Our Services

Autism Assessments

Where everyone is heard, valued and celebrated

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that shapes how a person experiences the world, influencing communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and patterns of interest or behaviour.

It is called a “spectrum” because it presents in many different ways, some individuals have very clear traits, while others show more subtle signs that can easily be overlooked.

At our clinic, we specialise in understanding neurodiversity in all its forms. Our compassionate team takes the time to get to know each individual, listening carefully to experiences, observing thoughtfully, and tailoring assessments to reflect the unique way autism may present.

We are committed to ensuring that every person feels seen, understood, and supported throughout the assessment journey.

Receiving an autism diagnosis can be a profoundly empowering experience. It is not a label or limitation, but a valuable insight that fosters understanding and self-awareness.

For individuals, families, and caregivers, it opens the door to personalised support, practical strategies, and greater empathy helping each person to flourish in their own unique way.

Autism Assessments for Adults and Children (age 5 years- adults)

Our Autism assessments are in line with NICE guidelines, are multi-disciplinary and in line with the reports that we do in the NHS. The cost for an Autism assessment is £2,150. A joint ASD and ADHD assessment costs £2,750

Make Contact

Contact us by email or phone

Get in touch with us by email or phone to refer yourself or your child for a private autism assessment at The Nook Neurodevelopmental Clinic. We are happy to answer any initial questions and guide you through the next steps.

Questionnaires

We will send out questionnaires to complete

Once booked, we will send out a set of questionnaires to gather background information. These screen for autism and related areas such as anxiety, attention, and emotional wellbeing. For child assessments, questionnaires are also sent to school (unless your child is not currently attending school).

Developmental Interview (ADI-R)

We will complete a full developmental history and learn about current experiences

We will arrange a detailed interview to explore developmental history and current experiences. This involves the Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised (ADI-R) for children, or a comprehensive Adult Autism Interview for adults.

Face-to-Face Assessment (ADOS-2)

We will see you face to face for the ADOS -2 assessment

The formal assessment takes place in person at the clinic and involves a social communication assessment using the ADOS-2. This is carried out jointly by two experienced clinicians (e.g. Clinical Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist, or Occupational Therapist) and takes around one hour.

Written Report

You will receive a detailed written report

You will receive a detailed, clear report outlining the assessment findings, diagnostic outcome (where appropriate), and personalised recommendations to support understanding and next steps.

Feedback and Support

We will meet you for a feedback call online

You can book a 30-minute feedback session via video call to talk through the report, ask questions, and ensure everything is fully understood.

If further support is needed, we can signpost you to trusted professionals and services to help with next steps, interventions, or adjustments.

Books On Stool

AT OUR CLINIC

WE SPECIALISE IN
NEURODIVERSITY

And are dedicated to understanding and supporting the full spectrum of presentations through our thorough and compassionate assessments.

Autism and ADHD Joint Assessments (AuDHD)

Autism and (ADHD) combined has been referred to as AuDHD which is a shorthand term used in the neurodivergent community to describe people who are diagnosed with both Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Someone with AuDHD might experience a mix of traits, such as intense focus on certain interests alongside difficulty with attention, or a need for routine alongside impulsivity and high energy. Because these experiences can vary significantly between individuals, AuDHD is often misunderstood or overlooked. At our clinic, we specialise in recognising and supporting the full spectrum of neurodiversity, including complex, blended profiles like AuDHD.

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AUTISM IN

WOMEN AND GIRLS

Although autism has historically been seen as more common in males, we now know that it can present differently and more subtly in females. Autistic girls and women may mask their difficulties by carefully observing and copying others, meaning challenges with social communication are not always obvious at school, work, or in other settings.

They may appear quiet, compliant, or socially engaged, while experiencing significant exhaustion and distress that is more visible at home.

Many girls form close friendships but are often led by others rather than initiating interactions themselves.

All of our clinicians are trained and experienced in recognising female presentations of autism, ensuring that girls and women are not overlooked or missed in the diagnostic process.

WE HAVE A LOT OF EXPERIENCE DIAGNOSING GIRLS/WOMEN WITH ASD

And will ask some additional questions during our developmental interview and ADOS assessment in addition to a questionnaire designed for girls with ASD to ensure we are capturing the differences in presentation for girls/women with ASD

GIRLS ARE OFTEN MORE SOCIALLY AWARE AND SOCIALLY DRIVEN

And so more likely to seek out play and interaction opportunities (whilst often being ‘led’ by peers rather than initiating activities themselves).

They may have one special friend with whom they share an intense, sometimes dependent, relationship. As they grow in self-awareness and recognise their ‘differences’, girls may take greater pains to avoid drawing attention to  themselves, for example by being quiet, well behaved and compliant at school or work

Girls may be more able to follow social rules through observation and better mask their difficulties by learning to copy behaviour i.e. using skills based on intellect rather than social intuition.

They may be quicker to apologise and appease when they make a social error, increasing the likelihood of their unusual behaviour being overlooked or forgotten by others

It is also important to recognise that this can be an exhausting process and can contribute to distress and reduced coping, although this distress may be seen in the home setting rather than at work or school

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AUTISM ASSESMENTS

FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN

(AGE 5 YEARS – ADULTS)

A diagnosis of Autism should not be viewed as a label or limitation, but as

A VALUABLE INSIGHT THAT CAN TRANSFORM UNDERSTANDING.

For individuals, parents, caregivers, or partners, it opens the door to tailored support, greater empathy, and practical strategies that can help each individual thrive in their own unique way.

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