FACT: Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects people of all ages, including adults who may have gone undiagnosed. Many adults seek diagnosis later in life after struggling with unidentified challenges.
FACT: Autism exists across the entire range of intellectual abilities, from significant learning disabilities to exceptional intelligence. Many autistic individuals have average or above-average IQ.
FACT: Autism is not a disease that needs curing; it's a different way of experiencing and interacting with the world. Support strategies can help with challenges, but they don't change a person's neurotype. Acceptance and understanding are essential.
FACT: Many autistic people experience deep empathy but may express it differently than neurotypical individuals. They can and do form meaningful, loving relationships, though social communication differences may present challenges.
FACT: There are no physical features that identify autism. It's characterized by differences in social communication, sensory processing, and patterns of behavior. Many autistic people "mask" or camouflage their traits in public.
FACT: Autism has a strong genetic component and involves complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. It is not caused by vaccines or parenting styles. Scientific research consistently disproves these harmful myths.
FACT: There are no physical features that identify autism. It's characterized by differences in social communication, sensory processing, and patterns of behavior. Many autistic people "mask" or camouflage their traits in public.
FACT: All genders can be autistic, though diagnosis rates have historically been higher in males. This is changing as understanding of how autism presents in females improves. Women and girls are often underdiagnosed due to different presentation patterns.
FACT: Private assessments conducted by qualified professionals using standardized diagnostic tools are equally valid as NHS assessments. Our assessments follow the same NICE guidelines and use the same diagnostic criteria.
FACT: Comprehensive adult autism assessments involve structured interviews, developmental history, standardized tools, observation of social communication, and expert clinical judgment. Our assessments include multiple components for diagnostic accuracy.
FACT: Many adults report that diagnosis brings relief, self-understanding, access to appropriate support, and legal accommodations. A diagnosis can help explain lifelong challenges and provide access to targeted support strategies.
Our assessment includes an initial screening questionnaire, review of developmental history, a detailed clinical interview covering current functioning, standardized diagnostic tools, and a comprehensive report with personalized recommendations. We use gold-standard assessment instruments recommended by NICE guidelines.
The full assessment includes triaging (1-2 hours), initial assessment interview (2-3 hours), and report writing. From referral to completed report typically takes 15 working days. Our streamlined process is designed to minimize waiting without compromising assessment quality.
A full ASD assessment costs £1,850. This includes triaging, initial assessment, robust report writing, and personalized treatment recommendations and support planning. This comprehensive package ensures you receive a thorough evaluation and actionable guidance.
All our ASD assessments are conducted by consultant psychiatrists with specialized training and extensive experience in adult autism assessment. Our clinicians are registered with the General Medical Council and have specific expertise in neurodevelopmental conditions.
While not strictly required, a GP referral can be helpful as it provides relevant medical history. We can assess without a referral, but may need your permission to contact your GP for information. Self-referrals are welcome for our private assessment service.
We provide a detailed report with personalized recommendations for support and strategies. We can also advise on appropriate local services, workplace accommodations, benefits you may be entitled to, and connect you with relevant support groups and resources.
Our private assessment waiting period is typically 10 working days from initial contact, significantly shorter than NHS waiting lists which can be several years in some areas. We prioritize timely access to diagnostic services.
All our assessments are conducted online via secure video consultation, making them accessible regardless of your location. Our online assessment process has been carefully designed to maintain diagnostic accuracy while providing convenience.
Your diagnosis and report are confidential. We only share information with your explicit consent, typically with your GP or other professionals involved in your care. You have complete control over who receives your diagnostic information.
Our report will explain the assessment findings and may suggest alternative explanations for your experiences. We may recommend further assessments or support options if appropriate, ensuring you receive guidance even if autism is not identified.
You can always email us at info@insightdiagnostics.co.uk.
