Adult Autism assessments & post-diagnostic support
Remote, neuro-affirming autism assessments for adults, with clear explanations, practical strategies and structured psychoeducation.
Who this service is for
Many autistic adults reach diagnosis later in life, often after years of masking or feeling “out of step” with others. An assessment can provide language, understanding and a clearer way to advocate for your needs.
Our adult Autism service is for:
- Adults who think they may be autistic and want a formal assessment
- Adults with previous diagnoses who would like a clearer profile and support plan
- People whose long-standing social, sensory or communication differences have never been fully explained
- GPs and referrers seeking a structured adult autism assessment pathway
Appointments take place online, in a format that aims to be predictable, respectful and as low-stress as possible.
What autism can look like in adults
Autism presents differently in different people. Adults may describe:
- Needing predictability, routine and clear expectations
- Finding social situations draining, confusing or effortful, even when they appear to “cope” externally
- Sensory sensitivities (to sound, light, textures, smell or movement)
- Intense interests or focus areas that bring stability or joy
- Feeling misunderstood, labelled “anxious” or “difficult” without their underlying needs being recognised
- A history of masking, burnout or repeated periods of exhaustion
An assessment helps to understand whether these experiences are best explained by Autism, by other factors, or a combination.
A structured, neuro-affirming assessment process
Your journey through the adult autism pathway usually follows these stages:
1. Enquiry & screening
You complete an online enquiry and screening form, covering:
- Key strengths and areas of difficulty
- Social communication, relationships and daily life
- Sensory profile, routines and flexibility
- Any previous assessments or diagnoses
This helps us confirm whether an autism assessment is likely to be appropriate and whether we should also consider ADHD or other neurodevelopmental conditions.
2. Pre-assessment questionnaires & history
If we proceed to assessment, we will send you a pre-assessment pack. This may include:
- Adult autism questionnaires
- A developmental history form, looking at childhood communication, play, friendships, interests and sensory experiences
- Where possible, input from someone who has known you over time (for example, a parent, partner or close friend)
You can complete these forms online and at your own pace within agreed timeframes.
3. Online clinical assessment
The main assessment appointment is carried out via secure video with an experienced autism clinician. This usually includes:
- A detailed developmental and psychosocial history
- Exploration of communication style, social understanding and relationships
- Discussion of sensory processing, routines, special interests and energy levels
- Screening for overlapping conditions such as ADHD, anxiety or depression, where relevant
Recognised diagnostic criteria are used as part of a full clinical assessment, alongside structured tools and clinical judgement.
4. Feedback & written report
After the assessment, your clinician will:
- Explain whether you meet the criteria for Autism
- Describe your strengths and areas where adjustments and support may be helpful
- Discuss overlapping needs, for example, co-occurring ADHD or mental health conditions
- Answer questions and talk through next steps
You receive a detailed written report summarising the assessment, diagnosis (where made) and recommendations for home, work, education and daily life.
Adult autism psychoeducation
A formal diagnosis is often the starting point rather than the end. Following diagnosis, adults can access a structured psychoeducation programme focused on understanding their profile and building practical strategies.
A typical programme includes six themed sessions:
Week 1 – Understanding your autistic profile
- What autism means in adulthood
- Strengths, support needs and masking
- Mapping how autism has shaped your experiences at home, in education and at work
Week 2 – Sensory regulation & daily routines
- Identifying sensory triggers and sensory supports
- Adjusting your environment at home, work and in public spaces
- Building sustainable routines around energy levels and recovery
Week 3 – Executive functioning & time
- Planning, task initiation and switching between tasks
- Tools for managing time, priorities and decision fatigue
- Structuring days and weeks to reduce overload
Week 4 – Communication, boundaries & expectations
- Understanding your communication style and preferences
- Setting boundaries around social expectations and demands
- Scripts for asking for clarity, requesting adjustments and saying no
Week 5 – Relationships, belonging & community
- Navigating friendships, family relationships and intimate relationships
- Finding safe spaces to unmask and connect
- Exploring autistic and neurodivergent communities and peer support
Week 6 – Rights, adjustments & self-advocacy
- Reasonable adjustments at work, university or in training
- Tools such as Autism Passports to share your needs clearly
- Planning next steps and protecting against future burnout
You may also receive written materials, templates and examples to adapt for your own context.
Support with work, study & daily life
- Translate your assessment findings into practical workplace or study adjustments
- Prepare an Autism Passport for work or education settings
- Identify environmental and schedule changes that support energy, focus and recovery
- Plan around major transitions, such as starting a new job, moving house or beginning a course
How to access the adult autism service
You can usually access our adult Autism (ASD) pathway through:
- Private assessment – for adults seeking an autism assessment and post-diagnostic support
- In some cases, commissioned or contracted routes where MACC is an agreed provider
If you are unsure which route applies to you, start with our online enquiry form and we will advise you on options.