ADULT AUTISM ASSESSMENT
Adult autism assessment that looks at the whole person
Understanding the whole person, not just the test score.
Psyche Vitality offers comprehensive autism assessments for adults, led by Dr Uzaina, an HCPC-registered Practitioner Counselling Psychologist and Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol). Assessments take place online where this is clinically suitable, and in person where it is needed.
More than a single test
No single questionnaire or observation can tell you whether you are autistic. A good assessment brings several sources of information together and weighs them carefully.
Your assessment draws on:
-
your developmental history, from childhood to now
-
your own account of how you experience the world, work, relationships and daily life
-
structured clinical assessment and observation
-
questionnaires and, where available, information from people who know you or from records
Recognised, standardised tools may be used where they suit you. They contribute to the clinical picture; they don't decide it on their own. Which tools are used depends on you, so not everyone has the same set of appointments.
The final opinion is a clinical formulation against DSM-5 and ICD-11 criteria, in line with NICE guidance on autism in adults (CG142).
What we mean by neuro-affirming
We see autism as a difference in how a person perceives, processes and relates to the world, not as a flaw to be fixed. In practice that means:
-
we take your own description of your experiences seriously
-
we look at strengths and needs, not only difficulties
-
we use respectful, plain language in appointments and in your report
-
we consider the effort you may have put into fitting in, and what that has cost you
-
the aim is understanding, whatever the outcome
Who comes to us
People come to us for many reasons. Some of the most common are:
-
adults who have wondered for years whether they might be autistic
-
parents who recognised themselves while their child was being assessed
-
people with earlier diagnoses, such as anxiety or depression, that never fully explained their experiences
-
adults who find work, study or social life exhausting in ways that are hard to put into words
-
people referred or encouraged by a GP, therapist or other professional
This isn’t a checklist. If you’re unsure whether an assessment would be useful, a short conversation with us is a good place to start.
finding it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling
getting very anxious about social situations
finding it hard to make and sustain friends or preferring to be on your own
Coming out as blunt, rude or not interested in others without meaning to
taking things very literally – for example, you may not understand sarcasm or phrases like "break a leg"
having the same routine every day and getting very anxious if it changes
not understanding social "rules", such as not talking over people
getting too close to other people, or getting very upset if someone touches or gets too close to you
noticing small details, patterns, smells or sounds that others do not
having a very keen interest in certain subjects or activities
liking to plan things carefully before doing them
Autistic women may be more likely to:
-
have learned to hide signs of autism to 'fit in' - by copying people who do not have autism
-
be quieter and hide their feelings
-
appear to cope better with social situations
-
show fewer signs of repetitive behaviours
“But I make eye contact and have friends…”
Many autistic adults have learned, often over many years, to manage social situations in ways that hide their differences. This is sometimes called masking or camouflaging. It can include rehearsing conversations, copying other people, forcing eye contact or pushing through sensory discomfort.
Masking can make autism harder for others, and sometimes for the person themselves, to recognise. It is also tiring, and can contribute to anxiety and burnout. Having friendships, a career or good eye contact does not rule autism in or out. A careful assessment looks at how things feel and what they cost you, not only at how they look from the outside.
Identified later in life
Many autistic people are not identified in childhood. Research suggests women and girls have historically been under-identified, and gender-diverse people are often missed too. Autism doesn’t look one way in women or in anyone else, so we don’t assess against a single “female presentation”. Older adults, people from minoritised communities and people whose differences were put down to personality, anxiety or upbringing are also often identified later.
An assessment in adulthood can make sense of past experiences and help you decide what support or adjustments would be useful now.
What to expect
The number and length of appointments depend on your needs, so we’ll agree these with you before you start.
01. Enquiry and initial screening
A first conversation
You send an enquiry and we talk through what you’re hoping for. We check that an autism assessment is the right next step and is suitable for you.
02. Developmental history and clinical assessment
Building a full picture
Developmental history. We explore your early development and childhood, usually with a parent or relative. If that isn’t possible, see the FAQ below.
Clinical assessment. Structured conversation and observation, using standardised tools where appropriate.
Questionnaires and further information. Questionnaires for you and, where helpful, others who know you, plus any relevant records.
03. Formulation and feedback
Bringing it together
Formulation. Dr Uzaina brings everything together against DSM-5 and ICD-11 criteria, with multidisciplinary input where clinically appropriate.
Feedback. We go through the outcome with you, explain how we reached it and answer your questions.
04. Your written report
Within 4–8 weeks of your final appointment
A report with the outcome, the reasons for it and practical recommendations. Your written report follows within 4–8 weeks of your final appointment.
Online or in person?
Most assessments can take place online. Many people find it easier to take part from a familiar, comfortable space, without the travel or the sensory demands of a clinic.
Online isn’t right for everyone. We may recommend some or all of the assessment in person if online appointments wouldn’t give enough reliable clinical information, if it’s hard for you to take part meaningfully online, or if part of the assessment needs face-to-face observation. We decide this with you, case by case.
Making the assessment work for you
Tell us what helps, and we’ll do what we reasonably can. Options include:
-
contacting us in writing by email or online form, rather than by phone
-
information about each appointment sent in advance
-
clear written follow-up after appointments
-
breaks during longer appointments
-
extra time to process and respond, where practical
-
flexibility about camera use where clinically possible
-
fidget items, sensory aids and moving around during appointments
-
other reasonable adjustments, discussed with you individually
What you can expect from the outcome
An assessment gives you a careful, reasoned clinical opinion about whether you meet the criteria for autism, and a fuller picture of your strengths and needs. We can’t promise a particular outcome, and the report is useful whatever the outcome is.
Private assessment reports may be considered by NHS services, employers, education providers and other organisations. Acceptance, and any need for further review, is decided by the receiving organisation. Psyche Vitality can’t guarantee that another service will accept a private diagnostic report.
After the assessment
Your report includes practical recommendations, for example around work, study, daily life or further support. If you’d like ongoing support, Psyche Vitality also offers psychological therapy.
Autism and ADHD
Autism and ADHD often occur together, and some traits overlap. Sometimes an assessment for one suggests it would be worth exploring the other. We assess both, as separate assessments, and we’ll talk with you about whether a further assessment might help.
Who carries out your assessment
Your assessment is led by Dr Uzaina, founder and clinical lead of Psyche Vitality.
-
HCPC-registered Practitioner Counselling Psychologist
-
Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol) and Associate Fellow (AFBPsS), British Psychological Society
-
PhD in Psychology
-
13 years’ clinical experience in the UK and India
About Dr Uzaina
Frequently asked questions
Do my parents need to take part?
Not necessarily. Information about your early development is important, but we know a parent may be unavailable, no longer alive, estranged, unable to remember clearly, or that involving them may not be appropriate. We can consider other evidence, such as another relative, school reports, historical records or your own account. Any limitations are explained in your report.
Can the assessment be done online?
Usually, yes, where it’s clinically suitable. We may recommend in-person appointments for some or all of the assessment.
How long does the whole process take?
Your assessment starts within 2 weeks, and your written report follows within 4–8 weeks of your final appointment.
Will the NHS accept my report?
Private reports may be considered by NHS services and other organisations, but the receiving organisation decides whether to accept it and whether further review is needed. We can’t guarantee acceptance.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can contact us directly. Your GP or another professional can also refer you if you prefer.
Do you assess children and young people?
Yes. We offer autism assessments for children and young people as well. Contact us for details.
How much does an assessment cost?
An adult autism assessment costs £2,500. You can start by booking a free 30-minute discovery call, or by sending us an enquiry. We’ll check the assessment is right for you and confirm exactly what’s included before you commit to anything.
What if the outcome isn’t autism?
Your report will still explain what we found and why, and make recommendations to help you understand your experiences and decide on next steps.
Written and reviewed by Dr Uzaina, HCPC-registered Practitioner Counselling Psychologist, CPsychol, AFBPsS. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Start an enquiry
Tell us a little about what you’re looking for. Please don’t include detailed medical information here; we’ll go through that with you later.
Prefer to talk? You can also call us on +44 7598 894652.
Adult autism assessment: £2,500. Not ready to enquire? Book a free 30-minute discovery call.