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.

In case anyone reading is in the North West or can get there, brief therapy support services based in Preston diagnosed me. They were fantastic. The actual assessment took less than an hour, and they offer therapy sessions to help you come to terms with any diagnosis.

Find out which private provider your local health board has a contract with. Otherwise the nhs might not accept your diagnosis.

You should check that any provider follows NICE guidelines especially if you need to get it accepted by a Local Authority for school. That's probably not important if it's an adult diagnosis for your own peace of mind though.

@Thewolvesarerunningagain the Tuke Centre/The Retreat in York is good

@herculesoffline

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.

They'll ask, but you can tell them it's nothing to do with your parents. I did a timeline of my life, indicating every instance I could remember (it was long) of me exhibiting my autistic self. I've learned since then that there was lots more I could have included. I sent it to the assessors. NHS have been very good about accepting the diagnosis, apart from some nurses in A&E when I had chest pains.

I was assessed and diagnosed during lockdown, over zoom. It was fine. Mine was through the GP but I've heard good things about Oxford ADHD Centre.

@herculesoffline

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.

My mum has a terrible memory and also viewed my childhood very differently to me. I told them that and they were happy just to talk to me about my childhood. You don't have to have a parent take part.

Spectrum North West based in Warrington are very good (but probably too far away for the OP) and specialists in diagnosing girls and women. My DD got her diagnosis from them and I'd go there myself but can't really afford it at the moment.

That's an awfully long wait :-( - mine was only 2 months (south west).

@GiveMeDreamies

Spectrum North West based in Warrington are very good (but probably too far away for the OP) and specialists in diagnosing girls and women. My DD got her diagnosis from them and I'd go there myself but can't really afford it at the moment.

My parents don't believe autism exists so would not be helpful. Great thread by the way, I'm in the same boat and trying to get the courage to approach my gp.

Thank you for the recommendation criminallycharmed! I’ll look into that one.