About autism
Autism spectrum condition (ASC) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference affecting how a person communicates, relates to others and experiences the world. Around 1 in 100 people are autistic. Many adults, particularly women, reach mid-life before recognising that autism explains a lifetime of feeling "different".
A diagnosis is not a label. It is a framework for understanding yourself, accessing the right support, and making reasonable adjustments at work or in study.
Signs we look for
- Difficulty reading social cues and unwritten rules
- Finding small talk exhausting or pointless
- Intense, focused interests
- Preference for routine and difficulty with change
- Sensory sensitivities (sound, light, texture, taste)
- Masking or "camouflaging" in social situations
- Taking language literally
- Shutdowns, meltdowns or burnout after social demands
The assessment
In line with NICE guidance (CG128 and CG142) our assessments are multidisciplinary, typically involving a consultant psychiatrist and a speech and language therapist or clinical psychologist trained in the gold-standard tools:
- Pre-assessment questionnaires such as AQ-10, RAADS-R and CAT-Q.
- ADI-R: a detailed developmental interview with a parent or someone who knew you in early childhood, where available.
- ADOS-2: a structured, activity-based observation session with you.
- Clinical interview covering mental health, ADHD and other co-occurring conditions.
- Multidisciplinary discussion and feedback session to explain the outcome.
After diagnosis
You receive a comprehensive report within ten working days, including recommendations for reasonable adjustments, therapy and support. We offer post-diagnostic sessions to help you make sense of the diagnosis.
Autism and ADHD together
Around half of autistic people also meet criteria for ADHD. If both are suspected we can carry out a combined assessment, saving time and cost. Ask our team about the combined pathway.