Private Adult Autism Assessment

We offer private autism assessments for adults across the UK, led by a Chartered Practitioner Psychologist with more than 16 years of experience in both NHS and independent clinical settings. Our assessments are tailored for adults seeking a clear, considered understanding of autism later in life, and are grounded in recognised clinical frameworks and current best practice.

Each assessment explores personal history, communication style, sensory experiences, and how autistic traits may present in adulthood, including within work, relationships, and emotional well-being. We also carefully consider masking and compensatory strategies, recognising how these can shape presentation and may influence how autism has been understood or overlooked in the past.

Trusted Standards

Our adult autism assessments follow recognised professional and regulatory standards, supporting an ethical, respectful approach and careful consideration of individual communication styles, experiences, and needs.

Empowering Autistic Adults

Through Understanding, Identity, and Meaningful Change

Through our private adult autism assessments, many adults gain a clearer understanding of themselves and how autism may shape their experiences. From there, it becomes easier to make informed, meaningful changes at a pace that feels right.

Book Your Autism Assessment

Use the form below to book a private autism assessment and begin the assessment process.

How Much Does an Adult Autism Assessment Cost?

Clinical Expertise in Adult Autism Assessments

Adult autism assessments at Assessing Neurodivergence UK are led by Dr Sara Dowsett, a Chartered Practitioner Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). All assessments are delivered in line with recognised professional, clinical, and ethical standards.

Dr Dowsett holds a Doctorate in Psychology (PsychD), alongside an MSc, BSc (Hons), and Advanced Diploma, and brings over 16 years’ experience across NHS and independent practice. Her background includes neurodevelopmental assessment within multidisciplinary teams, supporting accurate and evidence-based diagnostic pathways.

Adult autism assessments explore lifelong patterns of social communication, sensory processing, flexibility of thinking, and interaction styles. Care is taken to understand how autistic traits may present in adulthood, including masking behaviours, burnout, relationship patterns, and workplace experiences.

Each assessment follows established clinical frameworks and uses recognised diagnostic tools. Reports are written to a professional clinical standard, providing clear conclusions and thoughtful recommendations to support self-understanding, wellbeing, relationships, and practical next steps.

Learn About Dr Sara Dowsett

The Adult Autism Assessment Process

Step One – Initial Assessment

Initial Contact

To begin, you will be invited to book an initial private adult autism assessment appointment via my online calendar at a time that suits you (simply select the ‘Adult Initial Assessment’). . Once your appointment is confirmed, a secure video link for our meeting will be generated automatically.

Questionnaires

Before your initial assessment, you will receive a link to complete a series of online questionnaires. These questionnaires help me gain an initial understanding of your experiences, current concerns, and developmental history. I will review your responses in advance and discuss my impressions with you during the initial assessment.

Initial Assessment

During the initial assessment, we will explore your current concerns and consider whether a full adult autism assessment is clinically appropriate.

If a full assessment is not indicated, you will receive a written summary outlining my clinical impressions along with recommendations for next steps or alternative forms of support.

If a full autism assessment is appropriate, you will be invited to proceed to Step Two.

Step Two – Evidence Collection

Informant Interview

As part of a private autism assessment for adults, a detailed developmental history is gathered using a structured informant interview (ADI-R). This interview is conducted with someone who knows you well, ideally someone who has known you since childhood, such as a parent or sibling. Where this is not possible, a partner or close family member with a good understanding of your adult life may also be suitable.

The informant interview is completed using a standardised assessment tool and focuses on early development, communication, social interaction, behaviour patterns, and sensory experiences across the lifespan. This interview can take up to 2.5 hours.

You will also be asked to complete additional questionnaires about your current experiences and how these affect different areas of your life, such as work, relationships, and daily functioning.

Observation Assessment (ADOS-2)

Once the informant interview and questionnaires have been completed, an observation-based assessment will be arranged. This may take place online or in person and provides further opportunities to explore your experiences and current presentation within a supportive, structured setting as part of the adult autism assessment.

Step Three – Decision Making, Feedback, and Report

Clinical Decision Making

Following completion of the informant interview and observation assessment, the clinicians involved will meet to integrate all assessment information. This includes developmental history, questionnaires, clinical observations, and professional judgement. A diagnostic decision will be made based on recognised clinical criteria.

Feedback Session

A feedback session will then be arranged to discuss the outcome of your private adult autism assessment. Findings are explained clearly and sensitively, with time for questions, reflection, and discussion of what the outcome means for you. We will also explore personalised recommendations, reasonable adjustments, and next steps.

Written Report

Following the feedback session, you will receive a comprehensive written report. This document summarises the assessment process, clinical findings, and outcome, and includes tailored recommendations to support you moving forward after your private autism assessment in the UK.

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for?
You can find answers to common queries about the assessments and the process in the Frequently Asked Questions section.

Client Reviews

Feedback from adults who have completed an assessment with us.

Adult Autism Assessment Feedback

“I felt genuinely listened to and supported throughout the assessment. The process was clear, Dr Dowsett was compassionate, and validating, and I came away with a much better understanding of myself.”

Jo, Dorset.

Adult Autism Assessment Feedback

“The assessment was handled with care and professionalism from start to finish. I felt understood, respected, and well supported, and the insights I gained have been genuinely life changing.”

Mark, Bournemouth.

Adult Autism Assessment FAQ

Clear answers to common questions about adult autism assessments and what to expect.

How do I get an autism assessment as an adult?

In the UK, adults can ask their GP for a referral for an NHS autism assessment, although waiting times can be long. Some areas also offer access through alternative NHS pathways.
If you would prefer to explore a private route, you can book an initial autism assessment directly with Assessing Neurodivergence UK.

The initial assessment lasts up to one hour and is designed to help establish whether a full adult autism assessment is appropriate. During this appointment, autistic traits, strengths, and challenges are explored, along with how these may be affecting areas such as mental health, relationships, work, and daily life.

By the end of the appointment, a clear recommendation will be made. If a full assessment is not recommended, you will receive a written summary along with guidance on suitable next steps or alternative support options. If a full autism assessment is recommended, you will be invited to move forward with booking it.

What happens in an adult autism assessment?

If a full autism assessment is recommended, the process begins with an evidence collection stage.
You will be asked to complete a range of structured questionnaires about your current experiences and developmental history. A key part of the assessment involves a detailed informant interview, completed with someone who knows you well. This is usually a parent or family member, but a partner or close friend may also be suitable if childhood informants are not available.

The informant interview uses a structured assessment framework and typically takes up to 2.5 hours.
In addition, an observation-based assessment will be booked. This is usually completed in person and focuses on communication style, social interaction, sensory processing, and behavioural patterns.

Once all assessment components are complete, the clinicians involved meet to integrate the information and reach a clinical decision.

A feedback session is then arranged to discuss the outcome, followed by a comprehensive written report.

What questions are asked in an autism assessment for adults?

An adult autism assessment explores a wide range of areas to build a detailed and accurate understanding of your experiences across the lifespan.

Early development

Questions focus on early childhood, including communication, play, social interaction, routines, interests, and sensory sensitivities.

Current experiences

The assessment explores how autistic traits show up in adulthood, including social communication, relationships, sensory processing, flexibility, and emotional regulation.

Impact on daily life

Discussion includes how these traits affect work, education, relationships, mental health, independence, and everyday functioning.

Medical and mental health history

You will be asked about physical health, mental health experiences, and any diagnoses or medications, to support an accurate and safe assessment.

Family history

Information is gathered about autism and other neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions within the family.

Strengths and coping strategies

The assessment also explores your strengths, interests, and strategies for navigating challenges.

Diagnostic criteria

All information is considered carefully against recognised diagnostic criteria to determine whether the threshold for an autism diagnosis is met.

How long does an adult autism assessment take?

An adult autism assessment involves several stages.

The initial assessment lasts up to one hour.
The evidence collection stage includes questionnaires and the informant interview, which can take up to 2.5 hours. This may be completed in one session or split across sessions if needed
The observation-based assessment is then completed, followed by a clinical discussion between practitioners.

A feedback session is arranged once all assessment information has been reviewed. After this session, a comprehensive written report is provided.

How much does an adult autism assessment cost?

Initial Adult Autism Assessment: £150

Full Adult Autism Assessment: £1200 (This fee includes the initial assessment cost, which is deducted from the total price).

Enquire Today

Take the Next Step with an Adult Autism Assessment

Get in touch today to arrange a private adult autism assessment and gain clearer insight into your communication style, sensory experiences, and lifelong patterns.

Get Started

Private Adult Autism Assessment

Trusted Standards

Empowering Autistic Adults

Through Understanding, Identity, and Meaningful Change

Book Your Autism Assessment

How Much Does an Adult Autism Assessment Cost?

INITIAL ADULT AUTISM ASSESSMENT

FULL ADULT AUTISM ASSESSMENT

Clinical Expertise in Adult Autism Assessments

The Adult Autism Assessment Process

Step One – Initial Assessment

Step Two – Evidence Collection

Step Three – Decision Making, Feedback, and Report

Client Reviews

Adult Autism Assessment Feedback

Adult Autism Assessment Feedback

Adult Autism Assessment FAQ

Take the Next Step with an Adult Autism Assessment