Autonomy Plus Assessment

Hi all,

Has anyone used Sara Heath and Dr Pravin Thevathasan for their ASD assessment?

https://www.shropshireautonomy.co.uk/autonomyplus/pre-diagnostic

I spoke to Sara last week, and she seems really nice. I was just wondering what others thought of their services/methods/etc.

Thanks!

Parents
  • Ann :) did and as she recommended them I have just contacted them myself. It is good to see someone else recommend them! How long did it take for them to get in touch and what is the procedure? I am a little nervous!

  • Hi Triker. Sara responded to my email very quickly and I had an initial chat with her a couple of days later. I'm booked in for the pre-diagnostic on 10th April, so I'm also quite nervous. The procedure seems to be an interview with Sara that lasts about 3 hours, but may be longer. If she recognises ASD, then there is a follow-up medical assessment with her colleague, Dr. Pravin. That takes about an hour I think.

  • Can someone point me in the direction of DR Pravin please 

  • Thanks. I'm not sure how I come across regarding being obviously autistic or not. I don't have rigid routines, though I do have some fairly flexible ones, and I thought I was adequate socially, though I have been questioning that ever since i realised I was probably autistic. But I 100% have sensitivity issues and executive function problems, and many autistic traits. I don't know if I have ADHD either, but I am very untidy and relate to many female youtubers who are both, or even who are just ADHD so I strongly suspect both. And I was bullied in school, so I'm glad you managed to dodge that as it is not nice.

  • I absolutely believe my ADHD is what has both helped and hindered me and my autistic differences. 

    I look so unlike the stereotypical idea of what it is to be autistic (though that goes for so many of us, I'm sure) and my ADHD impulsivity is and speaking out of turn is something I've used to my advantage (ie relied upon as a communicating-with-others support) - but equally has helped me mask 'too' easily.  So I've avoided much potential bullying (a positive), but get no recognition for my communication struggles (a negative).

    Wishing you well with your assessment! :) 

  • You're not wrong about how quick they are - my pre-diagnosis is now a week after yours! Definitely nervous now! What if she doesn't think I am autistic even though I am convinced I am?! But I am sure it will be fine - even if she reckons I am not, hopefully she will have some idea of why I have the problems I have. But I am sure it is autism, it makes so much sense. And it is good to know she is good at diagnosing women who may have been masking for decades, and people who may have ADHD too which can make some of the symptoms confusing.

Reply
  • You're not wrong about how quick they are - my pre-diagnosis is now a week after yours! Definitely nervous now! What if she doesn't think I am autistic even though I am convinced I am?! But I am sure it will be fine - even if she reckons I am not, hopefully she will have some idea of why I have the problems I have. But I am sure it is autism, it makes so much sense. And it is good to know she is good at diagnosing women who may have been masking for decades, and people who may have ADHD too which can make some of the symptoms confusing.

Children
  • Thanks. I'm not sure how I come across regarding being obviously autistic or not. I don't have rigid routines, though I do have some fairly flexible ones, and I thought I was adequate socially, though I have been questioning that ever since i realised I was probably autistic. But I 100% have sensitivity issues and executive function problems, and many autistic traits. I don't know if I have ADHD either, but I am very untidy and relate to many female youtubers who are both, or even who are just ADHD so I strongly suspect both. And I was bullied in school, so I'm glad you managed to dodge that as it is not nice.

  • I absolutely believe my ADHD is what has both helped and hindered me and my autistic differences. 

    I look so unlike the stereotypical idea of what it is to be autistic (though that goes for so many of us, I'm sure) and my ADHD impulsivity is and speaking out of turn is something I've used to my advantage (ie relied upon as a communicating-with-others support) - but equally has helped me mask 'too' easily.  So I've avoided much potential bullying (a positive), but get no recognition for my communication struggles (a negative).

    Wishing you well with your assessment! :)