Autism Assessment Process 

TJF Psychology offers a supportive, thorough autism assessment process designed to help individuals build a clear understanding of their strengths, needs, and differences. The aim is not simply to reach a “yes or no” outcome, but to provide a helpful explanation that makes sense of day-to-day experiences across different areas of life, including relationships, education, work, and wellbeing.

​

For many autistic adults, this also includes exploring the impact of masking or camouflaging over time. Masking can affect how autism presents in adulthood, and can sometimes contribute to long-term stress, exhaustion, anxiety, burnout, or a sense of not feeling fully understood. The assessment process therefore aims to understand not only outward behaviours, but also the effort and impact behind them. Importantly, masking does not prevent an autism diagnosis, and the assessment is designed to take this into account.

​

The assessment is designed to be completed within two months (or less), from the initial meeting through to the final feedback appointment and written report. Occasionally, it may become clear during the process that a wider assessment is needed, or that additional information or observation would be helpful. If this happens, the timeline may be extended. Any additional appointments or assessment elements would always be discussed with you fully in advance, and would be separately costed in addition to the basic assessment fee.

​

As part of the assessment, there is also a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) discussion involving colleagues from other professional backgrounds who are experienced and appropriately qualified in autism assessment. This helps ensure the diagnostic decision is robust, meets NICE guideline standards, and reflects a well-rounded professional discussion rather than a single viewpoint.

​

The adult autism assessment process is structured into three clear stages. Each stage is designed to build a full and balanced picture of the individual, drawing on information from self-report, third person report (where appropriate), and direct assessment. Throughout the process, the aim is to work collaboratively, ensuring that the assessment feels supportive, transparent, and focused on understanding the person as a whole.

​

Stage 1: Screening and next steps

Stage 1 begins with a conversation with the individual to understand their reason for assessment and to create a unique set of screening  questionnaires to be completed by the individual. Where possible and appropriate, additional questionnaires may also be completed by someone who knows the person well (for example, a partner, parent, close friend, or other long-term informant). This can be especially helpful, although it is not always possible and is not a necessary requirement for an assessment to go ahead.

​​

​Stage 2: Information gathering

More information will be gathered using  in-depth clinical interview. This interview includes a detailed exploration of developmental history, current traits and experiences, and the impact of these in everyday life — including the extent to which the person may have developed strategies to mask, compensate, or “blend in” socially. During this interview the individual will be asked about their early development and childhood behaviours and experiences, if there is a someone who might know more about this, it might be useful for them to contribute to this stage of the assessment. This interview may include elements of the ADI-R or ACIA, adapted for adult assessment. The interview can take place in person or online and usually lasts between one and two hours.

If there are any professional reports or personal accounts from friends or family available, these can also be shared, as they may add helpful context to the overall assessment.​​ 

The main face-to-face assessment appointment will subsequently take place. This session provides an opportunity to observe communication style, social interaction, and how the individual responds within a structured but supportive assessment setting. This session will be recorded or observed by another clinician to enable the later MDT discussion. 

​​

The practical arrangements for this appointment, including where it will take place, can be agreed during the clinical interview. The ADOS appointment usually lasts around one hour.

​​​

Stage 3: MDT discussion, feedback meeting and report

Once all assessment information has been gathered. At this stage, there may be a discussion with MDT colleagues from other professional backgrounds who are experienced and qualified in autism assessment.

The diagnostic report is then written, summarising the findings and considering them against the DSM-5 criteria for autism, with clear recommendations included. A feedback appointment is arranged to talk through the outcome, answer questions, and discuss next steps.

This meeting can take place in person or online and is typically scheduled around one to two weeks after the final assessment appointment. A PDF copy of the final report is sent after the feedback meeting.

​​​​

Payment options

Payment can be made in full at the start of the assessment, or you may choose to follow the staged payment schedule below:

• £300 – Invoice issued when the assessment has been commissioned. To be paid before the assessment can be progressed.

• £750 – Invoice issued when the interview appointment has been arranged.  To be paid once the 'in-person' session has been arranged. 

• £750 – Invoice issued when the draft report is prepared and the feedback meeting is arranged. To be paid before the final report and feedback meeting takes place.