Autism Assessments
I offer in person neuroaffirming autism (ASD) assessments for women, providing a supportive and thorough process to help you gain clarity and understand yourself in a way that finally makes sense.
Many women and girls have spent years feeling misunderstood, dismissed, or mislabelled because they don’t fit the outdated stereotypes of autism. Gaining clarity through an assessment can be an empowering step, but it can also bring up a lot of emotions. That’s why I offer a process that is compassionate, thoughtful, and at your pace, so that by the end, things finally make sense and the pieces fit for you.
I provide gold-standard, multidisciplinary autism assessments in partnership with a highly experienced colleague. Our approach follows NICE guidelines, ensuring input from two professionals with expertise in autism. But beyond the formal diagnosis, I offer space to process your assessment so you’re not left to make sense of it on your own. Together, we can explore what it means for you, your sensory and communication needs, and the support that will help you thrive.
I offer strengths-based assessments because traditional tools like the ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) often do not fully capture how autism presents in women. The ADOS was primarily developed and normed on predominantly male samples, which means it can miss subtler, internalised, or masked traits that many women experience. Women on the spectrum frequently develop sophisticated coping strategies that can make standard assessments less sensitive to their unique profiles.
By focusing on a strengths-based, neuroaffirming approach, I aim to recognise and validate the full range of your experiences, not just difficulties, allowing for a more accurate and compassionate understanding. This approach honours your individuality and supports a clearer, more empowering diagnosis and pathway forward.
Maybe you’ve always felt different and are starting to explore why. Maybe a recent diagnosis in your family has made you reflect on your own experiences. Whatever brought you here, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Assessment fee is £2100, including the full report and MDT.
The assessment process
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You email to discuss your interest in an autism assessment. We’ll arrange a brief conversation to understand your needs and explain how the process works. If you decide to proceed, we’ll schedule your assessment appointment.
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Before your appointment, you’ll be sent some questionnaires to complete at your own pace. These help us gather important information about your sensory preferences, camouflaging, social communication, and developmental history. You can also invite a close family member or friend to complete an observer questionnaire to provide additional insights.
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During your in-person session, we’ll have a detailed, compassionate conversation about your experiences, strengths, and challenges. This includes exploring your communication style, social interactions, sensory sensitivities, and areas of interest. The assessment is tailored to your pace, creating a safe space for open and honest dialogue. Observations and discussion are combined with the questionnaire information to build a complete picture. I will also draw on my skills as a therapist during the assessment so that we can explore your experiences at great length and detail.
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Your assessment details will be reviewed by a multidisciplinary team, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced diagnosis. Our approach follows NICE guidelines, with input from experienced clinicians who specialise in autism.
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Once your report is complete, you will be offered a feedback call where you can discuss the findings in detail. This is an opportunity to process the diagnosis, explore what it means for you, and identify personalised strategies and supports. You will also be provided with resources and signposting for onwards support. The report itself is detailed, reflective and compassionate.
THE TEAM
The assessments are conducted by myself (Chloe) alongside the supervision of a highly skilled and trusted colleague, ensuring a thorough and expert multidisciplinary approach.
Both clinicians hold:
Valid enhanced DBS clearance
Professional registration with HCPC
Specialist training in autism diagnosis
Extensive experience in autism assessments
Strong knowledge of autism support strategies
Expertise in recognising varied presentations, including masking and camouflaging
Additional training in trauma, mental health, and learning disabilities
Specific experience and understanding of how autism presents in women
Personal experience as neurodiverse clinicians, adding depth and genuine understanding and passion to the assessment
This collaboration follows best practice guidelines to provide a comprehensive and balanced assessment.
Who are these assessments for?
Our autism assessments are specifically designed for adult women who suspect they might be on the autism spectrum or who have recently had a family diagnosis and want to understand themselves better. We recognise that autism can look different in women and provide a tailored, compassionate approach.
What does the assessment involve?
The assessment includes an in-depth clinical interview, observation, and standardised questionnaires completed before your appointment. You’ll be able to share your experiences, strengths, and challenges in a safe, supportive environment. We also gather information from someone who knows you well to add perspective.
How long does the assessment take?
Typically, the assessment lasts between one and three hours, depending on your needs and how much you wish to share. We work at your pace to ensure you feel comfortable throughout.
What happens after the assessment?
After the assessment, we review all information carefully and write a detailed report. You’ll receive feedback and have the opportunity to discuss the results and what they mean for you. We also explore recommendations and next steps tailored to your unique profile.
Is the assessment confidential?
Yes. All information shared during the assessment is treated with the strictest confidence and stored securely, in line with professional and legal standards. The practice is ICO registered for data protection.
How much does the assessment cost?
The full assessment, including the report and multidisciplinary team review, is priced at £2100. We’ll provide clear information about payment and scheduling when you enquire.
Are private assessments accepted by the NHS?
Private assessments are accepted by public organisations like the NHS and Local Authorities when they adhere to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines and this compliance is clearly demonstrated in the report. Our assessments have consistently been accepted because our reports thoroughly document adherence to NICE standards, detail the assessment process, present the evidence collected, and clearly explain the reasoning behind the diagnosis.
DO YOU OFFER THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE pathway?
Currently, we only offer privately funded assessments.
How long is your waiting list?
We aim to offer appointments within 1-2 weeks of the initial contact.