Assessment

Adult autism assessment

Do you suspect you may be autistic and are looking for a formal assessment?

Many autistic individuals go undiagnosed and decide to pursue an assessment later in life. This can be for several reasons, including:

1. Adults may seek autism assessments to understand themselves better. They may want to explain their challenges and find a sense of belonging.
2. A diagnosis can help them access support, manage challenges, and improve self-esteem.
3. Autism assessments can help with career guidance, accommodations, and understanding performance.
4. They can also help with understanding family members, improving relationships, and seeking support.

How does the process work?

Step 1: After registering with us, we will ask you to complete a form providing background information on your experience and why you believe you may be autistic.

Step 2: You will meet with your psychologist. This typically involves one or two sessions, usually about a week apart. During these sessions you will have an in-depth conversation about your experiences.

Step 3: Where possible, we will gather collateral information from your parents, family member or other individual who has known you since childhood. This can be done face-to-face or via a form. If you are unable to provide a suitable person, we can still carry out your assessment, but it is helpful to have this additional information.

Step 4: Your psychologist will consult with other professionals as required, as part of our multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach. This allows us to draw on a range of skills to ensure we make an accurate assessment.

Step 5: You will meet with your psychologist one final time and arrive at a formal decision as to whether you are autistic or not. Regardless of the outcome, we will be able to signpost you to further support.

Step 6: If we identify that you are autistic, we will provide you with a set of documentation to verify your identification/diagnosis.

Post-assessment support: After the assessment, we offer a support session to help you reflect on what comes next. Rather than simply giving you a diagnosis and sending you on your way, these sessions provide space to make sense of the outcome and what it means for you. This might include developing a deeper understanding of neurodivergence, exploring your identity in light of the assessment, and discussing practical strategies that may help with any difficulties you experience.

What are the potential outcomes?

We may identify that you are autistic. If so, congratulations! We may identify that you are not autistic. If so, we will be able to signpost you to appropriate support. On rare occasions, we may be unable to reach a clear conclusion.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my private health insurance?

If your private health insurance allows you to select any Registered Psychologist then yes. You will need to arrange payment with your health insurance provider.

Will my assessment be recognised?

Yes. Our assessments follow the best practice guidelines defined by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and are carried out by psychologists registered with the Health & Care Professions Council. However, if you are in any doubt, please check with your workplace/college first.

Do you see people outside of the UK?

No, unfortunately not.

Do family members need to be involved in my assessment?

No. Where possible, we aim to gather collateral information from someone who knew you when you were young, as this can help improve the accuracy of the assessment. However, if nobody is available, or you would prefer not to involve others, your assessment can still proceed.