To ask where to go for a private autism assessment?

[Itallmakessensenow]

I have finally decided to pursue an assessment for autism. I am an adult woman and I hope this will give me some answers and ultimately some peace around why I feel the way I do and behave the way I do. I am going to go down the private route but don't know where to begin in terms of looking for a company who provide these assessments? What should I be looking for? Are there any well known go to reputable providers? I want to get this right. Can anyone help with recommendations or where I can look to research this? Thank you in advance.

Might your GP advise you where to go?

No, they can't advise / recommend re private. Thanks!

The Lorna Wing Centre is highly regarded.

www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/diagnosticservices

There is a concern that some private providers will simply tell you what you want to hear. The above will give an honest, thorough assessment.

I assume you will probably get what you pay for.

I'm interested in this too.

My partner had a zoom assessment here, harleypsychiatrists.co.uk/online-psychiatrists/

You might get recommendations on here if you say where you are.
Our gp sent out a leaflet of a private clinic when dc was referred saying the NHS waiting list is a minimum of 18 months if you prefer to go privately we recommend xxx clinic.

Thanks everyone.

I'm in the south east. The GP said the wait is a minimum of 2 years in my area hence I've made the decision to go privately. I would like a full comprehensive assessment, not a zoom call etc. Thanks

Berkshire Psychology I think is based in Woodley near Reading if that isn't too far for you.

I went to the gp. Showed them a load of research I'd done and a massive file on all the reasons I thought I was autistic and she referred me to the place to go for the assessment. Then they sent a letter with an appointment and where to go.

It makes me laugh now, I was so confused as to why she didn't even read any of it and just referred me. In hindsight, turning up to a doctors appointment with a folder full of info, including the phone numbers and email addresses for local autism centers, is very autistic behaviour 🤣

Ah sorry. That wasn't helpful!

Following for interest but @Cuddlyrottweiler that made me smile!

www.asperger-training.com/sarah-hendrickx

I like this lady.

@Itallmakessensenow

Thanks everyone.

I'm in the south east. The GP said the wait is a minimum of 2 years in my area hence I've made the decision to go privately. I would like a full comprehensive assessment, not a zoom call etc. Thanks

That’s a bit dismissive. He probably had a Zoom call die to Covid-19, not because it’s a rubbish clinic.

Due, not die. A rather unfortunate autocorrect!

I'm interested int his too. I've never felt "right"as such.
But after 30+ years, does a diagnosis change anything? (This isn't a dig at anyone who is considering it, I am wondering aloud for myself if it would change anything)

LANC

I don’t wish to sound insensitive so I’m really sorry if I do. I just wonder if you can go by your symptoms to diagnose yourself? What happens if someone tells you that yes you are autistic as an adult? For many children nothing changes really, except teachers / parents know why you do the things you do and act the way you do. Some children receive extra school support but many don’t. What would change as an adult? (except you knowing of course)

Are your parents still around, OP? An assessing clinician might ask for first hand information (from parents) about your childhood and early development. Check this before you arrange the assessment, if you don't want your parents involved. I've known a few people whose parents couldn't be involved, and it's halted the diagnostic process.

I was diagnosed as an adult and it has helped me accept myself more. I no longer hate myself and have stopped forcing myself to do things and be in situations I just don’t want to do. It’s also meant that other people who I’ve told, are a bit more tolerant, patient and understanding of me, which has contributed to hating myself less too. Finally, it also means I feel like I can justify paying for a gardener (and hopefully a cleaner soon) to help me keep on top of household things because I struggle with those quite a bit. I needed a diagnosis from a professional to accept it. I would have felt like a fraud doing the whole ‘self-diagnosis’ thing. You can’t diagnose yourself.

I went private for my assessment too. I had a screening assessment first, then loads of questionnaires to fill in and return, then I had to supply any old school reports and things like that, then the psychologist spoke at length to my parent, then I had the ADOS assessment with a different psychologist, then I had a final talking assessment with the first psychologist, then they had a meeting to discuss and decide if I met the diagnostic criteria and then I had my results.

I'm on a waiting list for assessment. 3 years and waiting.

Still not sure if I actually want someone to say the words you're Autistic. Nothing will change for me apart from I'll have a label.

Good luck

Tbh I don't think the zoom assessment was particularly great, no where near as in depth as what we need to do with DD but it was good to confirm what we'd already sussed out.

We took DS here as we wanted the assessment in time for secondary and there was a 2 year wait.
They were lovely there.

www.essexautismservice.com/

Sorry to jump on someone else’s thread, but does anyone have any recommendations for services in Yorkshire? I’m looking for an assessment for my DS and as other posters have flagged up, I don’t want to given a ‘preferred’ diagnosis but the NHS wait list where we are is 4-5 years.