Autism Assessment

What is Autism?

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference which impacts how people view, communicate and interact with the world.

It is important to understand that individuals experience autism differently. Some may attempt to “mask” their difficulties around certain people or settings in order to fit in.

THE PROCESS

Why pursue an autism assessment?

Receiving an autism diagnosis can offer meaningful insight, greater self-understanding, and access to the right support.

  • Gain clarity about your thoughts, behaviours, and social experiences, helping you make sense of how you relate to the world and process information.
  • Develop a stronger sense of identity, leading to improved self-acceptance, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.
  • Recognise your strengths, as well as areas where specific support, strategies, or adjustments could be beneficial.
  • Help others understand and support you better, including colleagues, educators, family members, and healthcare providers.
  • Access appropriate services, adjustments, and legal protections, such as workplace accommodations or support in education and daily life.

At Harley Street ADHD, we offer in-depth autism assessments led by experienced clinicians. Whether you’re exploring autism for the first time or seeking confirmation of long-standing experiences, we provide a respectful, thoughtful, and clinically robust approach to help you move forward with confidence.

Assessment information

Our autism assessments follow UK best practice guidelines and are designed with the latest clinical research in mind. Each assessment meets or exceeds the standards set by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

1
Pre-screening

Prior to your assessment, we will ask you to complete some questionnaires detailing possible symptoms of autism you may have experienced both in childhood and adulthood. Where possible, we will also ask one of your parents, or someone else who has known you well in childhood, to provide information about any difficulties that they remember you experiencing when younger.

2
Autism assessment

Your assessment will involve a 2-hour appointment with a clinician, who will carry out a detailed evaluation of any challenges you’ve experienced with social interaction and other traits associated with autism. They’ll also explore key areas of your life, including your medical history, relationships, and education.

You may also want to bring someone who knows you well to the assessment, such as a parent or partner. Having another perspective can help your psychiatrist understand your problems better, and it may help to reduce any anxiety that you may have.

All of our assessments meet or exceed NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines and will be conducted using a recognised process such as the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised) or the Royal College of Psychiatry Diagnostic Interview.

3
ADOS-2 informed assessment

You will then meet with another clinician to conduct the ADOS-2 informed assessment (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule). This will take around 45-60 minute and involves completing a variety of different semi-structured tasks to explore further any difficulties that you may have with social communication, relationships and day to day activities.

4
Multi-disciplinary team (MDT) discussion

Once these assessments are complete, the results will be discussed in a MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) meeting. This will include the two clinicians who assessed you, as well as other team members, and a decision will be made about a diagnosis of autism.

5
Feedback

The outcome of the MDT will then be discussed with you in a 30-minute feedback meeting. If a diagnosis of autism is made, the reasons for this will be fully explained to you, and you will also be provided with a variety of useful post-diagnostic resources.

If a diagnosis of autism is made, your clinician will explain the reasons clearly and share a range of helpful post-diagnostic resources.

If a diagnosis is not made, you’ll be given a full explanation, and your clinician may explore alternative diagnoses or suggest further assessments or treatment options.

6
Report

We understand the need for a prompt reporting of your assessment. We aim to complete your report within 3 weeks of your final appointment. If you require proof of diagnosis more urgently, we can provide this within 1 week.

Autism Assessment

(including 120 minute psychiatric assessment, ADOS, MDT discussion and 30 minute feedback appointment)

£1800

Repeat prescription fee

£50