Welcome to Affirming Autism
Affirming Autism is a UK provider of private specialist autism diagnostic assessments for adults and individuals aged 16 and over.
About Us
Compassionate, Neuro‑Affirmative Adult Autism Assessments - UK
At Affirming Autism, we provide NHS-trusted, NICE-compliant autism assessments for young people (age 16+) and adults across the UK.
We deliver autism assessments through a highly skilled multi-disciplinary team, shorter waiting times and ensure accurate, evidence-based diagnosis.
All our clinicians understand high‑masking and late‑identified autism. We can assess complex and non-standard presenting individuals
Our Assessment Approach
Our assessment pathway follows NICE CG128 guidelines and uses gold-standard diagnostic tools
All assessments are conducted by multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs), which may include clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists.
Leadership Team
At Affirming Autism, our leadership team brings together a wealth of expertise in health and social care, clinical governance, training, and specialist assessments.
We are committed to delivering high-quality Neuro-affirming services across the UK, underpinned by strong clinical oversight, and a person-centred approach
Natalie Hewitt
Clinical Director
A Consultant Speech and Language Therapist and university lecturer, Natalie provides clinical oversight for all Affirming Autism assessment services.
She ensures services meet NICE guidelines and best practice standards. She plays a key role in clinical assessments, supervision, and service development, ensuring interventions are evidence-based and neuro-affirming
Ruth Guy
Operations Director
Ruth’s career spans decades in the NHS and private care sector, as a registered mental health nurse. She has managed services for autistic people, those who have learning disabilities, mental health needs, and complex care needs.
She oversees operational delivery, compliance, and strategic development, ensuring services meet the highest standards while remaining responsive to client needs
Our Step-by-step process
A clear, supportive process from start to finish.
1
Book your assessment
You can self-refer for an assessment with Affirming Autism.
Email us or pay for your assessment using the links below.
We will contact you within 48 Hours to offer an appointment.
Typically your assessment will be within a few weeks.
2
Information Gathering
we will ask you to complete some pre-assessment questionnaires. These provide us with information about your development, lived experience and other health conditions
We also ask for someone who knows you well to complete a supporter questionnaire. This helps to provide information about how others see you. If you don't have someone, you can still have an assessment.
3
Diagnostic Assessment
A structured clinical interview with 2 clinicians, one after the other. This ensures your assessment is multi-disciplinary
Discussion of developmental history, strengths, challenges, and current concerns.
Assessment of social communication, interaction, thinking style, patterns of behaviour and sensory profile.
4
Outcome, Report & next steps
We will let you know the diagnostic outcome at the end of your assessment and send an email to confirm it.
You will receive a comprehensive assessment report within 3 weeks, along with helpful resources and recommendations for reasonable adjustments
You will be offered a follow up appointment to discuss the outcome & support
Our assessment services
We work in partnership with local autism hubs and private clients to provide clinically robust, regulatory-compliant, and outcome-focused assessments across the UK.
Full Diagnostic Assessment
Duration: 3 hours, 2 clinicians
A structured, NICE‑compliant assessment tailored for adults, including those who mask heavily.
We follow evidence-based diagnostic standards so you can obtain a formal diagnosis recognised by Health, educational institutions, employers, and support services.
Screening Assessments
Duration: 1 hour, 1 clinician
Clinician-led screening appointments to help you decide if a full autism diagnostic services assessment is right for you. You will receive a detailed report and support strategies.
If you proceed to our diagnostic assessment within 4 months, the screening fee will be fully deducted.
What Makes Our Approach Different?
Neuro‑affirmative, non‑pathologising language
Trauma‑informed practice
Respect for all communication styles
Flexible, accessible online appointments
Clear, transparent pricing
No pressure, no judgement
Testimonials
“For the first time, I felt truly understood. The assessment was gentle, validating, and thorough.”
“I’d masked for decades. They recognised things no one else ever had.”
“The report helped me access workplace adjustments and finally make sense of my experiences.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP referral?
No - you can self‑refer. Fast access, no GP referral needed. Avoid long NHS waiting lists. Begin your assessment within weeks, not years.
Is the assessment recognised by the NHS?
Yes. Our assessments follow NICE guidelines and are accepted by NHS services and employers.
Can I do the assessment online?
Yes. All assessments are available UK‑wide via secure video call.
You can choose to pay by instalments for your assessment here.
We will contact you by email to offer you available dates to choose from within 48 hours.
Book Autism Diagnostic Assessment
Typically, your assessment will be within 8 weeks
Book Autism Screening Assessment
Typically, your assessment will be within 2 weeks
Why People Choose Affirming Autism
A safe space for adults who’ve spent years masking
Many adults reach us after feeling misunderstood, dismissed, or overlooked. Our approach centres your lived experience, your communication style, and your pace.
Our team has extensive experience in adult autism, high‑masking presentations, and co‑occurring conditions.
Whether you’re seeking clarity, validation, or support, we’re here to walk with you.
Start Your Assessment Journey with us
We are ready When You Are - Email us about an assessment today!