistance within your local area.

Welfare Benefits – What financial help may I be entitled to?

Find out more >

About Autism

About BAAS

Contact Us

FAQs

Useful Links

Volunteer With Us

What BAAS volunteers and clients say…

I first started with BAAS accompanied by a Support Worker.  From the very beginning I was welcomed and have been treated with kindness and respect. Soon after becoming a service beneficiary, I was found a Volunteer Befriender. The whole experience was a positive one and consequently when finishing with my befriender I was eager to help someone else and became a Befriender myself.

I’ve been involved as a BAAS befriender now since March 2023 and find this is a really rewarding experience to me. Watching an autistic adult become more confident in social activities not only beneficial for her, but also helps me to understand how we can offer support in the community. Two hours a week does more than I can expect. I sincerely hope more people could become befriender in BAAS , and working together to build a better inclusive society.

I look forward to seeing my Befriender every week because we can share interests and activities and we are on the same wavelength.

“I contacted BAAS after applying for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) myself and being awarded 0 points. After being turned down at the Mandatory Reconsideration stage I was scared about a tribunal hearing. BAAS helped me to argue my case, submit my evidence in the correct way, and I was awarded the enhanced rate of PIP for both the daily living and mobility components – the very highest level of the award. I couldn’t believe that after twice being found to be ineligible to receive PIP I was now given the highest rate. I couldn’t have done it without BAAS’s help and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.”

“I had always had a support worker to assist me, but these people weren’t very consistent and often changed over time, or depending who was on shift. Through BAAS I was introduced to my befriender, and we got to know each other over 16 months. For the first time since I could remember I was being supported by someone who I knew wasn’t getting paid for being there for me, and I really felt that they valued my friendship just as much as I valued theirs. I was anxious at first about getting to know them, but they took everything one step at a time in a way that I could manage. My confidence has grown much and so has my independence. I’d really recommend befriending to anyone who feels they may need it.”