Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition, the core features of which are persistent difficulties in social interaction and communication and the presence of stereotypic (rigid and repetitive) behaviours, resistance to change or restricted interests. 

 

The way that autism is expressed in individual people differs at different stages of life, in response to interventions, and with the presence of coexisting conditions such as learning disabilities (also called 'intellectual disabilities'). 

 

Autistic people also commonly experience difficulty with cognitive and behavioural flexibility, altered sensory sensitivity, sensory processing difficulties and emotional regulation difficulties. The features of autism may range from mild to severe and may fluctuate over time or in response to changes in circumstances. 

 

Jacobs Clinic offers assessment and diagnosis for Autism by highly qualified expert GMC registered specialist doctors. This service is for adults aged 18 and above. The appointments are offered as video consultations from the comfort of your own home or as face-to-face consultations in our clinic. 

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A detailed assessment for Autism at Jacobs Clinic involves 4 main steps: 

 

Step 1 

Completion of our patient registration form and Autism Clinical interview for adults (ACIA) pre-interview questionnaires for patient and informant.  

 

Step 2 

The documents will be reviewed by our clinicians, and you will be given an appointment for a comprehensive assessment by a Psychiatrist and a Speech and Language Therapist. 

 

Step 3 

Following the assessment, if diagnosed with Autism the clinicians will develop a care plan based on the comprehensive assessment, incorporating a risk management plan and including any particular needs such as adaptations to the social or physical environment. You will be provided with an assessment report and if diagnosed with Autism you will also receive a health passport which will include information about your care and support needs. 

 

Step 4 

After receiving the assessment report, if diagnosed with Autism, you will be offered a follow up appointment to discuss the implications of the diagnosis, any concerns you have about the diagnosis and any future care and support you may require. 

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Assessment process

 

Prior to the assessment, you will be asked to complete an online registration form and an Autism Clinical interview for adults (ACIA) pre-interview questionnaire about your background, mental and general health. It will also include a questionnaire to be completed by a relative, friend, partner or even someone from work. 

 

After completing the forms, they will be reviewed by our clinical team, and you will then be offered an assessment appointment. This can be a face to face or a video consultation appointment. 

 

At the beginning of the comprehensive assessment, you will be given an explanation of the purpose of the assessment and how the outcome of the assessment will be fed back to you. Feedback provided will be individualised and consideration will be given to involving a family member, partner, carer or advocate, where appropriate, to support you and help explain the feedback. 

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During the comprehensive assessment which will be undertaken by a Psychiatrist and a Speech and Language Therapist, the clinicians will consider and assess for possible differential diagnoses and coexisting disorders or conditions, such as: 

 

• other neurodevelopmental conditions. 

• mental disorders (for example, schizophrenia, depression or other mood disorders, and anxiety disorders, in particular, social anxiety disorder and obsessive–compulsive disorder, ADHD) 

• neurological disorders (for example, epilepsy) 

• physical disorders 

• communication difficulties (for example, speech and language problems, and selective mutism) 

• hyper- and/or hypo-sensory sensitivities. 

 

A full initial assessment usually takes up to 2 hours. The cost of the assessment package which includes initial assessment, and a diagnostic report is £1800. 

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After Assessment

 

Following the assessment, the clinicians will develop a care plan based on the comprehensive assessment, incorporating a risk management plan and including any particular needs (such as adaptations to the social or physical environment), and also taking into account the needs of the family, partner or carer(s). A copy of this document will be provided to you and your GP. 

 

If diagnosed with Autism you will be provided with a 'health passport' which will include information about your care and support needs. You are advised to always carry the health passport. 

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Follow up

 

When the patient has been diagnosed with autism and provided with the assessment report, they will be offered a follow-up appointment to discuss the implications of the diagnosis, any concerns they have about the diagnosis, and any future care and support they may require. 

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Why Choose Us

 

Our Consultants have a wealth of experience in assessment, diagnosis and treatment of ADHD and Addiction. We are CQC registered rated Good and currently hold the NHS contract for patients within the Salford locality who have been diagnosed with ADHD.  With many positive reviews, our exceptional service from initial contact to diagnosis and treatment has helped many patients across the UK.