Adult Autism Assessments

Autism Spectrum Condition

Our adult autism assessments are designed for people who have spent a lifetime adapting, masking, compensating, or being misunderstood. We offer a gold-standard, multi-disciplinary diagnostic assessment that recognises the complexity and diversity of autistic experience in adulthood — particularly where presentations are subtle, atypical, or shaped by years of coping.

This service is delivered by an experienced team with deep expertise in diagnostic nuance, co-occurring conditions, and the realities of adult life. We work from a neuro-affirmative framework, viewing autism as a valid neurotype rather than a deficit or disorder, whilst also understanding the significant challenge many autistic individuals have experienced throughout their lives in trying to function within a neurotypically aligned society.

A multi-disciplinary approach

In line with NICE/SIGN guidelines, your assessment is completed by a collaborative clinical team, who all have many years’ experience assessing autism, both in the NHS and private practice.

• You will always be assessed by a Clinical Psychologist along with either a Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist or a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (if you are also being assessed for ADHD concurrently, you will also see a Consultant Psychiatrist).
• All of our assessment team members have specialist expertise in adult autism, and in assessing differential diagnosis and co-occurring conditions.

This team-based approach allows us to explore your experiences from multiple perspectives, ensuring the assessment is thorough, balanced, and clinically robust.

Expertise in diagnostic nuance

Adult autism often does not present in textbook ways. Our clinicians are highly experienced in recognising autism where it may be:

• Masked or camouflaged
• Overlapping with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, or burnout
• Historically missed due to gendered, cultural, or societal biases
• Misattributed to personality, attachment, or “high functioning” narratives

We take time to carefully differentiate autism from — and alongside — other neurodevelopmental and mental health presentations, recognising that complex profiles are the norm, not the exception.

What the assessment involves

Our assessments follow recognised gold-standard diagnostic frameworks, adapted thoughtfully for adults. They typically include:

• A detailed developmental and life-history interview
• Exploration of sensory processing, communication, identity, and daily functioning
• Standardised diagnostic tools, used flexibly and appropriately
• Consideration of masking, compensation strategies, and burnout
• Involvement of an informant (where helpful and appropriate)
• Review of school reports or other historical documentation (where available/relevant)

The process is collaborative rather than interrogative, with space for reflection, clarification, and understanding.

A neuro-affirmative philosophy

We work from the belief that autistic ways of thinking, sensing, and relating are natural variations of human neurodiversity.

A neuro-affirmative assessment means:

• Your traits are explored with respect, not pathologised
• Strengths, values, and adaptations are recognised alongside challenges
• Language is thoughtful, respectful, and person-centred
• The goal is understanding and self-knowledge, not labels for their own sake

Many clients describe the assessment as a process of making sense of their life, rather than being judged against narrow criteria.

Clear, meaningful outcomes

Following your assessment, you will receive:

• A comprehensive diagnostic report written in clear, accessible language
• Thoughtful formulation of your neurodivergent profile
• Practical recommendations tailored to your needs and goals
• Documentation suitable for personal understanding, workplace adjustments, or further care
• A list of relevant resources including books, apps, websites etc

Whether or not a diagnosis is made, the focus is on clarity, validation, and next steps.

Post-diagnostic Services

Your story does not end with a diagnosis. Neither does our support. Within the practice we offer holistic, tailored support following an autism diagnosis.

Post diagnostic support sessions – these can be tailored to your personal needs in terms of frequency and content and cover a wide range of topics. Some examples are provided below.

• Gain deeper understanding of what diagnosis means for you within the context of your life.
• Support with telling family members and helping them understand how to support you.
• Plan how you might further inhabit your strengths and face challenges.
• Think collaboratively with your clinician about how autism affects learning, work, relationships.
• Goal setting and accountability.
• Help to access disability supports, consider workplace accommodations, supports and strategies for daily living and your home environment.

We also offer:

• Psychological Therapy
• Sessions to help family members understand and support you in diagnosis
• University and Workplace Advocacy
• Sensory Assessment & Interventions
• Speech & Language Therapy

Who this service is for

This assessment may be right for you if you:

• Suspect you may be autistic as an adult
• Have been told you “don’t quite fit the criteria” elsewhere
• Have complex mental health or neurodevelopmental history
• Want a respectful, in-depth, and affirming assessment experience
• Are seeking understanding rather than judgement

A compassionate, thoughtful space

We recognise that seeking an autism assessment as an adult can feel vulnerable, confusing, or emotionally charged. Our service is designed to be psychologically safe, unrushed, and deeply respectful of your lived experience.

You are the expert on your own life. We are here to help you understand it — together.