Adult Autism Services
Adult Autism Assessment
STEP 4
Assessment letter and debrief
Following your assessment, we’ll arrange a summary conversation for 1 hour to talk through your assessment conclusions and recommendations. We will also send an assessment letter within two to three weeks summarising all the components of the assessment, our diagnostic opinion and recommendations. We can also arrange a follow up appointment for 1 hour to discuss the assessment letter and recommendations if you’d like to talk through anything in more detail.
STEP 3
Developmental assessment
A developmental assessment called the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R). The ADI-R is completed with a parent or someone who knew the person very well when they were young. It takes around 2 hours and mainly focuses on early childhood history and development. We also ask you to complete a few short questionnaires to screen for conditions that commonly co-occur with autism (E.g., anxiety).
STEP 2
Clinical interview
A clinical interview (a conversation) for up to 4 hours that takes place over two or three meetings depending on what the person prefers. This involves talking about topics including current difficulties, childhood development and what life was like growing up, education and employment, social relationships, physical health and emotional wellbeing, hobbies, strengths and preferences.
STEP 1
Introductory consultation
A free initial phone call or Zoom for up to 60 minutes to understand a bit more about the reasons for the referral, to offer information about the assessment process and to answer any questions. If we think we are not the best service to provide a diagnostic assessment, we discuss this and may signpost to other services.
How it works
Your questions answered
Rather than simply giving a diagnostic opinion about autism, we offer a formulation-based approach to the assessment. This means that, together with the person, we aim to develop a shared understanding of the ways in which any difficulties, traits and symptoms may link together, how these have impacted on day-to-day functioning and what skills, strategies or resources have helped them cope and get by.
For example, as part of the assessment, we think about whether a person may be experiencing co-occurring conditions alongside autism (E.g., anxiety & low mood) and how these may interact and influence each other. We also think about whether there might be a different explanation for the symptoms and difficulties the person describes.
Irrespective of the diagnostic outcome, we aim to identify a range of recommendations.
What happens at the end of an adult autism assessment?
In our experience, some people feel confident that having an autism assessment will be useful for them. But this isn’t always the case. Some people, for example, feel unsure if an assessment will be beneficial, yet others in their lives (such as partners or parents) think that this is very important.
We sometimes offer one (or more) appointments, so that people and anyone else they would like to invite, have a supportive space to talk through issues that come up when thinking about having an autism assessment. In these appointments, we usually incorporate approaches commonly used in systemic therapy; approaches that can help people share their thoughts and concerns with each other, and find ways of managing difficulties jointly, rather than alone.
Should I book an adult autism assessment?
Yes, at The Cavendish clinic we like to make you feel as comfortable as possible, and if you’re considering any of our services, we offer a friendly 60 minute consultation to understand a bit more about the reasons for the referral.
Do you offer a free consultation?
We understand that paying for an adult autism assessment can be a significant investment, and that cost is often an important factor in progressing with next steps.
With this in mind, we strive to keep our fees transparent and fair, ensuring they reflect the training, expertise, and high-quality care provided by our experienced therapists. You can find out more about our fees on our pricing page.
How much does an adult autism assessment cost?
Sometimes we think it would be clinically helpful to add extra components to your assessment, to inform the diagnostic opinion. There is no extra charge for this and we always make time to talk with the person about why we think this is important.
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2: This is a specialist assessment of autistic traits that involves some activities and chatting. It takes around 1 hour and the ADOS-2 is only validated to be done in person, and we can do these in our London or Leamington Spa offices.
Additional screening questionnaires: Looking into difficulties, coping styles and day to day functioning.
An extra meeting with important people in the person’s life: For example, their partner or a friend, to find out more about the person’s strengths and any difficulties.
In depth structured assessment of specific mental health conditions For example, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder.
What if additional diagnostic opinions are needed?
What our patients say
You have both been incredibly kind and nothing has ever seemed too much trouble. The information, guidance and signposting to more sources of support will be invaluable.
It was a real pleasure to talk to people who really understood the complexity and subtlety of my son’s autism...it was great to see how you got beneath the surface to get the real story from him. You were kind, empathetic, encouraging and generous.
Very pleased that we were able to take advantage of their skills to assist [our son] in getting the diagnosis and help that he needs.
This was the best interaction I’ve ever had with professionals, they were super supportive and consistently made sure I was comfortable, and really took the time to understand me and my needs.
services for all
Our Core Values
At The Cavendish Clinic, we are committed to providing compassionate and expert care in an approachable, kind, and collaborative environment. We prioritize clarity in all our interactions, ensuring that every individual receives the support they deserve with kindness, expertise, and a focus on collaboration.