At Eleos Clinic, we provide comprehensive autism assessments for children, young people and adults. Our assessments are strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming and evidence-informed.

 

We aim to understand the whole person, including their strengths, differences, challenges, developmental history, relationships, sensory experiences, communication style and day-to-day functioning.

 

We encourage people to feel open about their strengths, challenges and differences throughout the assessment process. We understand that assessments can feel unfamiliar or emotionally significant, particularly for people who have spent many years masking, adapting or feeling misunderstood. We aim to create a calm, respectful and non-judgemental environment where each person feels able to be themselves.

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If there is anything we can do to make the assessment more comfortable or accessible, please let us know. This may include adjustments to the environment, communication style, appointment structure, sensory needs or involvement of a trusted family member or supporter.

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Our autism assessments may include screening questionnaires and recognised diagnostic tools, depending on the age, presentation and individual needs of the person being assessed. These may include:

 

ADOS-2
A structured observational assessment designed to explore social communication, interaction, imagination and patterns of behaviour associated with autism.

 

ADI-R
A detailed developmental interview, usually completed with a parent, caregiver or another person who knows the individual well and can provide information about their early development.

 

DISCO
A comprehensive developmental interview used to explore autism, developmental differences and related clinical presentations across the lifespan.

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No single questionnaire, interview or observational tool is used in isolation to diagnose autism. All information is considered alongside the person’s developmental history, current experiences, clinical presentation and information from relevant settings.

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Where appropriate, we gather information from home, school, university, work or other environments. We may also review previous assessments, school reports, educational psychology reports, occupational therapy assessments, medical records or information from other professionals involved in the person’s care.

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We also consider whether there may be co-existing or alternative explanations for the person’s experiences. This may include ADHD, anxiety, mood difficulties, tics, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, trauma, sensory processing differences, learning differences or other developmental conditions.

 

Where further specialist assessment is recommended, this will be discussed clearly with you.

 

Assessments can usually be completed virtually, in person or through a combination of both, depending on the person’s age, needs and the assessment tools required.

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Following the assessment, we provide a detailed report which includes the assessment findings, clinical formulation and personalised recommendations. The report will explain whether the available information supports an autism diagnosis, identifies another condition, or suggests that further information is required before a conclusion can be reached.

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We recommend sharing the report with the individual’s GP and, where appropriate, with their school, university, workplace or other professionals involved in their care. This can help others understand the person’s profile and support the implementation of appropriate adjustments and strategies.

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A follow-up appointment is arranged to discuss the assessment findings in detail. This provides an opportunity to explain the clinical reasoning, answer questions and consider the next steps. Whether the assessment confirms autism, identifies other conditions, or concludes that autism is not the most appropriate explanation, we aim to provide a clear and compassionate understanding of the person’s experiences.

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Where autism is identified, we will discuss relevant evidence-based and neurodiversity-affirming support. This may include psychoeducation, sensory and environmental adjustments, support with emotional regulation, communication, executive functioning, relationships, education, employment, mental health and family understanding.

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A central part of our assessment is the development of a personalised formulation. This is a shared understanding of the person’s strengths, differences, challenges and needs, expressed in language that feels meaningful to them. We use the person’s own words wherever possible and consider how their experiences, environment, relationships and developmental profile interact.

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Our goal is not simply to provide a diagnosis. We aim to help people better understand how their brain works, recognise and value their strengths, make sense of longstanding experiences and identify practical strategies that can improve everyday life.

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Our recommendations are tailored to the individual and may include actionable strategies for home, education, work, relationships and wider wellbeing. We want each person and family to leave the assessment with greater clarity, understanding and a practical plan for moving forward.