Adult Autism Assessments

Private Adult Autism Assessment within Elysian Psychology.

What is Autism?

Autism refers to individuals who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD),as children and have grown into adulthood. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior or interests.

In adulthood, individuals with autism may face various challenges related to social interactions, communication, sensory sensitivities, and managing daily routines. However, each person's experience with autism is unique; some adults with autism lead independent lives, while others may require varying levels of support and accommodations.

Many adults with autism have specific strengths, such as attention to detail, a strong focus on their interests, and unique perspectives, which can be valuable in certain professions or fields. Support services, therapies, and interventions are available to assist adults with autism in navigating daily life, fostering independence, and maximising their potential.

More information on The National Autistic Society - What is autism

Stage 1 - Mandatory Pre-Screen Assessment

You may book a pre-screen Autism Assessment which will be stage 1 of the process. You will spend around an hour with the Clinical Psychologist via our online telehealth system, online appointment.

The Clinical Psychologist will ask a variety of questions, to get a good background about you. Our team may ask that you bring someone with you who knew you as a child, such as one of your parents or another family member who knows you well. This is because they may provide important information about your childhood and early development.

After this appointment, you will receive a letter to either offer you an appointment to a full Autism Assessment or a letter to advise that the Clinical Psychologist does not feel an Assessment would be helpful. If you are not offered an appointment, you will receive a letter including a working understanding of your difficulties and recommendations to help you move forward.

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Stage 2 - Autism Full Assessment

This appointment is roughly 2:30 - 3 hours in person appointment. The appointment will take place at one of our Therapy Room locations in West Bridgford.

This assessment will involve asking you and who you bring with you a variety of questions about your early development and your current functioning. You will have opportunities to ask questions and importantly as many breaks as necessary to support you through the process. A diagnosis is not a medical examination. You will not be examined physically and will not be asked to provide samples, such as blood.

Assessing you and what does this look like?

The characteristics of autism vary from one person to another, but in order for a diagnosis to be made, you will usually be assessed as having had persistent difficulties with social communication, social interaction, and restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviors, activities or interests (this includes sensory differences). These difficulties will have been present since early childhood and will have affected your everyday life.

After your Assessment.

After your assessment, you will receive a report that will advise you of your result. This report will include a working understanding of how your autism impacts you individually, your strengths, needs, and any recommendations that should be considered to best support you.

You will be offered a feedback appointment with your Clinical Psychologist to talk through any parts of the report that you find unclear.

Sometimes people are told they aren't autistic, and further recommendations will be provided in your report.