Island Autism Clinic
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is autism, and why might someone need an assessment?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition affecting how individuals communicate, interact, and experience the world.
An assessment is often recommended if someone shows differences in social interactions, communication, or behaviour patterns. In children, early and accurate assessment can help guide tailored support and intervention.
Receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult can provide valuable self-understanding and validation, often allowing access to appropriate support and accommodations.
2. How does the autism assessment process work?
The assessment process typically involves:
3. What ages do you assess for autism?
We assess individuals across the lifespan, from young children to adults. Our approach is adapted for each age and developmental stage.
4. Are you experienced in assessing autism in females?
Yes, we recognise that autism can present differently in females, often with more subtle social and communicative differences. Our clinicians are trained to identify these nuanced presentations and ensure that assessments reflect an understanding of these variations.
5. How long does the assessment take?
We can normally appoint within 3-4 weeks. The assessment is usually completed in a day, including the feedback session. This may vary if additional observations or information is required. A comprehensive written report normally follows within 2 weeks of assessment. We aim to provide a comprehensive and supportive experience without undue delays.
6. How can I prepare my child for the assessment?
Explain to your child that they will meet with someone who wants to understand their thoughts and feelings. Describe the sessions as relaxed and welcoming and that they will look at books and play with toys and puzzles. We also offer preparation tips tailored to age, personality, and the individual’s communication style if requested.
7. What happens after the assessment?
After the assessment has been completed, we hold a feedback session to discuss findings. Based on the diagnosis, we offer tailored recommendations, including resources and therapeutic support options suited to the individual’s strengths and challenges.
8. What are NICE guidelines, and do you follow them?
This refers to the National Institute for Care and Health Excellence (NICE).
We follow the NICE best practice guidelines for assessment and diagnosis of autism in children and adults (see CG142 and CG170).
Our assessment involves following a best practice collaborative approach between professionals rather than relying on a single practitioner to make diagnoses.
9. How much does the assessment cost?
An autism assessment is £2150.00*
Our fees are regularly checked with UK counterparts to ensure that we are competitive while making sure that sufficient clinical time is set aside to deliver a robust and clinically sound assessment.
Our fees relate to clinical time spent prior to the assessment reviewing documentation, the time spent directly within the clinic, and then in compiling a comprehensive and personalised report.
*Please note that we offer an option to split the payment over 4 instalments and have card payment facility.
10. Can I claim the assessment fee through my health insurance?
Many health insurers now cover the cost of neurodevelopmental assessments. We recommend that this be checked ahead of booking with the client ultimately responsible for recovering fees.
Note: Island Autism Clinic is a recognised provider.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition affecting how individuals communicate, interact, and experience the world.
An assessment is often recommended if someone shows differences in social interactions, communication, or behaviour patterns. In children, early and accurate assessment can help guide tailored support and intervention.
Receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult can provide valuable self-understanding and validation, often allowing access to appropriate support and accommodations.
2. How does the autism assessment process work?
The assessment process typically involves:
- Initial Consultation: A preliminary conversation with a clinician to discuss concerns and determine if an assessment is appropriate.
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Use of standardised tools, such as the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) and ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview—Revised), along with interviews with parents, care givers or other appropriate family members.
- Observation and Testing: Clinicians may observe social interactions, communication, and behaviours in different contexts, considering specific presentation patterns that may vary by gender.
- Feedback Session: Following the assessment, we discuss the results, offer guidance, and make recommendations tailored to the individual’s needs.
3. What ages do you assess for autism?
We assess individuals across the lifespan, from young children to adults. Our approach is adapted for each age and developmental stage.
4. Are you experienced in assessing autism in females?
Yes, we recognise that autism can present differently in females, often with more subtle social and communicative differences. Our clinicians are trained to identify these nuanced presentations and ensure that assessments reflect an understanding of these variations.
5. How long does the assessment take?
We can normally appoint within 3-4 weeks. The assessment is usually completed in a day, including the feedback session. This may vary if additional observations or information is required. A comprehensive written report normally follows within 2 weeks of assessment. We aim to provide a comprehensive and supportive experience without undue delays.
6. How can I prepare my child for the assessment?
Explain to your child that they will meet with someone who wants to understand their thoughts and feelings. Describe the sessions as relaxed and welcoming and that they will look at books and play with toys and puzzles. We also offer preparation tips tailored to age, personality, and the individual’s communication style if requested.
7. What happens after the assessment?
After the assessment has been completed, we hold a feedback session to discuss findings. Based on the diagnosis, we offer tailored recommendations, including resources and therapeutic support options suited to the individual’s strengths and challenges.
8. What are NICE guidelines, and do you follow them?
This refers to the National Institute for Care and Health Excellence (NICE).
We follow the NICE best practice guidelines for assessment and diagnosis of autism in children and adults (see CG142 and CG170).
Our assessment involves following a best practice collaborative approach between professionals rather than relying on a single practitioner to make diagnoses.
9. How much does the assessment cost?
An autism assessment is £2150.00*
Our fees are regularly checked with UK counterparts to ensure that we are competitive while making sure that sufficient clinical time is set aside to deliver a robust and clinically sound assessment.
Our fees relate to clinical time spent prior to the assessment reviewing documentation, the time spent directly within the clinic, and then in compiling a comprehensive and personalised report.
*Please note that we offer an option to split the payment over 4 instalments and have card payment facility.
10. Can I claim the assessment fee through my health insurance?
Many health insurers now cover the cost of neurodevelopmental assessments. We recommend that this be checked ahead of booking with the client ultimately responsible for recovering fees.
Note: Island Autism Clinic is a recognised provider.