Autism Assessments for Adults (18 years old & above)

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 in ways that differ from non-autistic people and these differences are a valued part of human diversity.

Autism is largely influenced by genetics and is relatively common, with around 1 in 25 people being autistic. It is not an illness or something that needs to be “fixed,” but rather a different way of being.

Autistic people may:

• Experience the world and social situations in unique ways
• Communicate differently
• Have focused interests or passions that bring enjoyment and expertise
• Prefer routine or predictability, which can help them feel comfortable and secure
• Notice sensory experiences more (or less) intensely, such as sounds, textures, tastes, or smells

Autism presents differently in everyone. Some autistic people may 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 that autism is often under recognised in women and other groups, meaning many people may be diagnosed later in life or previously misdiagnosed.

It is also common for autistic people to have other neurodevelopmental differences, such as ADHD, dyslexia, or dyspraxia, and some may experience mental health challenges like 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 different reasons. Some adults did not have access to assessment or support when they were younger. Others have developed ways of coping or “masking” that may have hidden 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, having a clearer understanding of themselves and a language to describe their experiences. It can help make sense of feeling different and can reduce self-blame.

At the same time, some people feel sadness or frustration that this understanding came later in life, particularly if they experienced misunderstanding or lack of support in the past. All of these responses (and more) are valid, and 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 in work or education
• Information, advocacy, and guidance tailored to your needs
• Access to relevant services, where appropriate

For many people, diagnosis is not about changing who they are, but about understanding themselves more fully and finding the support that helps them thrive.

Our autism assessments are comprehensive, neuroaffirmative, and tailored to each individual. We use a multidisciplinary approach, meaning you will be supported by experienced clinicians from different professional backgrounds who work 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, and where the outcome provides meaningful insight, clarity, and practical recommendations to support you in everyday life.

Stage 1: The Initial Consultation

Your initial appointment is designed to build a thorough and supportive understanding of your experiences. During this appointment, we will explore your current situation as well as your background history, including your developmental history, mental health, and any relevant medical information. With your consent, we will also consider information from people who know you well, to help create a fuller picture. This is a collaborative and respectful conversation, where you are encouraged to share your experiences at your own pace, and where your perspective is central to the process.

• How long is the appointment? Up to 90 minutes.
• Who is the appointment with? A Consultant Psychiatrist
• Who should attend this appointment? Please attend this appointment with someone who knows you well, preferably someone who has known you since you were a baby/young child.
• How is this appointment carried out? 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 involves a structured but relaxed session, where we will guide you through a series of conversational topics and activities. These are designed to explore areas such as communication style, social interaction, imagination, and patterns of behaviour. There are no “right” or “wrong” answers, and it is not a test you can pass or fail. It provides an opportunity for you to be yourself while the clinician observes how you naturally communicate and engage.

• How long is the appointment? Up to 90 minutes.
• Who is the appointment with? A Clinical Psychologist or Speech and Language Therapist.
• Who should attend this appointment? You attend this appointment alone.
• How is this appointment carried out? In person.

Stage 3: Team discussion and integration of assessment information

A multi-disciplinary team (MDT) discussion is an important step in ensuring that your assessment is as thorough, balanced, and accurate as possible. After your assessment appointments, our team will come together to carefully review all the information gathered, including interviews, observations, questionnaires, and your developmental history. By bringing together different professional perspectives, the team can consider your experiences in a holistic way and ensure that a diagnosis of autism is based on clear, evidence-based criteria (DSM-5). This collaborative approach helps to provide a detailed understanding of your strengths and differences and ensures that any conclusions and recommendations are thoughtful and tailored to you.

Stage 4: Feedback appointment

At your feedback appointment we take time to talk through the results of your assessment in a clear and supportive way. During this session, we will explain what we found from the different parts of the assessment, and how these relate to your experiences both now and in your early life. We will discuss whether the findings are consistent with autism and what this means for you. There will be plenty of space for you to ask questions, reflect on the information, and make sense of it in a way that feels meaningful to you. We will also talk through personalised recommendations, which may include a combination of strategies, support options and psychological approaches. We will highlight your individual strengths and differences. Our aim is that you leave the appointment with a clear understanding and a plan that feels helpful and supportive for you.

• How long is the appointment? Up to one hour.
• Who is the appointment with? The Consultant Psychiatrist who you met with for your first appointment.
• Who should attend this appointment? You can attend this appointment alone, or you can bring someone along with you.
• How is this appointment carried out? Online or in person.

We are able to offer post-diagnostic support and psychological therapy specifically tailored to autistic people, please do ask our team if this is something you wish to pursue after receiving your feedback session.

Report

A comprehensive report will be sent out to you and your GP approximately 4 weeks after your feedback appointment. We can also provide a less detailed letter stating the diagnosis which does not contain any of the more private details discussed in the assessment, so that it can easily be given to those who support you, for example, your manager or university student services. Written information will also be provided about what local supports may be helpful to access moving forward.