DR ASHLEY FRANCIS
PRIVATE AUTISM Assessments for adults In Leicester, Derby, Nottingham & sheffield
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect how adults experience social communication, relationships, sensory processing and emotional regulation. Many adults seek an assessment later in life after recognising long-standing patterns that have influenced work, relationships or daily life.
An adult autism assessment can provide clarity and understanding, helping individuals make sense of their experiences and identify appropriate support or adjustments.
I provide private autism assessments and diagnostic services for adults in Leicester, Derby, Nottingham & Sheffield.
Many adults seek an autism assessment later in life after experiencing long-standing difficulties with social communication, sensory sensitivities, emotional regulation or feeling different from others. An assessment can help provide clarity, understanding and a framework for making sense of both past and present experiences.
If you are also exploring attention or concentration difficulties, you can read more about private adult ADHD assessments here.
Initial 20-Minute Phone Consultation
I offer an initial 20 minute phone consultation to talk through the difficulties you are experiencing. From this, he will determine whether a full autism assessment would be suitable or whether a different kind of psychological assessment or service may be more appropriate.
If you are seeking a private adult autism assessment in Leicester, Derby, Nottingham & Sheffield, please get in touch to arrange a phone consultation.
What happens in a private adult AUTISM assessment?
My approach to offering a private autism assessment follows the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for assessing and diagnosing autism in adults.
Phone consultation
Following initial contact, I will offer a phone consultation and screening questionnaires to explore current difficulties in more detail and determine whether a full autism assessment is appropriate.
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)
The ADOS-2 is a structured, conversational assessment involving a range of tasks designed to explore areas such as social communication, imagination, and understanding of emotions.
This typically lasts around one hour and takes place at my office.
Developmental history taking
A detailed developmental history is gathered over the phone with a parent, spouse or someone who has known the individual since childhood. This typically lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours.
Multidisciplinary team meeting
Following the assessment, I will meet with a multidisciplinary team (MDT). Information gathered from the ADOS-2 and developmental history is reviewed, and a joint clinical decision is made regarding whether diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are met.
Written Diagnostic Report
I will write up the assessment in a report, which will then be emailed to you in a password protected format. The password will be shared upon receipt of final payment for the assessment. You can expect to receive the report within 4 weeks from the assessment date.
Optional Feedback Consultation
There is the option to discuss the report and recommendations in a 50 minute feedback consultation.
Contact me to arrange an adult autism assessment or to view full details of the assessment fees.
