Welcome to Affirming Autism
Affirming Autism is a UK provider of Private 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 Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Specialist Mental Health Nurses and Occupational Therapists.
Our assessments
We work in partnership with local autism hubs and private clients to provide clinically robust, regulatory-compliant, and outcome-focused assessments across the UK.
Start your assessment within 24 hours of booking
Dedicated client Support Coordinator – a single point of contact throughout your journey
Online appointments - no GP referral needed
Adheres to NHS and NICE guidelines with gold-standard assessment methods
Personalised recommendations for next steps and ongoing support
Full Diagnostic Assessment
Duration: 3 hours, 2 clinicians
NICE‑compliant adult autism assessments (age 16+) delivered by specialist clinicians.
Our comprehensive, neuro‑affirming diagnostic service is designed for adults, including those who mask heavily.
We follow ICD‑11 diagnostic standards, ensuring your formal autism diagnosis is recognised by healthcare providers, education settings, employers, and support services across the UK.
Screening Assessments
Duration: 1 hour, 1 clinician
Adult Autism Screening Appointment . Clinician‑led, evidence‑based, and designed to guide your next steps.
This session helps you understand whether a full autism assessment is appropriate. You’ll receive a detailed report and practical strategies you can use immediately.
Fee credited: If you continue to a full diagnostic assessment within 4 months, the £350 screening cost is deducted and part of the assessment is already completed.
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
What our clients say
“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.
Experienced and trusted team
Natalie Hewitt, Clinical Director
A Consultant Speech and Language Therapist and university lecturer, Natalie provides clinical oversight for all Affirming Autism assessment services.
Ruth Guy, Director of Operations
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 needs.
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
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!
Neuro-affirmative autism assessments, tailored to you
You can pay here for your assessment via PayPal
If you pay for an assessment here, we will email you within 48 hours to offer potential assessment appointments
Autism Screening Assessment
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.
Typically, your assessment will be within 2 weeks
Autism Diagnostic Assessment
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.
Typically, your assessment will be within 8 weeks