There is growing public awareness of the existence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but it is still important to clarify exactly what it is, as misconceptions are common. ASD is a relatively common neurodevelopmental disorder (around 1 in 68 children) with two main clusters of symptoms: a difficulty in communicating and interacting in social settings, and behavioural patterns that tend to be repetitive and restricted. ASD is known as a “spectrum” disorder as people with the condition vary greatly in terms of how severe their symptoms are, and how much they disrupt their everyday life. While some people with ASD also have learning disabilities, many others display high academic performance.
Although ASD symptoms are first manifested in early childhood, people with milder versions of the condition may not be diagnosed until they reach adulthood, by which stage they have typically developed a range of coping mechanisms on their own. However, many of them continue to struggle in the area of making friends or sustaining friendships, in romantic relationships, and in a range of social scenarios. People with ASD can also suffer from other disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
While it is never too late to diagnose ASD and to start taking steps to improve a patient’s quality of life, the earlier the diagnosis takes place, the better. Children as young as two can be given a reliable diagnosis by a mental health professional. When assessing a child or an adult, a psychologist uses one or more of a range of tests, such as the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale or the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised test, which (in the case of children) include a detailed interview with the child’s parents about their behaviour and early childhood development.
There are many treatments available that can help to minimise the condition’s impact on the patient’s life. Speech and language therapy, learning social skills, and occupational therapy can all make a big difference. When the patient is a child, parents can be taught special techniques to help them to develop their social skills.
What can we offer to support ASD?
We can provide a reliable diagnosis for both children and adults. The better we understand you or your child’s experience, the easier it will be to create an approach for managing it as effectively as possible. Many people experience a sense of relief when the difficulties they may have been living with are finally given a name.
The treatments we offer children and adults with ASD include cognitive behavioural therapy, social skills training, emotional regulation and impulse control, and practical guidance and coaching. A tailored combination of these approaches assists individuals with ASD to understand and interact better with others, and manage the difficulties associated with ASD.
What is the ADOS-2?
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) is a standardized assessment tool used to diagnose ASD in both adults and children. It is considered the “gold standard” for diagnosing ASD and is widely used globally. The ADOS-2 has strong predictive validity, meaning it is considered a highly reliable tool for establishing the presence of ASD or ASD traits.
The ADOS-2 is semi-structured, and consists of a series of activities and tasks that assess communication, social interaction, imaginative play skills, and restrictive and repetitive behaviours. It is divided into modules based on the individual’s age and language level, ranging from the Toddler Module, which is designed for children with no or limited language, to Module 4, which is designed for verbally fluent adults.
What is the ADI-R?
The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), similarly to the ADOS-2, is a highly reliable assessment tool used to diagnose ASD in children and adults. It is a semi-structured interview that is administered to the parents or caregivers of the individual being assessed. The interview consists of questions about the individual’s early development, communication skills, social interactions, play behaviours, and repetitive behaviours and interests.
ADOS-2 vs ADI-R?
The ADOS-2 and ADI-R are both considered reliable assessment tools for diagnosing ASD. However, there are some key differences between them.
The ADOS-2 is an assessment that is administered directly to the individual being assessed. The assessment involves a series of structured activities and tasks designed to elicit specific behaviours and responses that are characteristic of ASD. In contrast, the ADI-R is an interview-based tool that is administered to the parents or caregivers of the individual being assessed. Additionally, the ADOS-2 assesses an individual’s behaviour in a structured setting, while the ADI-R is designed to gather information about current behaviour in a more naturalistic setting (e.g. home, school, etc).
In general, both tools are important components of a comprehensive assessment for ASD, and the choice of which one to use may depend on the individual’s age, language ability, and level of functioning. In some cases, both tools may be used to provide a more comprehensive picture of the individual’s behaviour and symptoms.
What are the options and fees for for ASD assessments?
Autism
Fees
Duration
Online/In-person
Details
Initial/Brief Autism Assessment and Preliminary Clinical Opinion
£340
90 minutes
Online via video call or in person
With a fully qualified practitioner, this provides a verbal professional opinion on whether a full, official ASD Assessment is recommended for potential diagnosis. Otherwise, the practitioner suggests the most suitable specific assessment.
Autism Probability Assessment
£510
2 hours
Online via video call or in person
With a fully qualified practitioner, this assessment includes GARS-3 questionnaire to gauge likelihood of Autism Spectrum Disorder, providing a short report indicating probability of autism (not an official diagnosis, suitable for personal exploration).
Adult Psychiatric Autism assessment (online):
£995
2 hours
Online and in person
This online assessment involves pre-assessment psychometric questionnaires and ideally, a family member’s input. It includes a general assessment with a Psychiatrist to explore the client’s development and relevant issues impacting their life, along with a clinical interview focusing on typical areas affected by Autism. Report included.
Comprehensive/Full Autism Assessment with Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT)
£1350
3-4 hours
In person
This assessment includes a parent/client interview, ADOS-2 administered by an HCPC or BPS Accredited Psychologist, and review by a Psychiatrist. This Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) ensures accuracy of diagnosis. This Autism assessment provides an official diagnosis and report per NICE guidelines, shareable with the NHS.
Autism
Autism
Initial/Brief Autism Assessment and Preliminary Clinical Opinion
Fees
£340
Duration
90 minutes
Online/In-person
Online via video call or in person
Details
With a HCPC registered or BPS accredited Psychologist, this provides a verbal professional opinion on whether a full, official ASD Assessment is recommended for potential diagnosis. Otherwise, the practitioner suggests the most suitable specific assessment.
Autism
Autism Probability Assessment
Fees
£510 (2 hours)
Duration
2 hours
Online/In-person
Online via video call or in person
Details
With a fully qualified practitioner, this assessment includes GARS-3 questionnaire to gauge likelihood of Autism Spectrum Disorder, providing a short report indicating probability of autism (not an official diagnosis, suitable for personal exploration).
Autism
Adult Psychiatric Autism assessment (online)
Fees
£995
Duration
2 hours
Online/In-person
Online and in person
Details
This online assessment involves pre-assessment psychometric questionnaires and ideally, a family member’s input. It includes a general assessment with a Psychiatrist to explore the client’s development and relevant issues impacting their life, along with a clinical interview focusing on typical areas affected by Autism. Report included.
Autism
Comprehensive/Full Autism Assessment with Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT)
Fees
£1500
Duration
3-4 hours
Online/In-person
In person
Details
This assessment includes a parent/client interview, ADOS-2 administered by an HCPC or BPS Accredited Psychologist, and review by a Psychiatrist. This Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) ensures accuracy of diagnosis. This Autism assessment provides an official diagnosis and report per NICE guidelines, shareable with the NHS.
How do I book an ASD assessment?
If you would like to talk to someone about treatment For Autism Spectrum Disorder, please get in touch with the Private Therapy Clinic on Whatsapp message at: +447511116565 email, chat bot or book online to arrange an appointment.
