Adult Autism Assessments

Your journey begins with an initial consultation lasting approximately 60 minutes.This is an opportunity to discuss your experiences, explore your reasons for seeking an autism assessment and ask any questions you may have.During the consultation, Siobhan will explore your experiences with you and consider whether a full autism assessment would be the most appropriate next step. If there are indications that autism may be present, she will discuss the option of proceeding with a full assessment. Alternatively, she may recommend other avenues of assessment or support that could be more helpful for your individual circumstances.The aim is to ensure that any recommendations are tailored to your needs, helping you make an informed decision about how best to move forward.Cost: £180. If a full assessment is recommended and you choose to proceed, this amount is deducted from the full assessment fee.

As autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference, understanding your early development is an important part of the assessment.We will help you identify someone who can share information about your childhood, ideally a parent or family member who knew you when you were young. This helps our clinicians understand how your experiences and characteristics have developed over time.We recognise that not everyone has someone available who knew them during childhood. If this is the case, we can discuss alternative ways of gathering relevant information.

Your assessment involves two specialist appointments, each exploring different aspects of your experiences.Developmental History and Clinical Interview (ADI-R or ACIA)This appointment explores your developmental history, communication, relationships and everyday experiences.Depending on your individual circumstances, we may use the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R) or the Autism Clinical Interview for Adults (ACIA).The ADI-R involves a detailed conversation with someone who knows your early development well, such as a parent or family member. You are welcome to attend this appointment too.Where a suitable person is unavailable to provide your developmental history, the ACIA may be used instead. This allows us to explore your experiences directly with you.Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)This is an interactive appointment with a trained clinician, exploring your communication style, social interaction and individual characteristics.Where possible, we prefer to complete this appointment face-to-face at our welcoming assessment venue in Warrington.For clients who live further away or are unable to travel, we can discuss online assessment options where clinically appropriate.There are no right or wrong answers. Our clinicians will explain what to expect and help you feel comfortable throughout.

Bringing Everything TogetherFollowing your appointments, our clinicians review all the information gathered from your assessment.This multidisciplinary review allows us to reach a carefully considered, evidence-based diagnostic outcome.Your Feedback and ReportWe will arrange a feedback appointment to discuss the findings, explain the outcome and answer your questions.Following your feedback appointment, you will receive a comprehensive written report, including the diagnostic conclusions and personalised recommendations to help you understand your strengths, needs and next steps.Whether or not you receive an autism diagnosis, our aim is to provide greater clarity, understanding and practical guidance for the future.