Autism assessments for ASD and depression association

Hi David and welcome to the community.

It's well known that depression can often co-occur with autism. As the NAS explains, "it affects up to half of all autistic people at some point in their life":

NAS - Depression

Depression, along with certain other mental health conditions, should automatically be considered by any assessor as part of an autism assessment (whether for under 18s or for adults) as part of the method of differential diagnosis:

NICE - Differential diagnoses

This is also explained here, in an NAS article that you might find helpful - along with the other articles in the diagnosis hub:

NAS - What happens during an autism assessment

The NICE guidelines for autism in under 18s also specify that, after an autism assessment, a child may be allocated a key worker to manage and co-ordinate ongoing care and support covering areas including mental health, psychiatry, and psychology.

NICE - Autism in children: Scenario: How should I manage a child or young person with confirmed autism?

If you live in England, then you might like to consider requesting an assessment via Right to Choose (RTC), which enables access to certain, approved private providers who typically have much shorter waiting lists than the NHS, but with the assessment still funded by the NHS. This option is explained here

NAS - How to request an autism assessment

There's a list of RTC providers for autism at the bottom of this page, for example:

NHS Sussex - NHS Right to Choose: for Autism and ADHD Assessment

I notice that you also asked, below, about burnout. You might find these NAS resources helpful:

NAS - Autistic fatigue and burnout

NAS Professional Practice - Understanding autistic burnout

Thanks for all of this information bunny.  A lot to digest at a glance. Will look and hope to absorb over the weekend. 

Thanks for all of this information bunny.  A lot to digest at a glance. Will look and hope to absorb over the weekend.