The Autism Process
Step 1: Registration
Having chosen Autism 360 to undertake your assessment, you will need to register on our online portal. We will ask you for your contact information. This information is never shared with anyone else.
Step 2: Screening
You will be guided to complete a quick screening assessment. This will show you, and us, which characteristics of autism you may present with. This screening assessment is not a diagnosis.
Please complete this screening assessment thinking about what is most typical of you, not just your most recent experiences.
You will receive some feedback immediately after completing the screening assessment. This will tell you if your answers indicate the presence of autism characteristics.
Positive screen
If your responses suggest you do present with characteristics of autism, this is a ‘positive screen’. This suggests it would be worthwhile considering a full autism assessment.
Negative screen
If your responses suggest you do not present with many characteristics of autism, this is a ‘negative screen’. It means that your answers did not indicate a large number of autism characteristics, that would typically suggest an assessment would be beneficial.
Not everyone who goes on to get a diagnosis for autism has a positive screening score above the threshold, but it can be a good indication for many, and it is important we make you aware of this.
Screening assessments are not a detailed assessment. Sometimes, if you hide (or mask) some autism characteristics, this can lead to a negative result on the screening assessment. As such, you may still want an autism assessment, irrespective of the outcome of the screening assessment. We are more than happy to proceed with the assessment if that is what you would like to do.
Step 3: Booking an assessment
If after your screening assessment you want to go ahead with a full diagnostic assessment you will be guided to pay an initial non-refundable booking fee. Paying this fee will allow you to book an assessment time with one of our clinicians.
If you haven’t already, we encourage you to meet the team to learn more about the clinician who will conduct your assessment.
You can return to your portal at any time after your screening assessment to book the assessment. This gives you time to think about your decision. If you have any questions at this stage, please contact us before booking.
Before booking an assessment, we encourage you to remind yourself of our prices. We offer payment via installments or in full upon completion of the assessment.
If you receive Universal Credit, please get in touch with us before booking your assessment, so we can discuss this further with you. Autism 360 offers a reduced assessment fee for those on Universal Credit, on receipt of documentation to support this.
Once you’ve paid the booking fee, our booking system will allow you to book an assessment from our next available appointments. You’ll also be requested to fill in some additional information before your appointment.
Step 4: Background information
Before your online assessment we will ask you to complete some further questionnaires on our online portal, including about your early years (which we encourage you to ask family about to help you if available), relevant medical information and your goals / reasons for the assessment.
This provides lots of information that we take into consideration when looking at the criteria we follow when determining if you have autism or not. We will likely discuss some of the information you share with us when your clinician meets you in the assessment.
Step 5: The assessment
Your assessment will be a video conference consultation over Skype. It will last between 60 and 90 minutes.
Please have some photo ID available for the assessment, such as a passport or driving licence.
Step 6: Your Autism Diagnosis
After your assessment, the Autism 360 MDT will discuss all information relating to your assessment and background information. The team will review this information against the ICD-11 diagnostic criteria.
Your clinician will then share the outcome of your assessment with you again via Skype in a feedback session.
Positive Diagnosis
If your assessment determines a positive diagnosis (You are autistic), your clinician will discuss the characteristics of autism you present with. They will discuss your options for post-diagnostic support based upon your goals.
Negative Diagnosis
If your assessment determines a negative diagnosis (You are not autistic), your clinician will have a detailed discussion with you about this outcome and signpost you to additional resources for further support based upon the information you have shared.
A detailed, personalised report will be written, regardless of the assessment outcome. This will outline how we have undertaken our assessment, the outcome and, if a positive diagnosis, will make recommendations for reasonable adjustments or further support that may be of benefit. We will send a copy of the report to your GP on your behalf.
Step 7: Your Post-Diagnostic Support
If your assessment determines a positive diagnosis, you will be invited to a post-diagnostic webinar. This is included in your package price.
We will also send you further information about additional resources that may also be of benefit for you and further information about additional packages we can offer at Autism 360.
At Autism 360 we aim to take the uncertainty out of what happens in an autism assessment with us. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible, and will keep you informed at every stage of the process.
Please see our FAQ section for more information, or contact us with any specific queries.