It is estimated that there are around 700,000 children and adults living with autism in the UK.
April is World Autism Acceptance Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and fostering understanding about autism. This month serves as an opportunity to celebrate the unique experiences, strengths, and perspectives of individuals with autism while also highlighting the importance of acceptance, inclusion, and support.
By promoting education and advocacy, we can help create a world where everyone, regardless of their neurodiversity, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute in meaningful ways.
Here our founder and lead expert, Educational and Child Psychologist, Dr Tamasine Black explains what autism is, why identifying if someone has autism is so important, and the assessments we offer.
Understanding Autism: Why Identification Matters and How We Can Help
At Tabla Psychology, we believe that every individual deserves to be understood, supported, and celebrated for who they are. One of the most powerful steps on that journey is understanding neurodiversity – and for many, that begins with exploring whether autism may be part of their profile.
What is Autism?
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how people perceive and interact with the world. It’s not an illness or something that needs to be “fixed” – it’s simply a different way of thinking, processing, and relating.
Autistic individuals may experience differences in:
- Social communication and interaction
- Flexibility of thought and behaviour
- Sensory processing
- Emotional regulation
- Focus and interests
Every autistic person is unique. Some may find social situations confusing or overwhelming, while others might thrive with strong routines or have intense interests that bring them joy and comfort. There’s no one-size-fits-all presentation – and that’s part of the richness and complexity of autism.
Why is it Important to Identify Autism?
Receiving a diagnosis (or even a clearer understanding of autistic traits) can be life-changing – not because it labels someone, but because it validates their experiences.
Here’s Why Identification Matters:
Self-understanding: Many individuals – both children and adults – feel a huge sense of relief when they understand that their challenges aren’t due to “being difficult” or “not trying hard enough”. It can help them feel less alone and more empowered.
Access to support: A formal diagnosis can open the door to reasonable adjustments at school, college, or work, and may help families secure an EHCP or additional therapeutic support.
Improved relationships: When families, educators, and peers understand someone’s needs and communication style, they can respond with greater empathy and flexibility.
Better mental health: Many autistic individuals are at increased risk of anxiety or low self-esteem – especially when their needs aren’t recognised. Identification can be the first step in building a life that truly works for them.
Early identification can be helpful, but it’s never too late. We support both children and adults in finding the answers they’ve been seeking – often for many years.
What Assessments Do We Offer at Tabla Psychology?
Our autism assessments are tailored to each person and carried out with warmth, expertise, and a deep respect for neurodiversity. We work closely with families, educators, and individuals to build a complete picture of someone’s profile.
Here’s what our autism assessment process usually includes:
- Parent/Carer Interview (ADI-R or developmental interview) – to understand early history and current strengths/difficulties.
- Direct Assessment with the Child or Young Person (ADOS-2) – a structured, play-based session that looks at communication, social interaction, and imagination.
- Questionnaires and Screeners – completed by parents/carers, school staff, and, where appropriate, the young person themselves.
- Collaborative Feedback – we bring everything together into a detailed report, which includes clear recommendations and, where appropriate, a formal diagnosis.
- We also screen for ADHD, dyslexia, speech and language needs, as well as cognitive and processing differences as part of our unique process, whereby we bring together both educational and clinical psychology.
- We also offer autism assessments for adults and provide post-assessment support to help individuals make sense of their profile and explore next steps.
In Summary
Understanding autism can be the key that unlocks a better fit between a person and their world. Whether you’re a parent wondering about your child, or an adult exploring your own neurodivergence, we’re here to help.
If you’d like to learn more about our autism assessments, get in touch – we’d be happy to guide you through the process.
Tabla Psychology – specialist assessments, tailored support, and a deep respect for neurodiversity.
Find out more and book an appointment:
Child and Teen Autism Assessment
Adult Autism Assessment
