Autism Spectrum Disorder

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals process information, communicate and interact with others. This condition is referred to as a spectrum because it can present differently in different people.

The core features include:

Repetitive routines
Repetitive behaviours
Intense focus on special interests
Challenges interacting with others
Difficulties with eye contact
Problems interpreting meaning
Sensory issues

At The Mind & Psychiatry Clinic, we recognise that individuals with ASD can also have strengths such as a clear sense of right and wrong, high levels of focus on areas of interest, creativity and direct communication.

The benefits of a formal assessment of ASD are to allow individuals a better understanding of how their experiences can impact their daily life and allow adjustments to be put in place. ASD is covered by disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means employers need to consider and provide reasonable adjustments to prevent individuals with a diagnosis of ASD being disadvantaged in the workplace.

Book your Autism Spectrum Disorder assessment online. We look forward to meeting you.

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Our Assessment Process

1. Pre-assessment Questionnaire

When you book an appointment, we will send you our pre-assessment bundle. This includes screening tests for ASD, a questionnaire about your early development and a questionnaire for a relative to complete. We ask you to complete these prior to your appointment.

2. Assessment Appointment

We conduct our assessment over 3 hours.

Your appointment will be with a consultant psychiatrist. It includes a comprehensive assessment of your current symptoms, medical and psychiatric history and development. This ensures that we screen for any other psychiatric or medical conditions that may be impacting your functioning.

We use the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Diagnostic Interview for Assessment of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This focuses on your symptoms of ASD and how they have affected you during your life.

We ask all patients to bring with them a family member or close friend to provide an observer history.

3. Feedback & Treatment Plan

At the end of the assessment process we discuss with you a summary of our findings and provide a formal diagnosis (if appropriate).

We then work with you to build a comprehensive, holistic treatment plan to meet your needs. We provide recommendations for medication (if required), therapy, support and workplace/academic adjustments.

After the assessment you will receive a full medical report, which can be sent to your GP. We also can provide separate letters for university or work, requesting appropriate adjustments.

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Patient Testimonials

I left feeling really reassured, clear and supported

This was my first time speaking with someone and I was very nervous. I had no idea what to expect but felt at ease very quickly and overall have only positive feelings towards my appointment.

Professional and empathetic

I had an excellent experience with Dr Pittock. I was apprehensive about the appointment, but she put me at ease and created a safe space. She was both professional and empathetic throughout and never made me feel rushed or judged. She gave me all the information I needed regarding medication so that I could make an informed decision.

I felt at ease very quickly

This was my first time speaking with someone and I was very nervous. I had no idea what to expect but felt at ease very quickly and overall have only positive feelings towards my appointment.

Incredibly understanding

Dr Pittock was incredibly understanding of my struggles with ADHD, and didn't make me feel ashamed in any way. She changed my medications to suit my lifestyle and sleep schedule, instead of just a one-size-fits-all program that I had previously been on.

I felt really comfortable

Dr Amy Martin is fantastic. I really felt comfortable about talking my personal issues with her. It is helping me a lot in this very delicate situation.

Very impressed

Very thorough in our hour together and the letter to the doctor was very detailed accurate and on point. I was very impressed.

Kind and detailed in her explanations

Dr Pittock is kind and detailed in her explanations. I feel very comfortable in reaching out to her and I'm happy to have her as my doctor.

My appointments are a very pleasant experience

Dr. Amy Martin really made me feel comfortable and safe to speak openly and honestly about how I feel. She has also showed lots of compassion and has made my appointments a very pleasant experience, considering the difficult conversations.

I felt listened to and understood

My first visit with Dr. Pittock was a 90-minute initial assessment. I was very apprehensive beforehand but she was able to put me at ease immediately and made me feel I could talk openly and be myself without fear of judgement. I found her communication style to be very effective – she made it easy for me to speak frankly and give a full account of my situation, and I felt listened to and understood when she give her assessment. I left the appointment feeling I had a way forward.

I'm so happy with my psychiatrist

I'm so happy I've Dr Martin as my psychiatrist. I feel seen, cared for and understood by a medical professional for the first time. Thank you so incredibly much.

Very compassionate and understanding

Amy was a pleasure to speak to, very compassionate and understanding making a difficult call that little bit easier. Very much appreciated.