Adult Autism (ASD) Assessment – Frequently Asked Questions

Contents

Section 1: New enquiries & referrals
Section 2: Right to Choose
Section 3: Pre-assessment questionnaires & forms
Section 4: The assessment process
Section 5: Diagnosis, reports & outcomes
Section 6: Non-attendance & non-engagement
Section 7: Contacting the service

Section 1: New enquiries & referrals

What is an Adult Autism Assessment?

An Adult Autism Assessment is a specialist evaluation to determine whether an individual meets ICD11 / DSMV diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It involves structured clinical interviews, standardised observation, developmental history, and expert interpretation by our multidisciplinary team.

We take time to understand your experiences and behaviours across different environments and stages of life.

Who is this service for?

This service is for adults aged 18 and over who are seeking clarity about whether they may be autistic and have been referred by their GP, including referrals made under the NHS Right to Choose framework.

How do I get referred?

To access an Adult Autism Assessment:

You complete an Autism screening questionnaire (AQ-10)
You discuss your score with your GP
Your GP submits a formal referral for an Adult Autism assessment to Atrom Mindcare, including your AQ-10 score

Once the referral is received, our team will contact you with next steps.

Section 2: Right to Choose

What is Right to Choose?

Right to Choose is an NHS policy that allows you to choose where your assessment is carried out.

If your GP agrees that an Adult Autism assessment is appropriate, you can ask them to refer you to Atrom Mindcare rather than your local NHS service. This gives you greater choice and may reduce waiting times.

Does using Right to Choose affect my GP care?

No. Your GP remains responsible for your overall care before and after the assessment. Atrom Mindcare provides a diagnostic assessment only and shares the outcome with your GP.

Section 3: Pre-assessment questionnaires & forms

What happens after my referral is received?

Once we receive your referral:

We confirm receipt and open your patient record
You receive a “next steps” email explaining the process
Pre-assessment forms are sent to you via Cliniko

Appointments cannot be booked until all required forms are returned.

What forms do I need to complete?

Before appointments are scheduled, you must return:

Patient Initial Enquiry Form
Consent & Confidentiality Form
Collateral History Form (completed by a parent, parental figure, or someone who has observed you grow up since childhood)

These forms help us build a comprehensive understanding of your developmental history and current experiences.

Why is developmental history important?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning traits are present from early childhood, even if they were not recognised at the time.

Information from someone who has seen you grow up since childhood helps us understand how autism traits may have been present across your lifespan. If this information is not available, we can still proceed, but this may limit our ability to reach a diagnostic conclusion in some cases.

How long do I have to return the forms?

All forms should be returned within 2 weeks of receiving them.

If forms are not returned, reminders will be sent
Continued non-return of forms may result in closure of your referral

Section 4: The assessment process

What does the assessment involve?

The assessment usually takes place over two appointments, with a total assessment time of up to 3 hours.

ADOS-G Assessment (approximately 60 minutes)

Conducted by a Clinical Psychologist
Usually face-to-face
A structured observation exploring communication, social interaction, and behaviour

ASD Psychiatric Assessment (approximately 90 minutes)

Conducted by a Psychiatrist
Face-to-face or virtual
Covers neuro-developmental history, mental health, daily functioning, strengths, challenges, sensory processing, and routines

The aim is to understand your unique profile and to differentiate autism traits from other conditions such as anxiety, trauma, or attentional difficulties.

What is the conclusion appointment?

A short 30-minute conclusion call is pre-booked and used only if required, for example if the multidisciplinary team (MDT) needs to review your assessment before confirming the outcome.

Section 5: Diagnosis, reports & outcomes

How is the diagnosis decided?

If both clinicians agree on the outcome, the Psychiatrist will usually share this with you during your assessment appointment.

If there is any uncertainty or difference of opinion, your case is discussed within the MDT, and the final outcome is shared with you during the conclusion call if needed.

Will I receive a written report?

Yes. Within 48 hours of the assessment being completed, you will receive a comprehensive joint report prepared by the Clinical Psychologist and Psychiatrist.

The report includes:

Diagnostic outcome
Key assessment findings
Personalised recommendations
Signposting to relevant support services

The report is sent to both you and your GP.

What if I am not diagnosed with autism?

Not receiving an autism diagnosis does not mean that your difficulties are not real or important. Autism traits can overlap with other psychological or neurodevelopmental conditions. Where appropriate, recommendations and guidance will still be provided.

Do you provide treatment after diagnosis?

No. Atrom Mindcare is a diagnostic service only.

We do not provide ongoing therapy, treatment, or care coordination. After diagnosis, your GP or other local services remain responsible for ongoing support and management.

Section 6: Non-attendance & non-engagement

What happens if I don’t attend appointments or respond?

Failure to return required forms may lead to closure of your referral
If you do not attend appointments, our Did Not Attend (DNA) policy applies
Non-attendance is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may result in discharge and closure of the referral

You will always be informed before a referral is closed.