Autism Assessment

Assessments are in accordance with NICE Guidelines.

If you haven’t already we advise you look at the national autistic society website for information about autism spectrum condition and what to expect in an autism assessment. https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/pre-diagnosis/adults

Autism screening questionnaires can be found at https://embrace-autism.com/

When you decide to begin your assessment you will be sent pre-assessment questionnaires to complete. Then we will book an initial one hour interview, in person or online, to assess which step is suitable for you. The pre-assessment questionnaires will be interpreted. The price includes a written record of the appointment which will form part of your final report.

You can choose at this stage whether or not to proceed with the full assessment.

All assessments include:

• A clinical assessment in person (can be online if required for accessibility)
  
• A full developmental history (with a family member who has known you since you were a child/or someone who knows you well such as a long term partner or friend.
• Contextual information gathered to inform the diagnostic/non diagnostic decision.
• A diagnostic/non diagnostic follow up discussion.
• A clinical report and recommendations valid for use within the NHS.
• A summary letter for employers (if diagnosed as Autistic).
• Signposting

Assessment takes 4-8 weeks.
If the threshold for a diagnosis of autism is not met, you can opt to receive a shorter report at a reduced cost.
You will be sent copies of the data collected during the assessment.

There are 3 Steps of Assessment available. The Steps vary in complexity. Some people will only need Step 1 before a diagnosis is reached. Other people may need all 3 steps of assessment before a diagnostic decision can be reached. The final charge is dependent upon how complex the assessment is. For example some people don’t need an ADOS 2, others do. Some people need a further specialist psychological, mental health, or specialist Speech and Language assessments before a diagnostic decision can be reached. You will have the final decision on which step you take.

• 50% of the Step 1* fee will be requested upon booking, regardless of which Step you are taking. The the final 50% of step 1 fee will be requested 48 hours before the first appointment. Payment for further steps will be requested in advance. All assessments start with Step 1. If you are engaging in therapy, autism assessment can be paid on a session by session basis.

•  The outcome  of an assessment can be 'not autistic'. This can be the outcome at any of the 3  steps of assessment. Refunds or returns of fees if you are not Autistic is not offered.

• Cancellations: Refunds or return of fees on the persons cancellation is not provided.- To reschedule a booking we will need 48 hours notice. You will not be charged if the assessor needs to cancel due to sickness. Your appointment will be rescheduled