Adults with neurodevelopmental disorders can experience a range of problems with huge potential effects on their relationships, self-esteem, families, and career. This requires an individualised and evidence based approach to assessment and developing a package of care that could include talking therapy or coaching. It’s never too late to get a diagnosis – people well into their 70’s say it gives a new found understanding and meaning to their lives.
Our adult autism assessment package is suitable for someone where autism is suspected but they have not previously been diagnosed with autism. It’s important to get the diagnosis of Autism right, it’s a lifelong diagnosis, so you want to be sure you are getting the best possible assessment. This includes the use of gold standard diagnostic tool (ADOS) as well as a thorough psychological assessment.
What does the adult autism assessment package involve?
Our Autism assessments are based on UK best practice models and they are designed in line with latest research and meet or exceed government standards including the recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on Autism in adults. The comprehensive package, designed to accurately diagnose and provide in-depth information about any condition or symptoms which are experienced.
The assessment will be carried out by a psychologist – a doctoral level trained Clinician who specialises in mental health. During the assessment your psychologist will ask you questions about your life, review the questionnaire results with you and answer any questions you might have.
It can be very helpful to bring a friend or family member to the assessment, although this is not mandatory. They can often help answer questions the psychologist has, which you may not be sure about. It’s useful if this person knew you as a child.
1. Pre-assessment questionnaires - Before the assessment you will receive two questionnaires which you will be asked to complete and return. These help the psychologist understand more about your situation and the difficulties you experience.
2. Appointment for you - Your Clinician will speak with you and a relative or close friend you choose to bring with you take a full and comprehensive neurodevelopmental history analyse pre-assessment questionnaires sent to you before the Autism appointment conduct the psychological interview use a specialist diagnostic questionnaire for ASD.
3. Diagnostic report – following your appointment the clinicians will need to write everything up, using all the information that has been gathered. A full and comprehensive report is written, with a diagnosis (where one can be made) and further recommendations that may help you overcome some of the difficulties you are experiencing, which can include talking therapy (for conditions like anxiety or depression).
4. Feedback appointment – all to often people receive their diagnosis and then are left feeling ‘What is next?’. It’s natural to have a lot of questions, so as part of our assessment you will meet with the Psychologist again to have time to go through the report and ask any questions you have.
5. Additional assessment - Your clinician may recommend further testing if they think another condition is more likely and this will be discussed in full with you if applicable.