Assessment for Asperger’s Syndrome or High Functioning Autism

In carrying out an assessment for an adult I use the Asperger's Syndrome Diagnostic Interview (ASDI) (Gillberg) combined with a Developmental History based on elements from the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R) and twenty five years’ experience. The assessment follows all diagnostic criteria from the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). I am also happy to use the DSM-5 criteria if preferred. This assessment generally gathers adequate information in order to fully inform a diagnostic decision with no further assessment being necessary. In doing this assessment, I will look at your developmental history and current situation to understand your thinking and personality style. We will then discuss how these have impacted on your life, and what changes may be relevant for the future. It can be useful to include someone who knows you well in the interview, such as a parent or spouse. However, this is not essential for the process.

If further information were required, I am also trained in using the Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised (ADI-R) and the 3Di, developmental interviews which also consider a range of differential diagnoses. However, this interview requires detailed developmental information from a parent or carer, which is not always available when carrying out an adult assessment. I may also carry out the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Revised (ADOS-R), in those cases when more evidence is required. However, these further assessments would only be carried out in circumstances where the presentation is more complex or less clear.

The initial assessment takes around 2½ hours to administer. The assessment is conducted in a clinic in Woking, Surrey. Following assessment, a full report with formulation of any associated psychological difficulties and recommendations is compiled. The cost of this assessment and report is £800.

A further feedback and planning session can be arranged at a further cost of £110 per hour.