Private Adult Autism Assessment in East London

Autism in adults

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting how a person experiences the world, communicates, processes information, and interacts socially. It’s present from birth, although diagnosis often happens much later, particularly for women and for adults who’ve developed effective masking strategies.

Autism is a spectrum — presentations vary enormously. Some autistic adults have significant support needs; others live independently, work in senior roles, and only realised they were autistic in adulthood. Many autistic people describe their condition not as a deficit but as a different way of experiencing and processing the world — with both strengths and challenges.

Signs you might be autistic

Autism in adults can include features across several domains. You don’t need all of these — presentations vary significantly.

Social communication

• Finding small talk genuinely difficult or pointless
• Preferring deep conversations on topics that interest you
• Difficulty reading "between the lines" — missing hints, sarcasm, or implied meaning
• Often misunderstood, or finding others confusing
• Feeling like a different species at social events
• Exhausted by socialising even if you enjoy it
• Difficulty with eye contact (or finding sustained eye contact draining)
• Preference for written over verbal communication

Sensory experiences

• Strong reactions to certain sounds, textures, smells, lights, tastes
• Particular foods cannot be tolerated due to texture or appearance
• Crowded or noisy environments rapidly become overwhelming
• Bright fluorescent lights cause headaches or distress
• Specific clothing materials feel intolerable
• Either over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to pain
• Sensory experiences others don’t notice (a fan, a clock ticking)

Routines and interests

• Strong preference for routine and predictability
• Significant distress when routines change unexpectedly
• Deep, focused interests (often called "special interests") — sometimes lifelong
• Capacity for intense focus on topics that interest you (for hours, ignoring food/sleep)
• Preferring known restaurants, holidays, routes
• Specific rituals or rules (own or that you’ve created)

Identity and self-experience

• Feeling different from other people for as long as you can remember
• Difficulty understanding social norms others seem to follow naturally
• Strong sense of justice or fairness
• Literal thinking; difficulty with non-literal language
• Sometimes described as lacking common sense in social situations
• Difficulty understanding or expressing emotions in real time
• Recognising yourself in autistic characters in media

Masking

Many adults, particularly women, develop extensive masking — consciously imitating non-autistic social behaviour, suppressing stims, scripting conversations in advance. Masking is exhausting and often contributes to burnout, anxiety, and depression. Many autistic adults seek diagnosis when masking becomes unsustainable.

Autism in women and AFAB adults

Autism in women has historically been missed because:

• Diagnostic criteria were developed studying autistic boys
• Women’s presentations are often subtler, with stronger masking
• Women’s special interests often align with culturally typical female interests (people, fiction, animals) and are dismissed as "normal"
• Anxiety, depression, eating disorders are diagnosed instead, missing the underlying autism

Patterns we commonly see in autistic women:

• Long history of anxiety, depression, or eating disorders treated without resolution
• Burnout in mid-life from years of masking
• Realisation after a child’s diagnosis
• Difficulty maintaining female friendship groups
• Strong sensory preferences others find puzzling
• Career achievement through intense focus, masking high-functioning anxiety
• Late diagnosis in 30s, 40s, 50s, even 60s

Our service uses tools and clinical approach sensitive to female-presenting and non-stereotypical autism. We have particular experience in late female diagnosis.

Co-occurring conditions

Autism rarely exists alone in adults. We routinely screen for and consider:

• ADHD — combined autism + ADHD ("AuDHD") is extremely common
• Anxiety disorders — very common, often the presenting concern
• Depression — often consequence of years of masking and miscommunication
• Eating disorders — particularly anorexia, ARFID
• Sensory processing differences
• OCD and OCD-spectrum conditions
• PTSD — often complex/developmental
• Hypermobility / Ehlers-Danlos — physical co-occurrence
• Gastrointestinal conditions

Getting the full picture matters for support and treatment.

How we assess at the clinic

1. Initial consultation

A confidential 30–45 minute conversation about why you’re seeking assessment, what you’ve recognised in yourself, and whether full assessment is the right next step. Some people leave this appointment having decided they don’t want formal diagnosis — that’s a valid choice.

2. Pre-assessment questionnaires

Validated screening tools completed at home: AQ-10, RAADS-R, Empathy Quotient, Systemising Quotient, sensory profiles, and others as relevant. These structure the discussion at the full assessment.

3. Developmental evidence

Autism by definition starts in early childhood. We try to gather evidence from that period — childhood reports, parent input, school information — though we recognise this isn’t always possible. Absence of childhood evidence doesn’t automatically prevent diagnosis but does change the assessment approach.

4. Comprehensive diagnostic assessment

A 2–3 hour appointment with a clinical psychologist using a structured clinical interview informed by tools such as the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule), DISCO, or 3Di-Adult. The assessment covers childhood and current functioning across communication, social interaction, repetitive/restricted behaviours, sensory experiences, and quality of life impact.

5. Diagnostic feedback

A clear written report, verbal explanation, and opportunity to ask questions. The report is suitable to share with your GP, employer (if you wish), and any other professionals.

After diagnosis

A confirmed autism diagnosis means different things to different people. Common responses include:

• Relief and validation — "It wasn’t my fault"
• Grief for years of self-criticism and missed support
• A period of reframing life experiences with new understanding
• Discovery of online autistic communities and peer support
• Decisions about disclosure — whom to tell, when, and how

We support this process. Some people find brief post-diagnosis psychological support helpful; others process the diagnosis through their own resources.

Practical implications

• Employment — reasonable adjustments are a legal right under the Equality Act 2010
• Education — adjustments at university, exam concessions
• Driving — autism alone doesn’t affect driving; you don’t need to inform DVLA unless co-occurring conditions warrant it
• Disability benefits — eligibility depending on impact (PIP, Access to Work)
• Healthcare — communicating autism to healthcare providers can improve care
• Relationships — some find diagnosis helps partners understand them

Ongoing support

Autism itself isn’t treated — it’s a way of being, not a disease. What we can support:

• Treating co-occurring conditions (anxiety, depression, sleep, ADHD)
• Psychological therapy adapted for autistic adults
• Peer support and community connection
• Workplace and educational adjustments
• Sensory and environmental adjustments
• Relationship and communication support

When to seek assessment

Consider booking an initial consultation if:

• You’ve recognised yourself in autism descriptions, books, or media
• A partner, child, or close friend has been diagnosed and you see yourself in their traits
• You’ve been treated for anxiety, depression, or eating disorders without lasting improvement
• You experience the world differently from others and have done since childhood
• You’re burnt out from a lifetime of masking
• You want formal diagnosis for self-understanding, workplace adjustments, or other practical reasons
• You’re on an NHS waiting list and want a definitive answer sooner

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a GP referral?

No. Book directly. With your consent we’ll write to your NHS GP after diagnosis so your records are joined up.

How long does the full process take?

From first contact to diagnostic report typically 2–6 weeks, depending on availability.

What if I don’t get diagnosed?

Happens occasionally. We’ll explain why, what we’ve considered instead, and signpost to appropriate help. Sometimes people are autistic but don’t meet formal diagnostic criteria — we can discuss this honestly.

How much does it cost?

Current assessment prices are on our Fees page. The fee is fixed and includes the written report.

Will my insurance cover it?

Coverage varies. Some UK PMI policies cover adult autism assessment; others exclude developmental assessments. Check with your insurer; we provide procedure codes.

What about Asperger’s syndrome?

Asperger’s is now subsumed within autism spectrum diagnosis in current diagnostic systems (ICD-11, DSM-5). Many people previously diagnosed with Asperger’s prefer that term; we use whichever language fits you.

Can I get medication for autism?

Autism itself isn’t treated with medication. Co-occurring conditions (anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep) often are.

Will I need any follow-up?

Not automatically. Some people choose post-diagnosis psychological support; some don’t. We’re available if needed but you’re not committed to ongoing care.

What if I’ve been previously assessed and disagreed with the outcome?

That’s reasonable to discuss. Second opinions for autism are legitimate, especially given how often women and adults have been missed. We can review previous assessments and offer fresh evaluation.