Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition where the brain processes information differently. This can make communication, social interactions, and understanding emotions more challenging. Individuals with autism may find it difficult to interpret social cues, express their feelings, or navigate conversations. An autism assessment provides valuable insight, helping individuals better understand themselves and access the right support tailored to their needs.
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition where the brain processes information differently. This can make communication, social interactions, and understanding emotions more challenging. Individuals with autism may find it difficult to interpret social cues, express their feelings, or navigate conversations. An autism assessment provides valuable insight, helping individuals better understand themselves and access the right support tailored to their needs.
It’s important to remember that autism is a spectrum, meaning each individual experiences it differently. People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have a wide range of skills, interests, challenges, and support needs.
ASD can present with varying characteristics—some individuals may face significant difficulties with communication and social interaction, while others may have milder challenges and excel in specific areas. The spectrum also includes sub-types, such as the high functioning type, often associated with average to above-average intelligence and a strong focus on particular interests.
By recognising the diverse nature of autism, we can better understand each person’s unique strengths and challenges. This allows for personalised support and interventions tailored to individual needs, helping people with autism thrive in their own way.
Autism presents differently in every individual. While many autistic people share common challenges, each person experiences the world in their own unique way. This is why an autism diagnosis should always be carried out by experienced professionals.
Some common signs and symptoms include:
Difficulty understanding social cues, making friends, or feeling comfortable in social situations.
Heightened anxiety and burnout due to sensory sensitivities, social difficulties, or dealing with unexpected changes.
Communication styles and behaviours may differ from societal expectations, leading to being misunderstood.
A strong preference for routine, where unexpected changes can cause significant distress.
Challenges in expressing thoughts and feelings, both verbally and non-verbally.
A tendency to prefer quiet environments or spending time alone for comfort and balance.
Difficulty maintaining eye contact, often due to sensory overload or social discomfort.
Speech delays, unique speech patterns, or trouble starting and maintaining conversations.
Symptoms of autism typically appear in early childhood and continue into adulthood, though how they present can evolve over time. While many people are diagnosed as children, others may only recognise autistic traits later in life. In these cases, an adult autism assessment can provide clarity and access to the right support.
If you find these challenges familiar, an adult ADHD assessment can provide clarity. With the right diagnosis and tailored treatment, adults with ADHD can access effective support to manage symptoms and improve daily life.
Reaching out for autism testing can feel daunting, but if autism-related challenges are affecting your daily life, speaking with a psychiatrist who specialises in autism diagnosis can make a real difference.
There are many autism assessment tools available, but not every approach fits everyone. That’s why our autism assessments are bespoke, tailored to your unique experiences and difficulties. Our psychiatrists carefully consider factors such as your physical health, family history, and how symptoms impact your life. We also pay close attention to any related conditions (such as anxiety or mood disorders) to ensure an accurate and comprehensive diagnosis.
If an autism diagnosis is given, your psychiatrist will design a personalised support plan to help manage your specific needs. While there is no cure for autism, the right guidance and interventions can significantly reduce the impact of associated symptoms, empowering you to navigate daily life with greater ease and confidence.
Book appointments with Consultant Psychiatrists who bring decades of trusted NHS experience to your mental health care.
Connect with expert psychiatrists specialising in ADHD and ADD assessments and treatment for individuals of any age.
We offer NHS Shared Care Agreements at no extra cost, subject to approval from your GP for continued support.
All assessments follow strict NICE guidelines, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based care you can trust.
Dr Sai was brilliant. I was nervous for the assessment but he was very friendly, understanding, clear, patient, and professional. His friendly manner put me at ease immediately. The whole assessment went very smoothly, all of the questions were clear and easy to answer. Any question I was unsure of, Sai gave examples or happily re-explained, which hugely helped. I felt listened to and didn’t feel rushed or pressured to answer any questions at all. My overall experience was great, everything was explained in lots of detail for me to understand and he was extremely professional, friendly, and understanding. Overall, my assessment with Dr Sai was excellent and i would really recommend him to anyone. Thank you so much for such a positive experience with my assessment, i am very grateful.
Review TextI had a really positive experience with my ASD assessment with Dr. Sai. My partner had recently been diagnosed as autistic by him, so I knew right away that I wanted to be assessed by him too and I'm so glad I did. I also have ADHD, so I’m not always the clearest when trying to explain things, and I tend to mask quite heavily. I was worried I might not be able to communicate everything properly or that I wouldn’t get a clear answer. But from the start, Dr. Sai made me feel completely at ease. I was able to speak freely, and I felt genuinely listened to and understood. I was never rushed, and he was patient even when I went off topic, which I often do. I would highly recommend Dr. Sai if you’re seeking an ASD assessment. I know there are a lot of horror stories out there about the diagnostic process especially for women, and it can feel like a total minefield but I honestly can’t recommend him enough. Thank you so much!
Dr Sai Achuthan is an excellent doctor. He’s friendly, kind, thorough and professional. He had read all my notes before my appointment with him and had taken the time to know and understand me. He was attentive during the appointment and made me feel at ease immediately. I don’t always find it easy talking to strangers but I felt very relaxed and able to explain myself to him. He has a fantastic knowledge of his field and a great understanding of how autism can present in females. I was delighted to have him as my consultant and would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone undergoing an assessment for ASD or ADHD, or indeed anything else within his domain.
I felt very much at ease, respected and not patronised. I felt I could trust Dr Achuthan's assessment and could trust him enough to be myself in the interview which is hard for me because I am usually trying to meet the expectations of the person I'm talking to. I appreciate that doing the assessment online means more people in different locations can be seen but I would have preferred to meet in person.
I am very grateful to have seen Dr Sai Achuthan. I was nervous before beginning my appointment but I quickly felt more at ease and he asked me questions that seemed to cover a lot of aspects of autism and they prompted me to remember important points that were useful for my diagnosis. I also like how he clearly explained the different levels of autism and diagnosed me with level 1 autism.
From the moment I was referred, I have been treated with an incredible amount of care and attention. Taking only four months, I was diagnosed with autism quickly, avoiding a long and lengthy process. Dr Sai was fantastic and really put me at ease. I would recommend him and Psychiatry UK to anyone.
I had my autism assessment and diagnosis with Sai, and I can not recommend him enough. He made me feel really relaxed and comfortable and was very understanding. I’m so glad I chose him. Thank you for giving me the answers I have longed for! If I had to do it all over again I would 100% chose sai again.
Every autism assessment is tailored to meet your individual needs and is conducted by a fully qualified Consultant Psychiatrist.
Before your appointment, you'll receive a set of questionnaires and rating scales, which can be easily completed on your phone or computer. These help us gain a deeper understanding of your experiences and symptoms.
When appropriate, and if necessary, we may also gather insights about your childhood by speaking with someone familiar with your early behaviour—typically a parent or guardian.
At the conclusion of your assessment, your psychiatrist will provide clear feedback on the diagnosis, along with personalised recommendations. You'll have the opportunity to discuss the results and receive guidance on the best next steps.
If you wish, you can book an optional follow-up feedback session (additional fees apply) to explore your diagnosis in more detail or address any further questions you may have.
Yes, your formal diagnosis report can be used to access support in both workplace and educational settings. Many employers, universities, and schools recognise official assessments when providing reasonable adjustments, such as extra time for tasks, flexible working arrangements, or additional learning support. We ensure that your report is comprehensive and meets the necessary standards to help you request the accommodations you need.
While many people do receive a formal diagnosis following their autism assessment, outcomes can vary. In some cases, the psychiatrist may identify a different condition or a combination of diagnoses based on your symptoms.
If no diagnosis is given, you won’t be left without direction. Your psychiatrist will provide practical guidance on the next steps, which may include further testing, additional assessments, or recommendations for support to help manage any ongoing challenges. The goal is always to ensure you have clarity and access to the right support for your individual needs.
