Assessing, diagnosing and understandingautism in adultsI N F O R M AT I O N A N D S U P P O RTAutism can present in many ways and an assessment can be helpful. An assessment doesn’t always lead to a diagnosis of autism but, whatever the outcome, it will help you to have a better understanding of yourself, recognise potential hurdles and provide ways of making life more manageable and positive. For the assessment I will find out more about you using a range of effective and non-intrusive approaches. Together we will look at every context of your life to make sure we get a complete evaluation of all of your different environments, and your response to each.The aim is always to understand your challenges, difficulties and needs, and to provide everything you need to be able to provide support and encouragement. Zoe Cross£1950screening,assessment,report +feedback“Having a diagnosis is something I did for myself. It has helped me to understand and make sense of some of the puzzling issues I have faced my whole life long. I have much more clarity around who I am and how I see things - and importantly, what I need, to make my life work well for me.” [adult diagnosed with autism]
assessment and diagnosis of autismwhat to expectFREE FACT FINDING [1.5 hours]Phone conversation: fact finding sessionScreening tools including questionnaireONGOING SUPPORTN O ST R O N G I N D I C AT I O NPhone conversationFurther options discussedASSESSMENT NOT ADVISEDConversation about support, next steps and how to go forward positivelyST R O N G I N D I C AT I O NPhone conversationFurther options discussedG O L D STA N DA R D ASSESSMENT [4 hours]4 hour session Specialist resources will be used to gather important information in a relaxed but structured waySpecialist resources will be used to understand current functioning in key areas: social, imagination and communicationR E P O RT P R E PA R AT I O N [ 4 w e e k s ]Assessment information will be interpreted and brought together to provide a reportFEEDBACK SESSION [30 mins]This session will take place to give the outcome of the assessment and agree the best way forward3 7 FREE 2.5 HOUR SESSION £1950: ASSESSMENT; 2 WEEKS OF ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS; FEEDBACK SESSIONFurther support is quoted for on an individual basis
how support takes shapethe benefitsApproaching private support with autism has cost implications of course. I offer the initial 1.5 hour fact-finding free of charge so we know it is going to be a worthwhile investment if you decide to seek a diagnosis. The benefits of this service mean you can :3 Skip the queues of the oversubscribed NHS - several years in some regions. 3 You will have everything you need within one month3 Have a report that you may choose to share with others if appropriate and helpful3 Have appointments and support at times that suit you3 Develop a relationship with one person for trust, consistency and securityI will gather detailed information using a mix of specialised assessment tools and my expertise as a highly trained clinical psychologist. The diagram on the previous page explains this in more detail.An evaluation will be made from which I will be able to highlight your strengths and weaknesses.A thorough summary of your difficulties and needs will be prepared, shared and discussed with you.A completely individual scope of recommendations will be made for us to discuss so that they can put into practice. Ongoing support and guidance will form part of this support package at a level you are all comfortable with.
[email protected] I crosspsychology.comwhat to do nextIf you would like to know more about the autism assessment and diagnosis process and feel you would benefit from some additional support, please do speak to me. I can help you understand what’s involved, explain how I can help and how we work together. It’s a confidential, gentle, positive experience that is designed to be practical, valuable and reassuring at every stage. There are also resources on my website to help.