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Recommendations for private autism assessments needed please!

NAS83120

Hi All,

I am a 27 year old female who is displaying some traits of adult autism. My GP has referred me to a local service but i don't wan't to wait so long and I have the means to go private.

Please can you recommend any private assessment providers (either online or in London)?

So far I have looked at Avenue Therapies, Autism Unravelled, Psychaitry UK and RTN mental health solutions. Anyone have any experience of these providers?

From what I have read, a "good" assesment would include:

  • Initial questionnaire
  • Interview with me
  • Interview with family member
  • DISCO/ADOS-2 assesment tool use
  • Consulting GP or other medical professionals
  • Feedback, recommendations and formal report

Please can you let me know if there is anything else I should be checking for before agreeing to an assessment?

Thank you!

Parents

  • I used Embrace Autism https://embrace-autism.com/ , and I would strongly recommend them. They are based in Canada but offer virtual assessments, which are accepted in the UK. The assessor, Dr. Natalie Engelbrecht, is herself autistic, so has first-hand experience of what being an autistic woman is like. She made me feel very at ease during the assessment.

    The first part of the assessment was a screening, which consisted of around 5 psychometrics, plus a questionnaire which focuses on autistic traits, both now and in childhood. The questions are closely aligned with the DSM V criteria. This stage took around 2 months.

    The results of the screening suggested that I was likely autistic, and so I was invited to a full assessment. This involved another 5 or so psychometrics, plus another questionnaire which focused on life experiences including employment, family and relationships. Although they did not ask for my medical records, they did ask some medical questions, such as 'what medication are you currently taking?'. I was also invited for a 45 minute interview, which used the ADOS, and which was a very relaxed process. I was told during the interview that I was autistic (and dyspraxic), and was sent a formal report around 2 weeks later. I had the opportunity to ask any questions that I had. This stage took around 4 months. 

    For both the screening and assessment stages, you can go at your own pace when it comes to completing the questionnaires and psychometrics.

    There is also an option to have your diagnosis verified by a medical doctor (at an additional cost), but I didn't opt for that so can't comment on what that is like.

    All of the staff that I interacted with during the assessment process were very helpful and empathetic.

    Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions.

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