Why choose us?
We're a small, independent practice run by neurodivergent professionals, not a faceless corporate clinic processing people through a conveyor belt. We believe we offer the most thorough, accurate autism assessments available in the city, and here's why.
1 Modern understanding of neurodivergence
Traditional approaches base their knowledge on disproven theories such as deficits of empathy or theory of mind. They rely on lists of symptoms from the DSM, rather than understanding what neurodivergence is. If you're only looking at the symptoms, how do you know what you are really measuring?
Our approach: Our work is informed by modern theories of neurodivergence including monotropism, double empathy, inertia, rejection sensitivity, and sensory differences. We look beyond symptoms to find out what is going on underneath, allowing us to make more accurate assessments.
2 Up-to-date assessment tools
Traditional approaches use tools such as the ADOS or ADI-R. These tools are not fit for purpose because they were developed by looking at external presentations, typically displayed by young boys, and don't consider internal presentations typically displayed by women and girls, and late diagnosed adults. These tools can feel condescending or embarrassing.
Our approach: We utilise assessment tools that are supported by modern understanding of neurodivergence, such as the MIGAS-2, CAT-Q and Monotropism Questionnaire. We also understand that standardised tools are only part of the picture and look at the whole person, considering developmental history and how someone describes their experience.
3 Focus on support and safety
Traditional approaches use a process that feels cold and clinical. This might seem "medical" but in reality makes people feel unsafe, meaning it can be more difficult to express yourself and communicate your feelings, leading to a less accurate assessment, as well as being unpleasant.
Our approach: We realise that for individuals to get an accurate assessment, they need to be able to express themselves. And to do this, they need to feel safe, accepted and heard. We try to build this support into every stage of the process, while still being clinically rigorous.
4 Run by neurodivergent professionals
Traditional approaches don't value having lived experience of neurodivergence. They don't know what it feels like, so cannot fully empathise, and don't fully understand what they are looking for, forcing them to use checklists of symptoms as their only reference point.
Our approach: Everyone on our team has lived experience of neurodivergence, as well as being professionally qualified, providing the best of both worlds.
5 Post-assessment support
Traditional approaches treat the assessment as the end point. Once you have your report, you're on your own; left to make sense of a diagnosis that may have upended your understanding of yourself, without guidance on what to do next or where to turn.
Our approach: We see the assessment as the beginning of a journey, not the destination. We offer a post-assessment support session to help you understand what your diagnosis means for you, process the emotions that often come with it, and work out your next steps.
Ready to get started?
Learn more about our assessment process, or book your assessment to get started. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.