Private Autism Assessment for Adults in Warrington
It is never too late to understand yourself.
Specialist, NICE compliant autism assessments for adults. Understand the why behind your lived experiences and access the support that you need.
Why seek a diagnosis now?
Many adults describe feeling different from those around them, often sensing that they experience and process the world in ways that do not align with other’s expectations. They may also have worked hard to mask their natural traits in order to adapt, both socially and professionally. At AYC we understand that an adult assessment can be a meaningful and affirming experience. If undertaken well, the assessment itself can act as an intervention, helping individuals develop a clearer understanding of their unique neuro developmental profile, strengths and support needs.
A thorough, evidence-based assessment
A respectful, collaborative process.
Our multidisciplinary assessment pathway follows National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance and is designed to provide a thorough, evidence-based understanding of each individual’s strengths and needs, supported by a detailed, person-centred report.
Developmental History
You will complete a detailed questionnaire based on the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). This questionnaire will ask questions about your childhood as well as your current strengths and challenges. This is reviewed by a member of our MDT who may get in touch if we need any additional details or clarification.
Note: While it is helpful to have a parent or older relative contribute as an informant, we understand this isn’t always possible. Alternatively, we are happy to accept information from a partner, friend, or your own self-report.
Sensory Processing Measure
Unlike many standard autism assessments, we include a sensory processing measure. This helps us identify if you experience any sensory processing differences which impact your day-to-day lived experience.
The face to face Assessment
The Face-to-Face Assessment
You will attend our Warrington clinic for an ADOS-2 assessment (Module 4), led by a Clinical Psychologist and supported by a second specialist clinician. Through conversation and structured activities, we explore your social communication and interaction, taking account of your individual experiences and communication style.
Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Review
All information gathered during your assessment is reviewed by our specialist multidisciplinary team, drawing on expertise in Clinical Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy. We consider your developmental history, communication, social interaction, sensory experiences and ADOS-2 observations to inform diagnostic decisions and provide personalised recommendations.
Feedback & Report
Where the clinical team can reach a clear diagnostic decision, the outcome may be discussed with you on the day; if further information or multidisciplinary discussion is needed, we will explain this and contact you afterwards. You will then receive a comprehensive diagnostic report with personalised recommendations, usually within four to six weeks. The report can be used to gain support and adjustments in University (disabled students allowance (DSA) and the information contained within the report can be used to strengthen applications such as education, health and care plans (EHCP’s) and disability living allowance (DLA). Your diagnosis, should you wish to do so, can be applied to your NHS records.
What changes after diagnosis?
Beyond personal validation, a formal diagnosis unlocks legal protections and tangible support.
Workplace Protections
The Equality Act
Employers have a legal duty to make “Reasonable Adjustments” for neurodivergent staff if needed. Your diagnostic report provides the evidence to strengthen requests for changes like quiet workspaces, noise-cancelling headphones, different ways of working and/or different schedules.
University Support
DSA Funding
If you are a student, a diagnosis allows you to request additional support and apply for the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). This can fund specialist mentoring, software, and study support.
Mental Health
Wellbeing
Understanding your own sensory and social communication needs will allow you to ensure that all aspects of your daily life facilitate your well-being and prevent you from experiencing over whelm or autistic burnout.
Why Choose AYC?
Expert care, close to home.
NICE Compliant
We follow NICE Guidelines and use best assessment practices. Our diagnostic reports are generally accepted by NHS services and can provide valuable evidence when seeking support and reasonable adjustments.
The Female/Masking Profile
We specialise in identifying autism in women and individuals who mask, presentations often overlooked in standard assessments. Our MDT uses multiple sources of information to ensure a comprehensive understanding beyond surface behaviours.
Sensory Informed
Our Warrington clinic is designed to be calm and low arousal, removing the stress of a clinical environment.
Areas we serve
Our specialist clinic is in Warrington, within easy reach of much of the North West. If you are travelling to us, we have dedicated pages covering travel and local information for autism assessments in Liverpool and autism assessments in Manchester. You may also want to read about autism assessments for children and young people, or about booking autism and ADHD assessments together.
Common Questions
Yes. While the diagnostic criteria require evidence of traits in childhood, we can use other informants (partners, siblings) or clinical judgment based on your memory and current presentation.
An autism diagnosis does not automatically affect your ability to drive or work. You only need to inform the DVLA if autism affects your ability to drive safely. In employment, a diagnosis may help you better understand your needs and access reasonable adjustments or support where appropriate.
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There is no medication specifically for autism, as autism is a neurodevelopmental difference rather than an illness. However, medication may be helpful for co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression or ADHD. Your GP or an appropriate healthcare professional can discuss treatment and support options with you.
You can begin by completing our referral form or by contacting us to discuss your concerns, experiences or questions with a member of our team. We will take time to understand your experiences and what has led you to seek an assessment. Together, we will consider whether an autism assessment is likely to be the most appropriate next step and answer any questions you may have about the process. If we feel another service would better meet your needs, we will discuss this with you and help signpost you to the most appropriate support.
Our comprehensive autism assessments cost £1,900. This includes a face-to-face assessment at our Warrington clinic, a detailed developmental history, sensory assessment and a full multidisciplinary team (MDT) review involving experienced clinicians, including a Clinical Psychologist.
The fee also includes diagnostic feedback, a formal diagnosis where appropriate, and a comprehensive report with personalised recommendations for support.
While some providers offer lower-cost assessments, our approach ensures a thorough, evidence-based and neuro-affirmative assessment that considers the whole person, not just a diagnostic checklist.
Following the assessment, we provide formal feedback and a detailed written report. The report includes a summary of the developmental history, assessment findings, conclusions and tailored recommendations. Recommendations may include practical strategies to support day-to-day life, reasonable adjustments in education, employment or other settings, and signposting to relevant resources and organisations. The report can be shared with employers, universities, healthcare professionals or other agencies if you choose to do so and may be used to help evidence support needs and access appropriate adjustments or support.