Autism Assessment Package (Adult)

Service Description

The first step in seeking an autism diagnosis is to complete the initial pre-screening using the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). The AQ is a 50-item self-report measure used to assess traits of autism in adults and adolescents aged 16 years and over. The measure is suitable for men and women who have normal intellectual functioning. The AQ does not provide a diagnosis but contributes to the assessment data. I can provide the AQ upon request. As the assessor, I am autistic myself, highly trained, and qualified to guide you through the assessment process and provide a diagnosis of either autism, autism spectrum, or non-autism. In line with best practice guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the 'Gold Standard' for assessment tools, the assessment is in two parts: The first part of the assessment is ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised). This is an interview conducted with a partner, parent, carer or someone who knows the individual well. The interview can last up to 2.5 hours (this can be conducted through video call). The second part of the assessment is the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2nd Version), used with the individual being assessed. This needs to take place face-to-face at either my office in South Norfolk or at a convenient location near the individual being assessed. The ADOS-2 is a series of activities that the participant and the assessor will do together. This can last up to 60 minutes. I will then combine the data from both assessments and provide you with the results. A full descriptive report from the assessment with be available up to 48 hours later. Included is 60 mins debrief coaching session with me, to help you navigate your next steps. Is my Autism Assessment Recognised? Depending on your local authority, private diagnoses may or may not be accepted. You may need an NHS diagnosis before you or your child are able to receive services from them. With this in mind, you might prefer to join the NHS waiting list for an autism assessment. ​However, a local authority cannot dismiss a professional diagnostic report simply because it is privately sourced - the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice (2015) is quite clear on this point (refer to paragraph 9:14). You can seek independent advice from your local authority for guidance if you are unsure whether a private assessment will be accepted as evidence for an Education, Health and Care Plan (HECP).

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation and Lateness • I understand that sometimes it is necessary to cancel appointments. If you need to cancel your appointment for any reason then I ask that you give me 24 hours’ notice. • If you are unable to attend your appointment, you agree to let me know at the earliest opportunity. I operate a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you wish to cancel your appointment, you must email or call me at least 24 hours before the appointment scheduled time and you will not be charged for this appointment. Email: tanya@tanyaheasley.co.uk or text: 07712 727856 • Booking cancellations made less than one working day before the scheduled appointment time will not be eligible for any refunds and will be charged for the full 100% of the appointment fee. • If I have to cancel the appointment for any reason, then I will endeavour to reschedule as quickly as possible at no cost to you. • To provide the best possible service to all my clients, I ask you to contact me if you are unable to attend your appointment on time so I can make all necessary arrangements to ensure the appointment can still go ahead. I will try to accommodate you as best as I can, but you may be asked to reschedule your appointment or wait for a later available slot so that this does not disrupt the remaining appointments scheduled that day. • If you are more than 15 minutes late for your appointment without letting me know, I may consider you to have failed to attend, in which case, you will not be eligible for a refund.

Contact Details