Autism
assessments for
Adults
We appreciate seeking an assessment for autism can be a daunting prospect. We're here to help.
Our autism assessments aim to enable a better understanding of your specific needs and whether what you're going through might be autism.
What is autism?
Autism also known as Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person thinks, communicates, and interacts with others.
It is typically diagnosed in early childhood, but its effects can persist throughout a person's life, and not all individuals with autism will display the same symptoms or severity of symptoms.
Diagnoses of autism in adulthood are increasingly common as our understanding of the impact of gender and of our environment augments patients' experience of the condition.
Whilst diagnostic manuals will refer to Autism Spectrum Disorder, there is increasing recognition that autism is best understood as a condition, rather than a disorder.
MOAI's gold-standard pathway
The below pathway reflects our comprehensive approach to this consistent with NICE clinical guidelines and recommendations from the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
We know that without a rigorous evidence-based framework, patients can be left confused and without a definitive answer to their problems. MOAI is dedicated to providing gold-standard care to our patients and give you the advice and counsel you lead the fullest life possible.
1. Before the assessment
You will be sent digital questionnaires and requests for information such as school reports or any collateral information regarding how you were as a child (this is because symptoms of Autism will have started at a young age).
Do not worry if you cannot find these they are useful to have but do not in any way preclude you from the assessment process.
We will book in a first appointment with a psychiatrist, this will be confirmed by email and at this review the remaining appointments will be scheduled.
2. The initial assessment (1 hour)
At the first appointment we complete a comprehensive clinical review over 60 minutes and covering the following topics:
- Current symptoms and impact
- Childhood development, schooling & family history
- Psychiatric & past medical history including medication review
- Physical health, occupational history & lifestyle review
3. ADI-R interview (2 hours)
The second appointment is a longer one, 2 hours, during which we complete a formal Autism diagnostic questionnaire known as the Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R).
4. ADOS assessment (1 hour)
On a third appointment, you will be invited to complete a formal observational assessment known as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). An ADOS assessment typically takes around 60 minutes and involves structured activities, such as conversation, storytelling, and building with blocks.
These activities are designed to observe your communication skills as well as the presence of repetitive behaviours or sensory sensitivities. The ADOS assessment provides valuable information to help diagnose Autism in adults and guide appropriate treatment and support.
5. The outcome meeting (30 mins)
Our autism assessments include an additional outcome meeting in which your clinician will be able to share with you their thoughts on whether a diagnosis of autism best captures the challenges being faced.
You will then receive a detailed assessment report along with recommendations, which may include, recommendations for psychological intervention, occupational therapy, lifestyle advice, as well as a personalised resource pack.
6. After care
The results of our assessment pathway will be relayed back to you in a 30-minute virtual outcome meeting. This will include a comprehensive, if necessary, management plan.
Management may include recommendations for medication to treat a co-morbid anxiety disorder or a psychology appointment for a sensory screen.
Our fees
Discovery call
A discovery call with one of our psychiatrists is a safe space for you to share what you're going through and discuss your unique challenges and experiences.
You will discuss whether a comprehensive diagnostic assessment is advisable and address any questions or worries you might have. (20 mins)
Free
Comprehensive Autism assessment
Important to know:
- Adult Autism assessments are available virtual or face to face (in London or Oxford centres).
- Autism assessments are divided into 3-4 separate appointments as detailed below.
Initial background appointment (60 mins):
£580
Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) (120 mins)
£1,160
Clinical observation and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) (60 mins)
£580
Autism report writing
£290
Autism outcome meeting (30 mins)
£290
Total for above diagnostic pathway with report and outcome/treatment plan
£2,900
Optional or additional services
Follow-up consultations (30 mins)
£290
Follow-up consultations (60 mins)
£580
Autism aftercare psychological support review (50 mins)
£180
Follow-up psychological consultations (50 mins)
£180
Contact us
I want to refer my child
If you think you know the type of support you need please feel free to complete the following brief enquiry form.
Do ask a trusted friend or family member to support you if you are struggling.
We will contact you within 1-2 working days to explore your requirements and how we can help.
I don't know where to start
We totally appreciate that it can seem overwhelming to try and navigate through the range of clinicians and support mental health clinic offers on any site including ours.
So if you are unsure where to start you can request a brief call back with one of our mental health professionals, usually a consultant psychiatrist or psychologist. They will help to explore the feelings you or a loved one is experiencing and guide you to the appropriate next step.
I need emergency assistance
Please note we are not an emergency service. If you need emergency assistance please explore the emergency resources here.
Neurodiversity
Amongst the MOAI team, there are several neurodiverse individuals. We feel passionate about improving access to thoughtful and comprehensive assessments, as well as learning and guidance after a potential diagnosis. Just as we embrace differences in race, ethnicity, and gender, neurodiversity is another form of human variety to be celebrated.
The MOAI clinical team can help you by providing a comprehensive and bespoke care pathway. This includes specialist assessments, detailed diagnostic formulations, tailored treatment plans, including psychological and behavioural interventions, as well as guidance and support to families and carers. In our clinical work we focus on two of the most common neurodiverse conditions, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), what is ADHD and Autism, what is Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).
Choose the appropriate clinical pathway below;
Unsure which clinical pathway to follow?
Working with you to improve our service
At MOAI Health, we are committed to enhancing mental health services by working closely with patients, their families and carers. Our patient family and carer working group, comprised of individuals with direct experience in mental health services, collaborates to improve patient outcomes and the overall quality of care. We value feedback and actively use it to enhance our services. Learn more about our collaborative efforts and how you can provide feedback to improve our service.
Questions. Answers.
Help I don’t know where to start?
It can seem overwhelming to try and navigate through the range of clinicians and support mental health clinic offers. If you are unsure where to start we would suggest that you just make an enquiry and request a callback with one of our mental health professionals, usually a consultant psychiatrist or psychologist. They will help guide you to the appropriate next step.
For example, they might suggest you book in with a consultant psychiatrist for an initial assessment or they may feel you would benefit from a course of cognitive behavioural therapy and, if you agreed, refer you for a course of therapy.
Who completes assessments?
Depending on your need our enquiries team will likely have recommended that you, your child or the child you care for have an initial assessment. If, for example, this is to explore a diagnosis of ADHD then it will be with a consultant psychiatrist. If you are interested in trying to better understand unhelpful patterns of thinking or that you feel in some way stuck in your life it may be that you are more suited to a course of psychotherapy, in which case your first appointment would be with one of the psychotherapy team.
In the rare event that the clinician completing the initial assessment felt like your case would be better managed by a different member of the multidisciplinary team they would be able to refer you to that member of the team for ongoing support.
What is the difference between an in person and virtual assessment?
An in-person mental health assessment occurs face-to-face, allowing direct observation and communication. You will be invited to a clinical appointment and will attend in person. Your clinician will meet you when you have arrived and you will complete your review in a clinic room on site.
For a virtual appointment you will be invited to join a link to attend the appointment. We recommend that you find a quiet space, where you feel comfortable and that you are not overheard to complete these.
In terms of the content of assessments there is no difference between what is asked in either. There are obviously differences in how we all experience these different mediums and you will see that some clinicians offer both types while others prefer one modality. You may also have a preference as to the way you want to engage with treatment.
Where are your clinical services based?
Our team work from clinical rooms in Farringdon, London, called House on Snow Hill. These are peaceful and private clinical rooms, with comfortable waiting facilities and easy access. The House on Snow Hill information.
How soon can I get an appointment?
Please contact our enquiry team for availability for services.
What age does a child need to be to be assessed?
Our child services start from age 5.
What is the assessment and treatment process?
Generally the approach is that after you make an enquiry a clinician will meet with you to complete an initial assessment and this will inform a treatment plan.
For neurodiversity conditions we follow specific, gold-standard, assessment protocols. Please see the Attention Deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) pathway and Autism pathways.
What if I can’t get collateral information?
For some assessments clinicians will ask for collateral information to help inform a diagnosis. For example in assessing someone for ADHD. We are creative about how we gather this but if there is no way of gathering this, it does not preclude someone from an assessment.
What will happen after the assessment?
Following any assessment your clinician will write an initial report and formulation. These will form the basis of a treatment plan. A treatment plan may involve a course of psychology or work with an occupational therapist or medication.
Your clinician will work with you to create a collaborative treatment plan, which they will discuss with you, or if working with children, their family, carer or guardian.
Can I take my letter to my GP, and will they prescribe for ADHD medication?
With pharmacological treatment for ADHD we will complete the initial titration phase, and only once you are stabilised and happy with this will we move to a shared care agreement with your GP so they can oversee future prescriptions.
I’m not resident in the United Kingdom – can you still see me?
No. We only have a licence to work with patients living in the UK.
Do you offer any discounts or payment plans?
No. we do not at this stage offer payment plans or discounts.
Will my child be eligible for extra support at school?
For some conditions, such as neurodiversity, that are diagnosed your child may be eligible for additional support through an Education Health and Care Plan. An EHCP, formerly known as a 'Statement of Special Educational Needs,' is a legally binding document designed for individuals under 25 who require additional support in education, healthcare, and sometimes social care. It goes beyond what schools typically offer and may involve third-party agencies. It differs from SEN (Special Educational Needs) support, which schools provide independently, as an EHCP is for those needing more extensive assistance not covered by SEN support alone, requiring proof that SEN support is insufficient.
In an instance that your child receives an diagnosis of a neurodiverse condition, we will work with you to ensure we offer ongoing support to help you understand and access all the relevant information for an EHCP application if that is what you to apply for.
Will I get a prescription at the assessment?
This very much depends on the assessment and clinician, but if indicated our psychiatrists can prescribe at an assessment.
How can I contact my clinician outside of appointments?
We do not support direct contact with our clinicians however, it is understandable that questions come up for patients or their families. If this is the case please contact our enquiry team who will mediate communication between you.
I want to make a complaint
Patients, their family or carer can raise a complaint with MOAI Health ltd. in writing, by phone, email, or in person.
Please contact us by emailing contact-us@moaihealth.app or call us on 02080898007.
You can send a written letter to; MOAI Health Ltd, MOAI Clinical, 112 scylla Road, Nunhead, London, SE153RZ
If you prefer please inform your clinician and they will instigate our complaints process as per our MOAI complaints policy.
What if I need to cancel or change an appointment?
At MOAI Health Ltd, we recognise that clients may sometimes need to make changes to their appointments. If you are unable to keep your appointment, we kindly request that you inform us as soon as possible through our contact telephone number 02080898007 or via email at contact-us@moaihealth.app.
We offer our clients the option to cancel or reschedule their appointments at no additional cost, provided that we receive notice at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled appointment time.
In the event that less than 48 hours' notice is given, the following terms and conditions will apply:
Appointments that are cancelled or rescheduled with less than 48 hours' notice will be charged at 100% of the full fee.
For any inquiries or concerns regarding our appointment cancellation and rescheduling policy, please contact us through our email address provided above.