Autism Assessments

What is Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that effects how someone communicates and understand social situations. It is a different way to understand and process the world around them.

Individuals can have difficulty reading social cues, understanding social situations, navigating relationships, maintaining eye contact, and taking things literally. Autistic individuals tend to prefer routine and regimes showing anxiety when these get disrupted. They can also experience sensory sensitivity where they become sensitive to sound, lights, textures, and smells. Individuals may also have specific interests. People can become tired / exhausted as they navigate and process the world around them.

Autistic individuals also have many strengths with their attention to detail, memory, creativity, and relationships.

It is important to remember that everyone is different and autism can present in many different ways. Similarly, some people have learnt to “mask” their traits meaning they have learnt skills to cope / manage their experiences which makes them feel better able to fit into social situations, avoid difficulties, or feel safer. However, this masking can increase exhaustion.

What is the Autism assessment process?

1) Screening assessment

If you think you might be autistic, the first step is to complete a screening assessment which includes a 30 minute consultation. You will be sent the screening questionnaires ahead of time and will be asked to complete them before the initial meeting. If the results are indicative of autism then I will recommend a diagnostic assessment to give a definitive answer.

2) Information gathering

The assessment process includes talking to someone who knows you well since childhood to answer a response booklet and questionnaire. Neurodevelopmental conditions are lifelong so this information will help me understand your experiences since you were a child. If you do not have someone who can participate in this section then you can still be assessed for autism.

3) Diagnostic Assessment

The assessment will be conducted online and involve the use of the ADOS. This covers questions about your experiences as well as some practical tasks. Some tasks will require you to bring certain items to the videocall. However, you will be provided with detailed information ahead of the call and you can contact me if you are struggling to find these items. You will also be asked about your experiences as a child. I will compile all the information gathered during the process and consider this information alongside the diagnostic criteria for autism.

 

4) Diagnostic Report

Following the assessment, I will provide you with a comprehensive report giving a breakdown of the findings and any recommendations made. A further consultation session will be offered to you giving you opportunity to ask any questions or clarity.

5) Ongoing Support

Following your autism assessment, whether an autism diagnosis is reached or not, you will be provided with some suggestions on how to gain further support following on from your assessment.

 

Cost

Screening Assessment - £150

Full Diagnostic Assessment - £1800 (including screening assessment)

Combined ADHD and Autism Assessment - £2100 (adult only)