We believe being Autistic is valuable, valid and vital. This neurodiversity-affirmative perspective is reflected in everything we do, committed as we are to changing hearts and minds around the concepts of ‘autism assessment’ and ‘diagnosis’. As such, we recognise our language and perspective present autism and Autistic understanding in a way you may not have encountered before

We actively avoid traditional deficit-based understanding, inherent in the diagnostic manuals and associated with ‘typical autism assessment’. Indeed, we believe being Autistic is better interpreted through the lens of identification and discovery, rather than diagnosis

Being Autistic is not a ‘disorder’. Therefore, it is difficult to imagine applying a diagnosis to what is simply a way of being human. Importantly, numerous members of our team are also Autistic or otherwise neurodivergent and we draw upon their valuable lived experience to inform our practice

We recognise you as the expert in your own experience. Your Assessment (Collaborative Autistic Identification) places you as an equal partner and your participation anchors everything. In building your story together, we are interested to understand your strengths and aspirations, while hearing about any challenging social situations and sensory sensitivities. Through our conversations, we will learn about your communication preferences, abiding interests and social experiences

Though we unapologetically celebrate being Autistic, we also fully acknowledge how society disables and dismisses Autistic people. To this end, we actively offer support and advice to guide and empower you on your continuing journey, equipped with your new Autistic identity

This article ‘What does it mean to be neurodiversity affirmative?’, published in the Psychologist and jointly written by Davida, Anna, Jessica, Maeve and Juliana from The Adult Autism Practice and Tara from Thriving Autistic, provides an accessible overview of this essential understanding

Collaborative Autistic Identification (Assessment)— including a post-identification, peer-led coaching session) costs *€1100

*A payment instalment plan is available: click here for details

Consultation costs €260

No payment plan for Consultation

It is not necessary or required to have a Consultation before Identification, though it is possible to transition from Consultation to Identification, without additional waiting

If you ultimately decide to go ahead with Identification, the €260 for Consultation is deducted from the €1100 for Identification

Please be aware there are additional fees for additional requested documentation, e.g., a Disability Allowance or PIP letter

Clients paying tax in Republic of Ireland: You can claim back psychology visits at the standard rate of tax. Tax relief is also available for premiums paid for health insurance. The psychologist doesn’t need to be chartered

More info here: Tax relief on medical expenses

UK based people can see price in GBP on our UK website. Here is a link to the FAQ page there

Our current wait time, from submitting your forms to first appointment, is approximately 2—3 months. This is the same for either Consultation or Assessment (Collaborative Autistic Identification)

After a consultation, if you decide to move on with identification, you can do this right away, with no further waiting

We operate entirely online, so you will meet with your psychologist via Microsoft Teams

It is important to us that all sessions happen in a kind and safe online space, where you feel comfortable to fully express yourself. We will work with you to achieve this and understand how difficult eye contact and video calls can be for lots of people

While we do ask for at least one video call, there is no expectation of sustained eye contact during sessions. You can face away from the camera, even wear sunglasses. Naturally, you can stim freely while communicating

We are happy to conduct one or two sessions over the phone. We are also happy to conduct shorter sessions, where instead of being online for the full time, you can email responses to questions. You may also find the Teams text chat function useful to communicate with your psychologist, for part of the time

We understand communication is achieved in multiple ways. Ultimately, our priority is making you feel comfortable and understood throughout your journey with us

Adult Autistic identification is relatively new and as a resolutely neurodiversity-affirmative practice, we take a progressive perspective on Autistic identification and discovery. Consequently, our clinical approach is informed by Autistic academics, Autistic-led research and learning from the Autistic community. Though, of course, our professionally qualified and registered psychologists adhere to clinical autism assessment standards and our process is based on current diagnostic criteria for autism in the DSM-5-TR and ICD-11

While guided by the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI–R), to establish a broad outline of your experience, a deeper, richer understanding is achieved through in-depth conversation over three sessions with your psychologist

We do not use the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), as in our professional opinion (informed by understanding within the Autistic community), the current version does not adequately capture the adult Autistic experience

In traditional terms, this is ‘the assessment process leading to clinical autism diagnosis’. However, we prefer to frame this as Collaborative Autistic Identification. More than mere rhetorical window dressing, this perspective is a signature stamp of our progressive, neurodiversity-affirmative ethos and commitment to respecting and valuing unique Autistic experiences

In our view, and in keeping with understanding within the Autistic community, autism is not a ‘disorder’ to ‘diagnose’. It is not a ‘condition’ you ‘have’, handed to you in the form of a deficit-based diagnostic report. While our professionally qualified psychologists, assuredly work within clinical best practice, we firmly believe Autistic identification is best explored and established within a collaborative framework. Though actively positive and strengths-based in our approach, we take full account of your individual support needs and understand the realities of everyday Autistic living

It is not necessary or required to have a Consultation before Identification, though it is possible to transition from Consultation to Identification, without additional waiting

If you ultimately decide to go ahead with Identification, the fee for Consultation is deducted from the fee for Identification

For more details, click here: Identification

If you self-identify as, or otherwise believe you are Autistic, this is an opportunity to meet with your psychologist for an exploratory, one-hour conversation. A safe space to explore the ‘What if…?’and ‘Does this mean…?’ type questions you may have. To talk about your experience and discuss the potential pros and cons of formal identification. After this exploratory conversation, there is no expectation or requirement to pursue our Collaborative Autistic Identification

It is not necessary or required to have a Consultation before Identification, though it is possible to transition from Consultation to Identification, without additional waiting

If you ultimately decide to go ahead with Identification, the fee for Consultation is deducted from the fee for Identification

For more details, click here: Consultation

Yes. All our psychologists are professionally qualified, registered with either the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), the British Psychological Society (BPS) or the UK Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and work to clinical autism assessment standards. As such, your Autistic identification with us is recognised within the Irish and British health and social care systems, providing access to relevant support services

Yes. During Assessment (Collaborative Autistic Identification), you will have the opportunity to discuss your work or college life, to explore your strengths and address environmental and/or social aspects not set up to allow you to perform at your best. Your psychologist can help you identify equitable requirements — changes in your work or college — that will help reduce stress and allow you to access your strengths

We understand the shortcomings and short-sightedness of legacy Autistic understanding and how this has sadly marginalised and missed many Autistic people, particularly Black and Asian people, women and the LGBTQ+ community. We also understand how many Autistic people are identified later in life, having been misunderstood and missed as children. Therefore, as a practice informed by rich Autistic experience and actively assimilating new understanding, we recognise Autistic people have unique social and cultural histories and present in myriad different ways

Yes. As a team, we are cognizant of the evolving PTSD and minority stress research in relation to the Autistic experience and are mindful of this when working with you. Furthermore, many of our team have minority stress, trauma and post-traumatic stress training and experience

No. There is certainly no requirement or expectation you involve anybody else

However, it is entirely your decision and if you prefer involving a parent, partner, family member or friend for support during your meeting, then this is perfectly possible and they are most welcome to join you. We encourage you to do what you feel supports you best and this extends to involving any supportive pets!

Payment is required before booking your appointment. You will receive an email notifying when you are at the top of the waiting list and can book an appointment

Payments are made easily using your credit/debit card, via an online link

If you have private insurance, we can provide all the necessary details for you to claim on your insurance

Please note: if you are based in Ireland, you must choose a Chartered Member of the PSI if you want to claim on insurance

Please note: for claims, when choosing your psychologist, you will likely be required to choose a psychologist based in your country of residence

Information about each psychologist will be given to you clearly at the time of booking

Please check with your insurance provider before booking if you have any queries

Yes. We want our service to be as accessible as possible and understand payment in one go may be difficult for some. Therefore, we have a payment plan to cover the Collaborative Autistic Identification (Assessment) fee. The booking form has an option to request this plan

Note: Consultation has no payment plan option. €260 is required before your meeting

If you choose the Collaborative Autistic Identification payment plan, to cover additional administrative costs, an additional €25 (2% interest) fee is added to the total

For the payment plan, we request €300 be paid before your first meeting, followed by €275 for three months after that (i.e., three payments of €275 will be taken automatically) (€1125 total)

If after Consultation, you choose to go ahead with Collaborative Autistic Identification and need a payment plan, you can spread the remaining payments over three months (€288 for three months). An additional €24 (a rounded 2% interest) fee applies (€1124 total)

If you cannot afford to pay the total cost in this timeframe and would like to discuss different payment options, please email us at info@adultautism.ie, before booking

Click on the ‘Make a Booking’ button, anywhere you see it — there is one located at the bottom of this page

When you make a booking, you will need to complete three forms:

The Consent Form

This outlines details about us and the regulations we are bound by. You will choose either Consultation or Assessment (Collaborative Autistic Identification), provide contact details, specify some preferences and ultimately provide your consent to proceed

The Intake Form

This asks for detailed information about you as a person, e.g., your communication preferences and how you have experienced social relationships. In this form you can share what makes you ‘you’

The CORE Form

This is a standardised questionnaire to establish your current mental health, e.g., have you had thoughts of self-harm recently?

In collecting your personal story, the forms may take some time to complete. Perhaps best to complete them when you have plenty of time to spare and minimal distractions

Please note: you do not need to complete the forms in one sitting (you can save and return); however, unsubmitted forms are automatically deleted after 60 days and cannot be recovered. Please ensure to submit your completed forms within 60 days

Submitting your form adds you to our waiting list. You will receive an email confirmation

You will also receive some additional forms. Completing these is optional

No. You can book directly. Click on the ‘Make a Booking’ button, anywhere you see it — there is one located at the bottom of this page

Most of the time, yes. After payment, you will be sent a link to a selection of psychologists with availability to see clients. Here, you can read the psychologists’ bios, and watch a brief introductory video. This way, you can make an informed choice in selecting a psychologist that best suits you

Of course, we also understand you may feel overwhelmed in selecting a specific psychologist, and are happy to help you choose. If you simply provide us some pointers in what is important to you in a psychologist, this will guide us in recommending one or two psychologists for you

It should be noted that there may be some occasions where there will be no choice because there may be just one suitable psychologist available for you. This does not happen often though.

Yes. We have a gender mix of psychologists

Yes. You can choose either an Ireland or UK-based psychologist. Though, if you intend to claim through health insurance, you will likely be required to choose a psychologist based in your country of residence. Please check with your insurance provider before booking

Important Note: If you are based in Ireland and want to claim back from private insurance, you will need to choose a Chartered Member of the PSI

We mostly see clients from Ireland, the UK and wider Europe

However, we do see people living in other countries. If you currently live in a country outside Ireland, the UK and wider Europe, please email us at info@adultautism.ie, to see if your country can be covered

If you live outside Ireland or the UK and hope to use your formal Autistic identification to access disability supports or other assistance, please check local legislation regarding the acceptance of a diagnosis from outside your country of residence

Unfortunately, we cannot see clients residing in the USA or Canada, as regulations in these countries require your psychologist be registered in the specific US state or Canadian province in which you live

Many typical autism diagnostic services simply end with handing you a turgid, invalidating report. However, we recognise the personal significance of discovering your Autistic identity. Therefore, to support the important next steps of your journey, a follow-up support session from Thriving Autistic is available with Assessment (Collaborative Autistic Identification), should you wish

Founded by Post-identification Support Lead, Tara O’Donnell-Killen, Thriving Autistic is our partner organisation. With a range of skilled, neurodivergent practitioners, your psychologist can help you choose someone best suited to set you on your way

Your psychologist will also signpost you to various helpful resources and routes to link in with the vibrant, online Autistic community network

Discovering you are not Autistic, can be as significant as discovering you are. If together we discover you are not Autistic, you will of course be offered appropriate support and guidance to meet your needs

ADHD: we do not currently offer specific ADHD identification, though ADHD is screened for during Autistic identification. If you feel you might be ADHD as well as Autistic, this is something you can discuss with your psychologist

Dyspraxia: this is identified by an occupational therapist. As our focus is on Autistic identification, we do not have an occupational therapist on our team

Dyslexia: again, as we focus on identifying Autistic adults, we do not identify dyslexia

Yes. We work closely with our equally neurodiversity-affirmative partner, Thriving Autistic. Tara O’Donnell-Killen, who supervises our post-identification support, founded this wonderful, Autistic-led organisation

After an initial post-identification session, many of our clients continue their support relationship with Thriving Autistic, providing great feedback

Tara and team will be happy to discuss your particular support needs. Contact hello@thrivingautistic.org for more information

Yes. However, there is an additional €100 fee

A robust letter of this kind requires additional time gathering relevant information from you. We need to go into detail to ensure we provide appropriate evidence to support you. To provide a detailed letter, we must charge to cover the additional staff costs and admin time required

We also provide tribunal/appeal letters, however, we must charge €300 for these. This is due to the significant extra work involved reviewing all new information and all points not taken into account by the decision maker. We understand this is expensive. If you need a payment plan, please let us know and you can pay over three months

If you have any questions, at any time, help is just an email away. Contact info@adultautism.ie and we will respond quickly