Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Mental Health Support And Assessment For Adults

Autism is a spectrum condition and affects people in different ways and the challenges vary for each person, but there are common areas of difficulty in social interaction, social communication and rigidity in behaviours, interests and activities.

It’s important to remember that people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) can have exceptional attention to detail, great observational skills, focus and immense creativity born from novel approaches.

A diagnosis can help you and your family to understand why you may experience certain difficulties and what you can do about them. A diagnosis can help you identify with other people with autism, provide validation and find support and community.

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What does an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis involve?

Rainbow Medical follows the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for all Autism assessments, both for Adults and Children, as well as the best-practice guidance published by the Royal College of Psychiatrist. Autism and ADHD is diagnosed using The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, (DSM-5) criteria.

This means we can offer a gold-standard report recognised by GPs, workplaces and local Authorities. Our neurodivergent and autism pathway is thorough. We can also provide you post-diagnostic support.

All assessments and meetings with your Psychiatrist will take place either over the internet or at our Leicester clinic. For talking therapies and your appointments with your therapist or counsellor, these can take place in Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Coventry, Northampton, Oxford, Worcester and Edinburgh.

Step 3 is an in-person assessment and takes place either in our Leicester or Edinburgh clinic.

An autism diagnosis involves a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) to ensure a comprehensive assessment. Here’s an outline of how the MDT approach works in deciding an autism diagnosis

The MDT usually includes professionals from diverse fields: Psychiatrists, Clinical or educational psychologists, Speech and language therapists and Occupational therapists.

For your diagnosis, you will always meet a Psychiatrist.

  1. Before we meet each other, all your preliminary screening will have been reviewed by a psychiatrist. You will receive guidance written by one of our psychiatrists at your feedback and recommendations appointment. 
  2. For your medical assessment and diagnosis, you will always meet a Psychiatrist.
  3. There are NO hidden fees; see our fees page for full details.
  4. Your preferences, needs and values will guide our clinical decisions. This co-production enables our person-centred care.
  5. Working together/Co-production is important to us. We believe in your ability to face, experience, and survive the unknown, and that your experience can help us improve our service and aid others on their journeys.
  6. We offer Evidence-based treatment, while recognising the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Although we are led by experienced Consultant Psychiatrists, we work alongside therapists, counsellors, and other healthcare professionals to provide integrated care, fostering a holistic healing environment.
  7. We will always be frank: without openness and transparency, co-production cannot work.
  8. Everything we do is underpinned by our core values; if we make a mistake, we will put things right.

The first step is preliminary screening for neurodiversity. Autism and ADHD can be comorbid with one another, as well as other conditions and NICE guidelines stipulate the consideration of the differential diagnoses.

Rainbow Medical follows the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for all Autism assessments, both for Adults and Children, as well as the best-practice guidance published by the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPSYCH). Our ADHD assessments meet NICE guidelines and follows RCPSYCH best-practice guidance. Autism and ADHD is diagnosed using The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, (DSM-5) criteria.

This means we can offer a gold-standard report recognised by GPs, workplaces and local Authorities. Our neurodivergent pathways are thorough. We can also provide you post-diagnostic support.

We will send you online assessments for both you and an ‘observer’ to complete. An observer can be anyone who knows you well, but is typically someone with experience of your symptoms, such as a parent or partner.

We will also send you a ‘GP referral request’ to take to your GP and also ask you to complete an online ‘Neurodevelopmental history request’ form, so we can get to know you better.

In line with our approach to person-centred care and co-production, after all the preliminary screening is completed we will ask you to come and see us in person (although this can be done online if you prefer). You will meet an experienced Counsellor or Assistant Psychologist. This is the first opportunity for us to meet one another, face-to-face, and discuss any concerns and the challenges you face. 

Before we meet each other, all your preliminary screening will have been reviewed by a psychiatrist. You will receive guidance written by one of our psychiatrists at your feedback and recommendations appointment. 

If the initial screening shows enough Autism symptoms are present, you will be supported onto the next step in the pathway.

The results from the initial screening may show you do not have enough symptoms for further assessment of Autism; although you may not have enough Autism symptoms to fulfil a diagnosis, you may have some traits of Autism that may create some difficulties and that you could benefit from some targeted counselling. Our Counsellors will offer you guidance and support in understanding the screening process and what the results mean for you.

This is also called the ‘Autism Diagnostic Interview, revised edition’ and is a two and a half hour interview, online, between your observer and an assistant psychologist. 

Importantly, an Informant/Observer is someone chosen by the patient to support them on their journey. They can be a parent, partner or friend, but they must have known the patient from an early age or have a good understanding of their behaviours during key developmental stages.

This stage involves the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), a key part of the assessment process. The ADOS-2 is an in-person session between you and a trained assessor.

During this semi-structured interview, the assessor will observe and evaluate areas such as:

  • Communication: How you express yourself and respond in conversation.
  • Social Interaction: How you engage with others in different contexts.
  • Flexibility: Your ability to adapt to changes or routines.
  • Repetitive Behaviours and Interests: Patterns or preferences that may indicate autism-related traits.


This session is designed to provide a detailed understanding of your strengths and challenges, contributing valuable insights to support an accurate diagnosis and recommendations tailored to your needs.

This will be the first time you meet your psychiatrist. They will answer any questions you have and explore any differential diagnosis, which is part of a best-practice approach to an autism assessment; a differential diagnosis is a list of possible conditions that a patient might have when they present with a set of symptoms. It’s a method of analysis that helps doctors distinguish a particular condition from others that have similar symptoms. A doctor will create a differential diagnosis list based on a patient’s symptoms, medical history, family health history, and test results.

An autism Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) is a group of specialists from different disciplines who work together to assess and support people with autism. It is at this MDT meeting that your diagnosis of autism will be decided. 

Why an MDT Is Important:

  • Autism presents differently in individuals, requiring multiple perspectives for accurate diagnosis.
  • The MDT ensures that all areas of development are thoroughly evaluated, reducing the risk of misdiagnosis.

Team members review findings together, focusing on the core areas of concern:

  • Social communication challenges.
  • Repetitive behaviours or restricted interests.
  • Consideration of differential diagnoses or co-occurring conditions (e.g., ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing issues).

The team uses established criteria such from the DSM-5 to determine whether the observed behaviours meet the threshold for an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis.

This follow-up meeting with your psychiatrist is a crucial step in the diagnostic and support process. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect and how you might approach it:

How to Prepare:

  • Reflect on your needs: Think about areas where you would like support or clarification.
  • Write down questions: Prepare questions about the diagnosis, therapies, or long-term planning.
  • Consider your goals: What do you hope to achieve in work, education, or personal development?
  • Be open: Share your experiences, challenges, and successes honestly.


This meeting is about tailoring the next steps to help you thrive while embracing your unique strengths and challenges.

What to Expect:

1. Discussion of the Diagnosis:

  a. The psychiatrist will confirm the diagnosis based on previous assessments and observations.
  b. They will explain what autism means in your specific context, focusing on how it manifests for you.

2. Understanding Your Thoughts and Wishes:

  a. Your psychiatrist will listen to your feelings about the diagnosis.
  b.This is your opportunity to share your personal goals, concerns, and any preferences for support or accommodations.

 

3. Collaborative Planning:

  a. Together, you will discuss detailed, personalised recommendations, which might include: 

    i. Therapies: Speech therapy, occupational therapy, social skills training, or counselling.Educational or workplace adjustments: Accommodations that align with your needs.

    ii. Educational or workplace adjustments: Accommodations that align with your needs.

    iii. Support networks: Connecting you with autism advocacy groups or peer support.

    iv. Strategies for daily life: Tips to manage sensory sensitivities, communication challenges, or routines.

  b. If appropriate, a follow-up plan will be designed to revisit progress or address emerging needs.

4. Clarification of Implications:

  a. The psychiatrist will explain the implications of the diagnosis, such as:

    i. Access to support or resources.

   ii. Insights into strengths and areas that may need support.

   iii. Understanding rights under disability laws or policies, if relevant in your region.

5. Empowerment and Education:

  a. This session is meant to empower you with knowledge about autism and how it relates to you.

  b. You may receive resources (e.g., books, websites, or local support groups) to further explore the topic.

A psychiatrist will write your Autism report, which will include your diagnosis and the individual reports from your ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) assessment and the Autism Diagnostic Interview.

You can always ask for clarifications or adjustments to ensure the report reflects your understanding and perspective accurately.

Purpose of the Report

  • For You: To understand your diagnosis and how it affects you personally.
  • For Support Teams: Educators, therapists, or employers can use the report to tailor support and accommodations.
  • For Accessing Services: The report may be required to qualify for disability accommodations or specific services.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) or Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) are neurodevelopmental disorders – which means they are caused by abnormalities in the way the brain develops and works. Autism is not anything bad, but more like a rainbow: it has light and dark hues and diversity is only human.

Dr. Josep Vilanova

Consultant Psychiatrist

1. Meeting your Counsellor and initial screening.

You will meet an experienced Counsellor. This is the first opportunity for us to meet one another, face-to-face, and discuss any concerns and the challenges you face. We will ask you to complete a series of pre-assessment questionnaires. One to be completed by you and another by someone who knew you as a child. This first stage helps us build a picture of you and if ADHD was present in your childhood. 

In line with our approach to person-centred care and co-production  we’ll offer you a second appointment to bring in your completed forms and discuss them with a trained Counsellor.

 

Plan A

The results from the initial screening may show you do not have enough symptoms for further assessment of ADHD. Although you may not have enough ADHD symptoms to fulfil a diagnosis, you may have some traits of ADHD that may create some difficulties and that you could benefit from some targeted counselling, without the need of seeing a psychiatrist or having medication. Our Counsellors will offer you guidance and support in understanding the screening process and what the results mean for you.

Plan B

If the initial screening shows enough ADHD symptoms are present, you will be supported onto Step 2, for a comprehensive diagnostic interview between you and an experienced Counsellor.

 

If a diagnosis of ADHD is likely we will ask you to request a GP referral.

2: Comprehensive diagnostic interview with an experienced Counsellor

You will have an appointment with a Counsellor who will conduct a comprehensive diagnostic interview called DIVA-5. You can find out about it by clicking here.

The main requirements for the diagnosis are that the onset of several ADHD symptoms occurred during your childhood (less than aged 12) and that this was followed by a lifelong persistence of the characteristic symptoms to the time of the current assessment. If you feel comfortable, and although not necessary, bringing someone you know well, preferably from childhood, can aid the diagnostic interview process.

The Diagnostic interview will take between 90 and 120 minutes.

3: Meeting your Consultant Psychiatrist and Diagnoses

Even if criteria for DIVA-5 are not met, you will be seen by a Consultant Psychiatrist. Only Consultant Psychiatrists can give a diagnosis of ADHD. 

As part of the diagnostic process, we will include an assessment of your needs, coexisting conditions, social, familial, and educational or occupational circumstances and physical health. This appointment will typically last an hour. 

If you do not have enough ADHD symptoms to fulfil a diagnosis, you may have some traits of ADHD that create some difficulties and you could benefit from some targeted counselling, without the need of seeing a Consultant Psychiatrist or having medication. 

We recommend you visit the NHS website by clicking here. You’ll find an overview of ADHD along with symptoms and causes in both adults and young people.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a diagnosis given to people who have challenges with:

  • inattention – finding it hard to concentrate
  • hyperactivity – feeling restless and struggling to sit still
  • impulsivity – saying or doing things without thinking about the consequences first.

Most people experience these challenges at some point in their lives, or in certain situations. For example, you might struggle to concentrate the following day if they’ve had a bad night’s sleep. However, for people with ADHD, these challenges usually begin in childhood and for most people they continue as they grow up, though they may change or improve. These challenges will also affect someone in many areas of their life.

You can find our Fees and Cancellation policy by clicking here.

A referral is not required initially. However, if a diagnosis of ADHD is likely, we will let you know when to request a GP referral. This is part of how our approach differs from other services: Your preferences, needs and values will guide our clinical decisions. This co-production enables our person-centred care.

Your Consultant Psychiatrist will also undertake a general psychiatric assessment, noting any common co-morbid psychiatric conditions which may be contributing to your current difficulties. These can include anxiety, depression, or traits of autistic spectrum condition. Your Consultant Psychiatrist will discuss and give guidance about what further assessment and treatment options are available for these conditions.

Medications will not be provided during the assessment. An appointment to discuss different treatments will be offered by your Consultant Psychiatrist. We can only prescribe medication with sufficient knowledge of your physical health. These checks will include blood pressure, pulse rate, height and weight. Depending on your current health and medical history, you may also need blood tests and an ECG before your initial prescription. Because Co-production and person-centred care are our core values, we will discuss, with you, non-pharmacological treatment and non-pharmacological treatment in combination with medication.

One of our core values is to ‘always be frank’. Rainbow Medical offers truly personalised care and collaborative assessments and treatments, so all ADHD assessments will look different. You can be confident we’ll give you the time you need: 

Step 1. Meeting your Counsellor and initial screening: 120mins over two appointments

Step 2. Comprehensive diagnostic interview with an experienced Counsellor: 90-120mins

Step 3. Meeting your Consultant Psychiatrist and Diagnoses: 60mins

Step 4. Collaborative Treatment Planning and aftercare support: 60-120mins

The fee for an ADHD assessment is fixed.

We will match you to an available counsellor and Psychiatrist who fits your objectives, required preferences, and the type of concerns you are dealing with. Your ADHD assessment is led by you. We’ll do whatever we are able to make you feel comfortable and confident.

NICE guidance on ADHD

These guidelines cover recognising, diagnosing and managing ADHD in children, young people and adults. They aim to improve recognition and diagnosis, as well as the quality of care and support for people with ADHD.

Information on ADHD

ADHD charities

Below we have included details of some charities that work with and for people with ADHD:

  • ADHD Aware – A charity run by volunteers, some with experience of ADHD themselves, who offer information and support meetings. 
  • ADHD Foundation – A charity advocating for people with ADHD and other physical and psychological health conditions.
  • Scottish ADHD Coalition – A charity providing support to adults and children with ADHD in Scotland, and their parents, carers and families.

Peer support groups

  • Support groups, ADHD UK – ADHD UK run peer-support groups, informative lectures and Q&A sessions.
  • ADHD support group meetings, ADHD Aware – ADHD Aware run peer support group meetings to provide a safe space. These groups are for people with ADHD and their friends and families.

Wellbeing information

  • Live Well, NHS – Information from the NHS on healthy living.
  • Mindfulness, NHS – Information from the NHS on mindfulness.
  • Sleep and tiredness, NHS – Information from the NHS on sleeping and tiredness.

We believe that often people may have complex clusters of symptoms that may involve different diagnoses. In fact, this is often the case with neurodivergent people, where symptoms of ADHD, autism and other conditions such as Dyslexia or Tourette’s often co-exist.   In these cases, rather than following a strict, diagnosis-based, pathway, we offer a treatment plan looking at the individual symptomatology, specific for each patient. This approach is in line with our core values: https://www.rainbowmedical.co.uk/our-values/

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a group of developmental conditions that affect how individuals perceive, communicate, and interact with the world. ASD is characterised by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive or restricted behaviours. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide range of symptoms, skills, and abilities that individuals with autism can have.

ASD is typically diagnosed based on difficulties in two primary areas:

  1. Social Communication and Interaction:
    1. Challenges in understanding and responding to social cues, such as body language or facial expressions.
    2. Difficulty developing and maintaining relationships, including making friends or engaging in play.
    3. Differences in the way individuals express themselves, such as limited eye contact or unusual speech patterns (e.g., monotone or echolalia—repeating words/phrases).
  2. Restricted or Repetitive Behaviours:
    1. Engaging in repetitive movements or speech (e.g., hand flapping, lining up objects, or repeating phrases).
    2. Strong interest in specific topics or activities, sometimes to an intense or unusual degree.
    3. Preference for routines and distress when routines are disrupted.
    4. Sensory sensitivities, such as being overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures, or seeking sensory input like spinning or touching specific materials.

Importantly, an informant is someone chosen by the patient to support them on their journey. They can be a parent, partner or friend, but they must have a good understanding of the patient’s behaviours during key developmental stages.

If you’re an adult in the UK seeking support and resources related to autism, several organisations offer valuable information and services:

National Autistic Society (NAS)

  • The UK’s leading charity for autistic individuals and their families.
  • Offers resources on employment, social care, and mental health.
  • Includes an Autism Services Directory to find local support.
  • Website: https://www.autism.org.uk

Autism Alliance UK

  • A network of autism charities sharing knowledge to improve outcomes for autistic individuals.
  • Provides information on support services and initiatives across the UK.
  • Website: https://www.autism-alliance.org.uk

The Autism Directory

Mind

  • Mental health charity offering guidance on autism and mental health.
  • Provides support and resources tailored for autistic individuals.
  • Website: https://www.mind.org.uk

NHS Autism Support

My Health Passport

Sensory Help Now

All assessments and meetings with your Psychiatrist will take place either over the internet or at our Leicester clinic. For talking therapies and your appointments with your therapist or counsellor, these can take place in Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Coventry, Northampton, Oxford, Worcester and Edinburgh.

Step 3 is an in-person assessment and takes place either in our Leicester or Edinburgh clinic.

An autism diagnosis involves a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) to ensure a comprehensive assessment. Here’s an outline of how the MDT approach works in deciding an autism diagnosis

The MDT usually includes professionals from diverse fields: Psychiatrists, Clinical or educational psychologists, Speech and language therapists and Occupational therapists.

For your diagnosis, you will always meet a Psychiatrist.