What is autism?
Autism is a brain-based difference which can affect social communication, focus and interaction skills.
Sometimes this can mean that things can be overwhelming. Very often, autistic people demonstrate exceptional skills and abilities.
This assessment can help people to better understand who they are and the way that they see the world as well as empowering you to be more knowledgeable about the incredible strengths that neurodiversity can bring. For every assessment, we also screen for ADHD as well as sensory, cognitive and emotional needs, and feed these findings back into the report with appropriate and evidence-based recommendations.
How much does it cost?
This assessment is £2,200.
What does it cover?
Assessment areas include:
- Social interaction (how you initiate and maintains social conversation)
- Social communication (how you make sense of your thoughts and feelings and those of others)
- Interests which seem unusually intense
- Sensory processing
- ADHD symptoms
- Anxiety and depression
What happens after the assessment?
We offer continued psychoeducation in the form of single or ongoing 50-minute sessions with our Lead Psychologist, Dr Tamasine Black, or a member of our clinical psychology team. Psychoeducation is an evidence-based therapeutic intervention for clients that provides information and support to better understand and cope with the sensitivities and superpower that autism can bring. These are charged separately at £130 per session.
Where can I find more information?
Please have a read of our Autism FAQ section as this contains more detailed and specific information as to what is involved.
How do I book an assessment?
You can book your assessment here. If you have any questions or would like some more information, please get in touch here.
Book an Assessment Get in Touch
What happens during an adult autism assessment?
All our assessments are conducted in line with NICE guidelines and DSM 5 criteria. We use the Adult Autism Assessment (formerly the Adult Asperger’s Assessment), known as the AAA with the relevant screening questionnaires. Our autism service is supervised by a Consultant Clinical Psychologist who is an Autism Diagnostic Specialist.
We will ask for half of the fee (£1,100) when we book your assessment appointments. We send out a number of questionairres for you to fill in, and there will be two for a relative who knows you well. It’s fine if this is completed by a close friend.
You will have two appointments with our psychologists in total; one is an online call to gather the neurodevelopmental history, and the other is an in-person assessment appointment in our Hambledon clinic to which you are welcome to invite a close relative or friend. This lasts approximately 50 minutes.
Finally, following an MDT we are able to release a diagnostic decision and we send a final invoice for the remaining 50% (£1,100). We can then send out paperwork, including a detailed report and diagnostic confirmation letter.
Autism Assessment FAQ
Who carries out the assessment?
Our adult autism assessment team includes specialist psychologists Dr Tamasine Black and colleagues from our clinical psychology team. All members of the team are registered with their professional bodies with enhanced DBS checks.
Does the assessment follow the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines?
We follow all NICE guidelines and DSM-5 criteria. Our team are additionally supervised by autism specialist consultant psychologists.
What we cannot help with
As we are not a crisis service, we are unfortunately unable to offer assessment of mental illnesses including bipolar disorder, psychosis, an established eating disorder or in cases where there is extensive self-harm or suicidal ideation.
Who should I speak to in case of an emergency?
We are not a mental health crisis service so if you have immediate concerns, please contact the emergency services or your local NHS Adult Mental Health Service crisis telephone line.
Other useful organisations include:
Samaritans: 116 123 or text “Shout” to 85258.
