Autism Assessment
A specialist diagnostic service for adults who may be autistic or identify with traits associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Who should consider an autism assessment?
You may wish to consider an autism assessment if you have experienced lifelong differences in how you relate to others, communicate, and process the world around you. Many adults seek assessment after recognising patterns that have been present since childhood but were not previously identified.
Common reasons include:
- Difficulty understanding or navigating social situations
- Feeling “different” from others from an early age
- Challenges forming or maintaining friendships
- Sensory sensitivities (sounds, lights, textures, smells)
- Strong need for routines or predictability
- Deep or highly focused interests
- Difficulty interpreting social rules or expectations
- Feeling exhausted after social interaction
Common adult presentations of autism
Autism in adults can present in many different ways. Some individuals may appear highly capable in structured environments while experiencing significant internal effort to manage social and sensory demands.
You may notice:
- Difficulty interpreting social cues such as tone, facial expressions, or body language
- Challenges with back-and-forth conversation or social reciprocity
- Preference for predictable routines and discomfort with unexpected change
- Intense focus on specific interests or topics
- Sensory sensitivities or sensory-seeking behaviours
- Difficulty understanding implied meaning, sarcasm, or figurative language
- Social fatigue or need for extended recovery after interactions
- Masking or camouflaging social differences in public settings
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference and varies widely between individuals.
What the assessment includes
Our autism assessment follows structured clinical methods aligned with recognised diagnostic frameworks, including guidance from NICE Autism Guideline CG142 and international diagnostic standards.
Your assessment may include:
- A detailed clinical interview exploring current experiences and history
- Developmental history covering childhood communication and behaviour
- Use of validated autism assessment tools and clinical rating measures
- Review of supporting information where appropriate (e.g. school reports, family input, or medical records)
- Exploration of social communication, sensory experiences, and behavioural patterns
- Differential diagnosis to consider alternative or co-occurring conditions
- Clinical formulation and diagnostic conclusion (where criteria are met)
- A comprehensive written report with findings and recommendations
Duration of the assessment
The full assessment process typically involves approximately 2 to 3 hours of clinician time, which may be completed across multiple stages.
This includes:
- Pre-assessment questionnaires completed at home
- Developmental history gathering
- Clinical interview with a specialist clinician
- In-depth diagnostic evaluation and formulation
Additional time may be required if collateral information is reviewed.
What happens afterwards?
After your assessment, you will receive clear feedback regarding the outcome.
If diagnostic criteria are met, you will receive:
- A formal diagnosis (where appropriate)
- A detailed clinical report explaining findings
- Individualised recommendations for support and adjustments
Your report can be shared (with your consent) with:
- Your GP
- Employers (for reasonable adjustments)
- Educational institutions or training providers
Treatment and support
Insight Neurodevelopment Clinic provides diagnostic assessment only.
We do not provide:
- Medication
- Prescriptions
- Medical treatment or titration
- Therapy or ongoing clinical management
However, if autism is identified, we can provide guidance on appropriate support pathways, workplace or educational adjustments, and relevant services.
Taking the next step
If you recognise the experiences described above and would like clarity about your neurodevelopmental profile, an autism assessment may help you better understand your strengths, challenges, and support needs. To begin the process, please contact the clinic or complete the referral form.
