Adult Autism Assessments

At present, I will only be accepting referrals for adult (18+) autism assessments based in Oxfordshire or London.

I appreciate that reaching out and starting an autism assessment process can be a daunting and confusing task. I hope the information below helps you make an informed decision about whether I am the right clinician for you, however if you have any further questions please get in touch at hello@victoriamilner.com and I'd be happy to help.

Before the assessment

Before enquiring about a private adult autism assessment, it is really important you check your local services (e.g. GP / NHS healthcare professionals / employer / education authority) will accept a private assessment’s recommendations for your future support.

It is also important to keep in mind that a diagnosis of autism is not guaranteed. Regardless of the outcome of your assessment, tailored recommendations will be provided for you in your report.

Once I receive your enquiry, I will get in touch within 5 working days to offer an initial telephone or zoom call, free of charge, to discuss reasons for referral, to provide space to ask questions about the assessment process and discuss any concerns. This conversation will last for up to 60 minutes.

After this phone call, if I do not think that I am the best person to meet your needs, I will signpost you to further or alternative support options. If I am able to accept your referral, the assessment will follow the steps outlined below.

Please note the current wait time for an assessment is 6-8 weeks.

During the assessment

All assessments will be completed with myself and an experienced colleague with appropriate training. This is to ensure our assessments are in line with guidance from the National Institute of Clinical and Health Excellence (NICE).

The assessment includes the following steps:

Short questionnaire(s) that screen for characteristics associated with autism and co-occurring difficulties such as anxiety.
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2). This is a specialist autism assessment tool that involves a mixture of conversation and activities and lasts 1 hour. This assessment needs to be completed in person; a clinic room that is mutually convenient will be arranged.
The Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R). This is a specialist autism assessment that involves speaking with an "informant" - usually a parent or someone who knew you well as a child and knows you now. This interview takes up to 3 hours and can be completed over 2-3 sessions if required. The ADI-R is typically completed via Zoom.

Caveats:

If you are unable to meet me in person, we can discuss whether it would be appropriate to conduct a comprehensive clinical interview via zoom in place of the ADOS-2.
If a parent or someone who knew you well both when you were younger and now is not available, then I will meet with another person who knows you very well for a long period of time (e.g. a close friend, a partner, another relative). This interview will ask about your strengths and things that you find challenging.

After the assessment

After the assessment (as outlined above) is completed you can expect the following:

A telephone or zoom call within one week to discuss the conclusions and recommendations from the assessment. This will last up to one hour and will be with either one or both of the practitioners (i.e. me and/or my colleague) who completed the assessment.
A comprehensive written report outlining the assessment, conclusions and recommendations. All recommendations are tailored to the individual's strengths and needs and will include signposting to further support, if required. The full report will be sent via email 2-3 weeks after the assessment is completed.
If required, a short letter with the conclusion of the assessment can be written to show to employers.

Some people have questions or appreciate a dedicated time to reflect on the outcome of their assessment. An optional 30-60 minute telephone/zoom call can be arranged to discuss the report and recommendations for an extra fee (please see fee section below).

Please note: Unfortunately, with the exception of what is outlined above, I am unable to offer any post-assessment support regardless of the outcome of the assessment. I hope to be able to offer this in the future. I will be able to signpost you to alternative places to get support, if you feel it would benefit you.

Fees

Adult Autism Assessment: £1800

Optional follow up appointment (within 1-3 months of receiving your report): £120

I acknowledge and appreciate that paying for a private assessment is a significant investment, however, fees have been selected to fairly reflect the training and experience of myself and my colleagues, as well as the quality of our assessments.

Fee Schedule:

A first instalment of £200 is required to secure the assessment, if your referral is accepted after the initial call.

The remaining balance (£1600) is due two weeks prior to the assessment date. If you prefer to split your payment across several installations, this can be discussed during the initial call.

If you would like an additional follow up appointment, the full £120 is required once the appointment has been arrange to secure the booking.

Get in touch

Prior to getting in touch, please keep in mind that I am working in private practice alongside clinical training, and therefore it is likely that assessments can only take place between 5-8pm on weekdays, and 9am-1pm on Saturdays. My colleagues may be able to offer more flexible timings, and this can be discussed during the initial phone call.

If you have read this page and would like to enquire about an adult autism assessment, please email me at hello@victoriamilner.com.

I will get back to you within 5 working days to arrange an initial phone call.

Cancellations, Non-attendance and Rescheduling

Assessment fees are non-refundable with the exception of when appointments need to be cancelled by the practitioner. If I or my colleague need to reschedule, we will give you as much notice as possible and you will be offered a refund or the option to rearrange your appointment at a mutually convenient time.

I appreciate that life can be busy and unexpected changes can arise. If you need to rearrange an appointment, I ask for at least one weeks (7 days) notice. If you are unable to give me notice, then in the first instance that this happens we will endeavour to try and find a new time for your appointment.

The fees cover all costs related to the assessment including staff hours, admin fees and overheads. A diagnosis is not guaranteed and no refunds will be available if you are not satisfied with the outcome of your assessment.

Dr Victoria Milner