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 £1,500.
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 £120 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.
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 ask that potential clients fill out the following form:
https://questionnaire.semble.io/777c3028381c5722394b13716637ec0ec9d01add
Once we have reviewed this information, and should you meet criteria, we can then send you our terms of business and consent form via our practice software, Semble. We will ask for half of the fee (£750) 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; the first is an initial online call whereby we discuss why you feel this assessment is right for you and gather some background information. Next will be 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% (£750). We can then send out paperwork, including a detailed report and diagnostic confirmation letter. We offer a feedback and review consultation which is additionally charged at £120 for a 50 minute session.
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.
What happens during the 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.
Following either a telephone screening session or return of screening questionnaires, we can then send you our terms of business and consent form via our practice software, Semble. We will ask for half of the fee (£750) when we book your assessment appointments. You will have two appointments with our psychologists in total; the first is an initial phone call with Dr Tamasine Black is offered on Tuesdays between 10am and Midday. These are offered as part of a call list whereby Dr Tamasine Black will call you between these times. This is a relaxed, informal brief phone call whereby any questions can be answered, and any adaptations you may need from the appointment are noted.
Next will be an in-person assessment appointment in our Hambledon clinic to which you are welcome to invite a close relative or friend. This lasts 50 minutes. Finally, following an MDT, we offer an online diagnostic outcome consultation. We ask for the final 50% (£750) once the diagnostic decision is made, and you will receive a diagnostic out letter and a formal diagnostic report detailing the assessment.
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.
