Autism Spectrum Disorder
What is
Autism
Spectrum Disorder?
Autism is a neurological condition that is lifelong and affects approximately 1% of the population. It generally affects how an individual communicates and interacts with the world around them.
Often a diagnosis can provide clarity, peace of mind, validation and an explanation of their experiences.
What are the Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Social Interaction
Individuals can appear to be insensitive or come across as being unconcerned and lacking in empathy.
They can seek out time to be alone when feeling overloaded or overwhelmed by other people.
They can struggle to give or receive comfort, and have difficulties with feeling too much or too little empathy.
Difficulties making and maintaining friendships.
Social Communication
The person can take things literally, and struggle to understand abstract concepts.
They may need extra time to process information or answer questions.
They can use masking behaviours to integrate socially which can leave them feeling exhausted They can have difficulties understanding non-verbal communication and other people's point of view.
Restricted and Repetitive Behaviour
Individuals like routine so that they know what is going to happen and when to avoid feelings of overwhelm.
They can engage in repetitive activities and have a clear need for sameness and familiarity.
They can have intense and highly focused interests, and become experts in special interests.
They can be viewed as inflexible or "black & white"
Sensory Sensitivity
It is important to note that we consider both hypo and hyper sensitivities in the following areas:
Light
Sound / Balance
Taste
Smell
Touch / Pressure
Temperature
Texture / Body Awareness
What are the Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
At Harley Street Mental Health we recognise that everyone’s experience of Autism is unique. Generally individuals can experience some of the following symptoms:
Social Interaction
- Individuals can appear to be insensitive or come across as being unconcerned and lacking in empathy.
- They can seek out time to be alone when feeling overloaded or overwhelmed by other people.
- They can struggle to give or receive comfort, and have difficulties with feeling too much or too little empathy.
- Difficulties making and maintaining friendships.
Social Communication
- The person can take things literally, and struggle to understand abstract concepts.
- They may need extra time to process information or answer questions.
- They can use masking behaviours to integrate socially which can leave them feeling exhausted They can have difficulties understanding non-verbal communication and other people's point of view.
Restricted and Repetitive Behaviour
- Individuals like routine so that they know what is going to happen and when to avoid feelings of overwhelm.
- They can engage in repetitive activities and have a clear need for sameness and familiarity.
- They can have intense and highly focused interests, and become experts in special interests.
- They can be viewed as inflexible or "black & white"
Sensory Sensitivity
It is important to note that we consider both hypo and hyper sensitivities in the following areas:
- Light
- Sound / Balance
- Taste
- Smell
- Touch / Pressure
- Temperature
- Texture / Body Awareness
How do we diagnose Autism?
There are multiple different ways of diagnosing autism. Here at Harley Street Mental Health we utilise either an assessment informed by the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) or an assessment informed by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2). These are the two most trusted assessments. The assessment chosen will depend on your circumstances, and whether the assessment is in-person at our Harley Street address or if it is conducted virtually.
After the assessment you will receive a detailed written report outlining the findings of your assessment along with helpful recommendations.
How do we treat Autism?
Everybody’s experience of Autism will be different. Unfortunately there is not “one size fits all” treatment for autism, nor is there any medication that has been found to improve the symptoms of autism. There are medications that can help treat the comorbidities that are associated with autism, such as depression, anxiety or ADHD however these will not help treat the actual Autism.
A diagnosis can help individuals understand their difficulties and access various different services and support.
An assessment of an individual’s psycho-social needs, along with sensitivities can also be helpful.
Behavioural interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Social skills training, Anger management interventions, Relationship counselling and Family Therapy can be helpful in some instances and may be recommended by your clinician.
Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our team is here to help. Contact us for personalized guidance.
The adult autism assessment process typically involves an initial clinical interview lasting around 90 minutes to two hours, followed by the completion of structured diagnostic tools and, where possible, gathering information about your developmental history from a parent, family member, or long-term acquaintance. A feedback session and comprehensive diagnostic report are provided within a few weeks of completing the assessment.
Absolutely. Many adults come to us after years of struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other difficulties without understanding that autism could be the underlying factor. Our assessments are designed to explore lifelong patterns and provide a fresh, thorough evaluation , whether or not you have had previous diagnoses. We welcome self-referrals and referrals from GPs, therapists, and other healthcare providers.
After an autism diagnosis, we provide a detailed feedback session and a full written report, including personalised recommendations. This may include referrals for autism-specific therapies, workplace accommodations, support for social communication challenges, and guidance on managing sensory sensitivities. We also offer post-diagnostic support options to help individuals better understand their diagnosis and build confidence in their strengths.
Yes, at Harley Street Mental Health, our clinicians are highly trained to recognise the wide range of autism presentations. We understand that autism can look very different in women, non-binary individuals, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Many adults may mask or camouflage their symptoms, leading to missed diagnoses earlier in life. Our team uses an inclusive, neuroaffirmative approach to ensure that all individuals are assessed thoroughly, respectfully, and accurately.
No, autism is a well-researched neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and behaviour. While public awareness of autism has grown in recent years, this reflects progress in understanding rather than an artificial “trend.” Autism has been recognised in the medical community for decades, and increasing diagnoses are largely due to better identification , especially among adults, women, and minority groups , not overdiagnosis or mislabelling.
Despite misconceptions, autism is underdiagnosed, not overdiagnosed, particularly in adults. According to the National Autistic Society, around 1% of the UK population is thought to be autistic, but many adults , particularly women and those from diverse backgrounds , remain undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with other conditions. Increased awareness and better diagnostic tools have helped more adults seek answers, but many still face significant barriers to diagnosis. Our service is designed to provide careful, evidence-based assessments that avoid both underdiagnosis and overdiagnosis.
Harley Street Mental Health is recognised for providing some of the best adult autism assessments in the UK, with a reputation for exceptional clinical standards, compassionate care, and detailed, evidence-based diagnostic reports. Our assessments are tailored to identify autism presentations across all genders and cultural backgrounds, ensuring an inclusive and accurate diagnosis. We focus on supporting adults who may have been missed in childhood or whose autism traits have been masked over time.
An adult autism assessment at Harley Street Mental Health is a thorough, evidence-based evaluation designed to identify signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in adults. Our expert psychiatrists and psychologists use gold-standard tools such as the ADOS-2 and structured clinical interviews to explore developmental history, social communication patterns, sensory differences, and daily life experiences. We provide detailed diagnostic reports and clear guidance on post-diagnostic support, helping adults receive the understanding and care they deserve.
What makes you different to other clinics?
We hand pick all of our clinicians to ensure that they have the same values as us.
This ensures that our service users are actually listened to and are the heart of our treatment plans.
We recognise that diagnosis and treatment plans cannot simply be “one size fits all” and our personalised down to earth approach aims to keep the process as easy as possible.
We will try to keep your costs low where possible. Once you are on the right dose and feeling settled (you may need one or two medication titration appointments to achieve this), you can order your medication through the repeat medication process.
Following two months of being on the same dose, with no further changes, we will consider returning your care to your GP.
Can I see you on the NHS?
We are a private clinic, and therefore you cannot be seen by us as part of the NHS. <br><br>We can write to your GP once you are stable on your treatment to ask them to take over prescribing as part of a Shared Care Agreement, however they are under no obligation to accept this agreement.
Do I need a referral?
Our clinicians can see you directly without a referral, however a condition of all appointments is that you agree for Harley Street Mental Health to copy your GP into all assessment and treatment plans.
We are happy to accept referrals from other clinicians, however this is not necessary to use our service.
What happens during an appointment?
If you have booked a virtual appointment, you will be sent an invitation through our clinic software known as “Semble”. On the day of your appointment, you click the link and will enter into a video interview with one of our clinicians.
If you have booked an in-person appointment you will be greeted by your clinician in the waiting room.
Do you accept insurance?
Currently we do not accept insurance, and all of our assessments and treatment plans are self funded, and therefore we encourage you to look at the “fees” page prior to booking.
Do you prescribe medication?
Our team are able to prescribe medication as part of your treatment plan if this is required. Our prescriptions are private, and therefore you will be liable for the cost of the prescription and the medication.
Hod do I know if the treatment will be beneficial?
Unfortunately, there are no guarantees with psychiatry. All of our clinicians are extremely experienced and prescribe based on the most up to date evidence base. You will be involved in your treatment plans at all stages.
I have a complaint?
We are sorry to hear that you have a complaint. Please see the complaints section of our website or email complaints@hsmh.co.uk where we will endeavour to resolve your complaint in a timely manner.
What are the fees associated with ADHD Assessments?
Please see the fees section on the website. It is important that you are aware of all costs prior to starting treatment. An ADHD assessment costs £715 and lasts approximately 1.5 hours and will include a detailed written report and treatment plan (includes a prescription which will posted to your chosen pharmacy, if medication is considered suitable for you).
The cost of medication will be in addition to this and paid directly to your chosen pharmacy.
We then require service users to attend titration appointments at £150 each where your medication is adjusted until most effective. Once you move on to repeat prescriptions, they will cost £48 for a monthly prescription.
Once you are stable on your medication (around two months of being on the same dose, with no further changes and you feel much better) you can ask us to write to your GP and enter into a shared care agreement which costs £125. Your GP is under no obligation to accept a shared care agreement, and therefore we encourage all service users to discuss this with their GP prior to using our service.
Are you registered with the CQC?
Yes, we have been approved for registration with the Care Quality Commission
I have another question
Please email us on contact@hsmh.co.uk and we will get back to you shortly
Book your assessment today
Have a glance at the calendar and select a good time for you.