An autism assessment is a thorough evaluation designed to determine whether a person exhibits patterns of behaviour and thought consistent with those on the autism spectrum. At Autism & ADHD Diagnostic Centre, our assessments are conducted by experienced clinicians who specialise in understanding the breadth and variability of autism presentations in adults and children. Our goal is to provide clarity and understanding, helping you navigate your social, professional, and personal life with greater insight.
What is Autism?
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people.
It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. Autistic people have said that the world, to them, is a mass of people, places, and events which they struggle to make sense of and which can cause them considerable anxiety.
In particular, understanding and relating to other people, maintaining eye contact, and enhancing interaction skills during everyday family and social situations may be harder for them. Autistic people often experience varying degrees of difficulty with social interaction, which is a core aspect of their condition. Autism is part of the autism spectrum and is sometimes referred to as an autism spectrum disorder, or an ASD. The word ‘spectrum’ is used because, while all autistic people share these main areas of difficulty, their condition will affect them in very different ways.
Autism assessment
Who are our Autism Assessments for?
Our assessments are designed for adults & children who:
Suspect they may have autism based on personal observations or the insights of those close to them.
Have struggled with social interactions, communication, and sensory experiences throughout their lives.
Are seeking confirmation of their diagnosis to access appropriate support and resources.
Whether you are looking to confirm a diagnosis or to understand yourself better, our assessments provide the insights you need.
Autism Assessments for adults
Adult Autism assessments typically explore how people find communication, interpersonal relationships, and social interaction across different environments. These conversations explore both historic childhood memories and present day experiences.
Autism Assessments for children
Autism assessments in children and adolescents combine conversation and observation. The assessor will develop an understanding of how the child or adolescent experiences the world around them, within a friendly and comfortable assessment environment.
How and What Symptoms Can our Autism Assessment Help With?
ASD assessments are crucial in identifying a wide range of symptoms and other characteristics that may affect your daily functioning. These symptoms not only define the signs of autism but also highlight the unique ways in which individuals experience the world.
The key areas we focus on include:
Social Communication Challenges
Difficulties in understanding non-verbal communication, maintaining eye contact, and carrying on conversations or forming relationships are common signs of autism. These social communication challenges can significantly impact an individual’s ability to interact in social settings. Our assessments aim to identify these challenges so that appropriate strategies can be developed.
Repetitive Behaviours and Routines
A strong preference for predictable environments, distress at small changes, or repetitive movements are other characteristics that our assessments can pinpoint. Understanding these aspects of behaviour is vital in creating environments that are supportive and accommodating for autistic individuals.
Sensory Sensitivities
Our assessments are designed to detect over- or under-reactions to sensory inputs such as sounds, lights, and textures. These sensitivities are critical signs that can affect everyday life, making certain environments and situations challenging.
Unique Cognitive Abilities
Differences in attention, such as exceptional focus on areas of interest and challenges in shifting attention away, are also examined. These unique cognitive abilities can be both a strength and a challenge for autistic people, affecting how they learn, work, and interact with others.
Understanding these symptoms and other characteristics through a professional assessment can lead to tailored support strategies, enhancing your well-being and your ability to interact effectively with the world.
What is the assessment process at ADC?
Step 1
Initial Consultation:
Your assessment journey starts with a private consultation to discuss your reasons for seeking an assessment and what you hope to achieve.
Step 2
Diagnostic Evaluation:
We use a combination of interviews and gold standard diagnostic tools to explore various elements of your experiences and behaviour. This evaluation is tailored to be empathetic and respectful of your comfort.
Step 3
Report:
Following a multidisciplinary discussion, we provide a comprehensive report detailing the findings of your assessment.
Step 4
Feedback and Support:
As well as a diagnostic outcome, we provide personalised recommendations of next steps, signposting to the correct support organisations and tools.
How can an Autism assessment benefit you?
Here are some of the most transformative advantages of undergoing a professional diagnosis:
Personal Understanding: Gain a deeper insight into your behaviours and thought patterns, helping to explain past experiences and current challenges.
Tailored Strategies: Access personalised strategies designed to leverage your strengths and accommodate your challenges.
Improved Relationships: Understanding your autism spectrum profile can improve your relationships, both personal and professional, by fostering better communication and understanding.
Access to Resources: A formal diagnosis can provide access to support networks, services, and interventions tailored to your needs.
Making a referral is easy.
If you think that you or someone you know would benefit from an Autism or ADHD assessment with a member of our team, make a referral via our form.