What is Autism?
Autism (sometimes called Autism Spectrum Condition or Autism Spectrum Disorder) is a natural variation in how people experience and interact with the world. Autistic people may think, communicate, and process information differently to non-autistic people – these differences are a valued part of human diversity.
Autism is largely genetic and relatively common, with around 1 in 25 people being autistic. It isn’t an illness or something that needs to be “fixed” – it’s a different way of being. Autistic people may experience the world and social situations uniquely, communicate differently, have focused interests that bring enjoyment and expertise, prefer routine or predictability, and notice sensory experiences more or less intensely than others.
Autism presents differently in everyone – some autistic people need more support in daily life, while others live very independently. Autistic people have many strengths, which may include attention to detail, creativity, deep focus, and strong problem-solving skills.
While more men have historically been diagnosed as autistic, we now understand autism is often under-recognised in women and other groups, meaning many people are diagnosed later in life, or were previously misdiagnosed. It’s also common for autistic people to have other neurodevelopmental differences, such as ADHD, dyslexia, or dyspraxia, and some may experience anxiety or depression – often influenced by how well their environment understands and supports their needs.
Benefits of diagnosis
People seek an autism assessment for many reasons. Some adults didn’t have access to assessment or support when they were younger. Others have developed ways of coping or “masking” that hid how challenging things felt. For some, their experiences may previously have been misunderstood or explained in other ways.
Receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood can bring a range of emotions. Many people describe a strong sense of relief and validation – a clearer understanding of themselves, and a language to describe their experiences. It can help make sense of feeling different, and reduce self-blame. At the same time, some people feel sadness or frustration that this understanding came later in life. All of these responses, and more, are valid – people process their diagnosis in their own way and at their own pace.
A diagnosis can open the door to better self-understanding and self-acceptance, access to autism-informed support and communities, practical supports such as reasonable adjustments at work or in education, information and advocacy tailored to your needs, and access to relevant services where appropriate.
For many people, diagnosis isn’t about changing who they are – it’s about understanding themselves more fully and finding the support that helps them thrive.
Not sure where to start?
A screening consultation can help
If you’re unsure whether to have a full neurodevelopmental assessment, or which assessment might suit you best, a screening consultation is a good first step.
The consultation lasts one hour and can take place in person or remotely. A Clinical Psychologist will carry out a structured clinical interview to explore your mental health and neurodevelopmental history, using validated screening tools suited to your needs.
At the end of the session, you’ll receive personalised recommendations – which might include a neurodevelopmental assessment, psychological therapy, or a psychiatry consultation. If you’d like to go ahead, we can arrange any internal referrals, and you’ll receive a written summary that can be shared with your GP.
Our approach to assessment
Our autism assessments are comprehensive, neuroaffirmative, and tailored to you. We use a multidisciplinary approach – you’ll be supported by experienced clinicians from different professional backgrounds, working together to build a full understanding of your profile.
Our assessments follow current NICE guidelines, and explore both your strengths and differences, as well as any areas where you may need support. We aim to create a respectful, collaborative space where your experiences are heard and valued.
Stage 1: your initial consultation
Your initial appointment builds a thorough, supportive understanding of your experiences – including your current situation, developmental history, mental health, and any relevant medical information. With your consent, we’ll also consider information from people who know you well, to help build a fuller picture. This is a collaborative, respectful conversation, at your own pace.
Length: up to 90 minutes
With: a Consultant Psychiatrist
Who should attend: please bring someone who’s known you well since you were a baby or young child, if possible
How: online or in person
Stage 2: the ADOS-2
The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) is an evidence-based assessment tool that helps clinicians understand whether someone may be autistic. It’s a structured but relaxed session, guiding you through conversational topics and activities that explore communication style, social interaction, imagination, and patterns of behaviour.
There are no “right” or “wrong” answers, and it’s not a test you can pass or fail – it’s an opportunity for you to be yourself, while the clinician observes how you naturally communicate and engage.
Length: up to 90 minutes
With: a Clinical Psychologist or Speech and Language Therapist
Who should attend: you attend this appointment alone
How: in person
Stage 3: team discussion
After your assessment appointments, our multidisciplinary team comes together to carefully review everything gathered – interviews, observations, questionnaires, and your developmental history. Bringing together different professional perspectives helps us consider your experiences holistically, and ensures any diagnosis is based on clear, evidence-based criteria (DSM-5).
This collaborative approach provides a detailed understanding of your strengths and differences, and ensures any conclusions and recommendations are thoughtful and tailored to you.
Stage 4: your feedback appointment
At your feedback appointment, we take time to talk through your results clearly and supportively – explaining what we found, how it relates to your experiences now and earlier in life, and whether the findings are consistent with autism. There’s plenty of space for questions and reflection.
We’ll talk through personalised recommendations, which may include a combination of strategies, support options, and psychological approaches, and highlight your individual strengths and differences. Our aim is that you leave with a clear understanding and a plan that feels helpful for you.
We also offer post-diagnostic support and psychological therapy tailored to autistic people – do ask our team if this is something you’d like to pursue after your feedback session.
Length: up to one hour
With: the same Consultant Psychiatrist you met at your first appointment
Who should attend: alone, or with someone you’d like to bring
How: online or in person
Your report
A comprehensive report is sent to you and your GP around 4 weeks after your feedback appointment. We can also provide a shorter letter stating the diagnosis, without the more private details discussed in assessment, so it can easily be shared with people who support you – for example, a manager or university student services.
We’ll also provide written information about local supports that may be helpful going forward.
FAQs
You will be with one of our consultant psychiatrists or clinical psychologists, and it is likely to be the same person for each of your appointments.
A neurodevelopmental screening consultation with a Clinical Psychologist is offered if you’re unsure whether a full autism assessment is right for you — this helps clarify next steps. However, this is not compulsory.
Yes, at The Edinburgh Practice we offer a wide range of post‑diagnostic support for adults and families following a diagnosis of autism. This includes Educational Psychology, Speech & Language Therapy, Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Clinical Psychology and Systemic Family Therapy. Our team can help with understanding diagnosis, sensory and communication needs, support strategies for home and school, emotional regulation, mental health, and family relationships. Support is available individually, for parents/carers and in school or family settings.
We also have a post-diagnostic support pack, which includes links to many support services, books, websites, and videos.
Learn more: https://edinburghpractice.com/service/neurodiversity-support-services/
If your presentation is better explained by something else (such as anxiety or other life challenges), your clinician will explain this and talk through supportive options and services offered at the practice.
Not always, it depends on the kind of appointment. It may be useful for you to have some support, and it helps provide some useful information that can be used to aid your potential diagnosis. Not having someone available to contribute will not prevent you from proceeding with an assessment.
Our Fees
£210
Neurodevelopmental screening consultation
£2050
Autism assessment for adults
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If you would like to book an appointment or assessment, please complete and submit a referral form. If you would like to get in contact for more information or advice please complete the form on our contact us page and we will be in touch as soon as possible.
