Autism Test: Private Autism Diagnosis for Adults and Children
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning the brain processes information differently from others. It is present from birth and shapes how you experience and interact with the world around you, so it may impact your relationships, mental health, and day-to-day activities.1.2
An autism test looks at whether your experiences are consistent with autism, while also considering other explanations, such as ADHD or mental health challenges. A private autism diagnosis can help you understand your experiences and feel clearer about the next steps.
The Benefits of Getting an ASD Assessment
There are several benefits to being assessed for an autism diagnosis.
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- Make sense of behaviours or experiences that have felt confusing
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- Open up access to tailored educational support for children, such as SEN support, an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, or speech and language therapy
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- Develop a clearer understanding of a child’s needs and how to support them
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Provide support for workplace adjustments requests
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Access extra support, such as peer groups, autism services, or therapy
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- Provide support for applications for financial support, such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
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- Build confidence in understanding your strengths and needs
What a Private Autism Diagnosis Assessment Involves
As a Chartered Counselling Psychologist, I specialise in assessing and diagnosing autism in adults and children, with assessments available in-person and online. To help you better understand the process, I’ve outlined the criteria I consider and the process I follow below.
Diagnosis Criteria
Autism assessments follow established guidelines, including the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria used worldwide. To meet this criteria, symptoms must include:6
- Persistent differences in social communication and interactions, such as how you communicate or connect with others
- Repetitive behaviours or strongly focused interests
Additionally, symptoms must be present from early childhood, impact your daily life, and not be better explained by another diagnosis.
What Happens During an Assessment?
- During the assessment, I will ask a range of questions to understand your experiences and whether they align with autism. This often includes medical history, relationships, work and home life, and early developmental milestones. We may also explore areas such as your interests, sensory sensitivities (like sensitivity to noise or specific textures), and communication style.7
For a Child
During an autism test for a child, many questions are directed toward the parents, while also observing how the child interacts or plays during the test. I might also request some reports, such as from your child’s nursery or school, to get a clearer idea of experiences away from home.
For an Adult
During an autism test for adults, I may request extra information from someone who knew you in childhood to assist in making a diagnosis.
- The assessment helps to build a clearer picture of your experiences, meaning there are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers. If a diagnosis is made, I will talk you through what this means in practical terms, including any strengths, sensory sensitivities, and available support.
Book a Private ASD Assessment in London
If you are wondering whether you or your child may be autistic, you are welcome to get in touch. I bring my specialist training and experience in autism assessment and diagnosis across private clinics, NHS services, and academic settings, allowing me to provide a comprehensive assessment.
Why this matters:
- Your assessment follows recognised clinical standards, so you can feel confident in the process
- You will receive a clinically robust, evidence-based assessment
- I interpret the results in a way that helps you understand how your mind works and what support may be helpful
Contact me to arrange an assessment or to ask me any questions you have about the process for autism assessment and diagnosis.
FAQs About Having an Autism Test
If you are considering seeking a private autism diagnosis, it’s natural to have questions. Below, I’ve answered some of the common queries people have about adult and child autism assessments.
Yes, autism tests differ between adults and children, mostly in terms of the approach and focus. Children’s assessments often focus on developmental milestones, observing how they play and interact with others, and reports from parents. Adult autism tests tend to involve more in-depth conversations and structured questionnaires.
If you are unsure whether an assessment is appropriate, please get in touch to discuss your concerns.