Adult Autism Assessment
The journey to an autism diagnosis can often be complex and overwhelming, requiring a systematic approach and collaboration between various professionals. In this guide, we aim to provide you with a step-by-step overview of the diagnosis pathway to help you navigate the process with confidence and clarity.
Initial Consultation
The first step to accessing an autism assessment for your child is for you and your child to attend a 90 minute Initial Consultation together. To book please click here.
In the Initial Consultation you will meet with a clinician in-person where they will talk through your concerns, discuss areas of need and the impact a diagnosis may have. Sometimes labels can be very useful to put support in place at school, work or home. Sometimes they are a burden, and can weigh heavily unless the right advice and support is available.
This appointment is useful if you are not sure if you would meet the threshold for an autism diagnosis, or just to understand more about the process. Following this appointment, the clinician will suggest whether going ahead with a full autism assessment is warranted and a detailed written report will be sent out to you highlighting our recommendations and an ongoing plan.
If a full assessment is recommended and you decide to proceed, the next step will be to book your ADOS-2 and ADIR appointments.
Preliminary questionnaires will be sent out for you and someone who has known you well for at least 6 months to complete at
this stage.
What to Expect
The journey to an autism diagnosis can often be complex and overwhelming, requiring a systematic approach and collaboration between various professionals. In this guide, we aim to provide you with a step-by-step overview of the diagnosis pathway to help you navigate the process with confidence and clarity.
During the initial consultation with you we will talk through what a diagnosis could mean, the impact that it may have and why you need one. Sometimes labels can be very useful to put support in place at work or home. Sometimes they are a burden, and can weigh heavily unless the right advice and support is available.
.The initial consultation can be completed online if you wish, otherwise we will hold it in our Wimbledon Clinic.
The ADOS- 2 stands for Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - Second Edition. It is considered to be the ‘gold standard’ instrument for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our trained expert in ADOS - 2 will take you through a series of activities, none of which need to be prepared for. It will be filmed so that the case can be reviewed and coded with team members.
Once the team has reached a joint conclusion, you will receive feedback on the assessment. This will be given to you in a safe and knowledgeable environment that welcomes questions. We will suggest areas that could benefit from ongoing support by one of our expert clinicians to help you in areas that may be an everyday struggle. We aim to inspire people by encouraging inclusive environments for everyone on the neuro-spectrum, helping all autistic people to achieve their potential.
Diagnosis Pathway
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1. ADi-R with a clinician (up to 3 hours)
This is a developmental history interview which will focus on early childhood between the ages of 4-5. Ideally we will need a friend or relative who knows you well, however if this is not possible, we will discuss alternatives with you.
This appointment is held online.
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2. ADOS
The ADOS is a semi-structured activity based assessment administered by a trained clinician (up to 1.5 hours) onsite in our clinic at Ridgway Mews. You do not need to bring anything or prepare for it. This will be recorded on a video camera so the multidisciplinary team can review it as part of their decision making process.
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4. Multi-Disciplinary Team Discussion
Following the completion of the assessment, the multi-disciplinary team will meet to carefully consider all the information available and make a decision about whether you do or do not meet the criteria for Autistic Spectrum Condition . We will let you know the outcome of this meeting via a courtesy call.
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5. Clinical report
We aim to provide you with your report within four weeks of your ADOS and ADI-r appointments. This will usually take up to two weeks from the consensus call. You will be offered feedback appointment times when your report is sent through.
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6. Feedback session
You will receive a feedback session with the lead Clinical Psychologist to discuss the outcome of your report and their recommendations going forward. This appointment is held online.