Online* Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessments for adults
* Blackmore, et. al. (2023) research has validated the online assessments for the ADOS for adults to be as valid as in person assessments.
What we do
The team of appropriately trained clinicians, all experts in diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder in adults, will complete an online neurodiversity assessment. Once fully assessed, a diagnoses will be considered and confirmed, if appropriate. The team will then discuss helpful next steps, possibly including support through specialist organisations.
A diagnosis can help you:
- Understand why you might find/experience some things/situations harder than other people.
- Explain to others why you see and feel/experience the world in a different way.
- Get support at college, university, or work.
- Obtain financial benefits, if appropriate.
Referral Guidance for GPs
Please find below referral guidance for GPs in England and also for for GPs Scotland Wales Northern Ireland:
“Autism isn’t something that a person has, it is a way of being. It colours every experience, every sensation, every perception, thought, emotion and encounter, every aspect of existence,”
The Assessment Process
We understand that social interaction might be challenging for some people and will make adjustments as best we can to support you.
The assessment process consists of online questionnaires and meetings via video-link.
The meetings are conducted with you and a person you nominate (someone who knows you well and has known you for a significant period of time).
The duration of each meeting can range between 50 and 90 minutes.
The meetings are conducted as in-depth clinical interviews, covering a range of experiences and concerns, ensuring that you feel heard and understood.
We first send you a link to an online autism questionnaire
The second step gathers information from you and your nominated person via online questionnaires
The third step entails diagnostic interviews with you and your nominated person separately, using the Autism Clinical Interview for Adults (ACIA), and in some cases the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS).
As autism can present in a similar way to other conditions, our trained clinicians will be able to distinguish between those and autism itself, thus better able to ensure the outcome of an accurate diagnosis.
At the end of each session, you will be given the opportunity to ask questions. A report with a comprehensive synopsis will conclude the assessment indicating whether or not the person has met criteria for a formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Where appropriate, it will make recommendations and offer guidance on how to move forward.
A number of people talk about the experience of autism in terms of inhabiting a world. It is not a ‘disease’, or something a person has, but rather a term that encapsulates a different way of navigating the same life. For this reason, the assessment process is designed to help better understand the way you perceive both your internal and external world. We are focused on getting to know the way you see things, from a curious and non-judgmental viewpoint.
NHS Right to Choose
What is NHS England Right to Choose?
If you are referred by your GP for an autism assessment for the first time, you can usually choose any provider with an NHS contract to provide the service you need.
Neurodiversity Assessment Ltd offer autism assessments for adults under the NHS Right to Choose scheme.
We do not currently have a waiting list. Obtain a referral as follows:
Visit your GP
Discuss your concerns with your GP, and how these impact different areas of your life. We recommend you complete the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ10) to take with you to your GP appointment:
Ask to be referred
If your GP agrees that an assessment is appropriate, ask to be referred to Neurodiversity Assessment Ltd under Right to Choose.
Your GP does not need to get prior approval for your referral from the local ICB.
Your GP refers you
Ask your GP to email a referral letter to admin@neurodiversityassessment.com
Please make sure your GP has your current mobile number and email address.
Your GP can find more information on our webpage:
We contact you
We shall contact you within 24 hours after we have received the referral from your GP to acknowledge the referral and explain the next steps.
FAQs
What is Right to Choose (RTC) ?
What is Right to Choose (RTC) ?
- Adults registered with GPs in England, in most cases, have a legal right to choose which specialist services they wish to be referred to.
- The service they choose must be a ‘qualified provider’. Neurodiversity Assessment Ltd is a qualified provider of assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- You can read more about Right to Choose here:
https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/your-choices-in-the-nhs/
Who pays?
Assessments under the Right to Choose scheme are funded by the NHS.
If you self-refer, we will invoice you directly.
Can I self-refer to Neurodiversity Assessment Ltd?
For Right to Choose, you have to be referred by your GP.
If you are willing to pay for yourself, you can self-refer.
Does my GP have to apply for funding or obtain permission to refer me under Right to Choose?
No, if your GP believes it is appropriate to refer you for an assessment, they do not have to obtain any permission or funding approval to refer you.
How are the assessments delivered?
We only offer online assessments. This means that:
- We can provide assessments to patients anywhere in the UK
- We communicate with you via email and text messages
- Your assessment interview takes place via a secure video call
What is the assessment process?
- The assessment process involves questionnaires and interviews with the patient and a person who knows them well.
What do I need to provide?
- Agreement to a secure online video assessment
- Your e-mail address and a mobile phone number
- Photo ID
What is the waiting list time?
We do not currently have a waiting list.
Are you registered with CQC?
No, we do not provide a regulated activity that requires registration with CQC. More information can be found here:
Signs of Autism
Every adult with autism can have different experiences to another autistic adult as every person’s brain is unique...
…even though there are multiple similar behaviors persons with autism share.
These may include:
Difficulties in the workplace
Many workplace environments do not have the correct information or understanding of neurodivergent people, resulting in a lack of support in the work environment to support people with autism. Without the correct information and empathy, it can leave people with autism feeling undervalued, disempowered, and incapable. A positive diagnosis and acceptance of a person with autism can be very helpful at work, as employers can recommend and implement reasonable adjustments to help that person reach their full potential and contribute to the working environment.
Difficulties in temperament
There is a significantly higher proportion of people with autism who suffer with their mental wellbeing compared to the general/ neurotypical population. Although Autism itself does not cause mental health problems, living in a world that is not user friendly towards you can result in a tough and draining life with the need for support. Once a person is diagnosed with autism, support and better understanding can be given to guide them to engage better with others, should they choose to do so.
Difficulties in your relationships
People with autism are not always able to assess and understand other people or even their own emotional desires, and often find relationships difficult as a result thereof. Family, friends and romantic partners have expectations that are not always possible to be fulfilled when a person is neurodivergent. They can become frustrated and disappointed if their expectations are not met. As people with autism frequently experience stress and low mood, difficulties in relationships can add to these emotions.
Difficulties with Sensory Sensitivities
Unlike neurotypical people, people with autism tend to have either a higher (hyper) or lower (hypo) regulator for their senses. Being surrounded by a lot of noise, like in a shopping mall, a coffee shop/pub or on a busy street, can cause them to feel intensely annoyed or aggravated and they might experience a level of stress that can feel unbearable. Once the person has moved out of that noisy environment into a safe space, they might need some time to calm down. Some people with autism might find physical touch, even if it is done with affection and respect, very unpleasant. Several people struggle to find food with a taste or texture that appeals to them. These sensitivities, though often a fundamental part of being neurodiverse, can be very difficult for the individual with autism and as difficult to understand for others who do not suffer from autism. Once these sensitivities are understood, they can be better accommodated for.
“If you’ve met one person with Autism, you’ve met one person with Autism”
Who are the clinicians?
Lesia S Joubert
"The pathway is designed to included standardised assessment, alongside interview techniques, so that we have both qualitative and quantitative information to inform our findings. We won’t just tell you whether you meet the threshold; we will explain what your individual strengths and areas of difficulty are, so we can make bespoke recommendations tailored to your unique situation."
The Fees
Full assessment
(three sessions) with final report
£1900
Follow-up sessions
(30 minutes)
£300
