Clinical guidelines (NHS England, 2023) for Autism identification stipulate that a basic assessment should include 4 elements including a clinical interview, behavioural observations, integration of developmental and corroborative information and consideration of possible differential diagnoses.

An enhanced assessment has the same four elements but also includes 2 or more clinicians, the use of validated tools, broader assessment of clinical presentation (for example cognitive functioning and/or sensory processing) and liaison with other involved services. According to these guidelines, we offer an enhanced Autism identification process as standard at The Psychology Centre.

Child and Adult Assessments differ in process. All include initial screening, face to face assessment in clinic using standardised tools, liaising with schools, colleges or places of work as appropriate and a report with recommendations.