Autism Assessment - UK Wide
Autism Assessment - UK Wide
About me
Professional Background
I worked within the NHS as a Clinical Psychologist for twenty years carrying out autism diagnostic assessments and providing post-diagnostic support, for individuals with autism and their families. In addition I provided training for staff teams and NHS colleagues. I have worked across the lifespan in this field. I have also worked very extensively in the area of intellectual disability, both with adults and children.
I currently provide an assessment service for adults only. I provide support and advice for clients and their families.
I am registered with the Healthcare Professions Council (HCPC).
Qualifications
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (D. Clin. Psy) - University of Teesside (1998-2001) School of Health prize for research
MSc in Applied Psychology - University of Ulster (1992-1994)
BA (Hons) Psychology - Queens University Belfast (1988-1991)
Additional accreditations:
D.I.S.C.O. (Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders) Accredited User
ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised)
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) – EMDR Europe
Current Service
I offer fully remote adult autism diagnostic assessments, and, from January 2023, I will be offering face to face assessment in Scotland in the following areas: Highland and Morayshire. I will also consider face to face assessments in the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland. The assessment is extensive and uses the DISCO and ADOS-2 in combination with detailed information gathering. Each assessment is tailored to the individual requirements of the Client. I also offer support for individuals and their families, as well as workplaces.
What assessment involves
Assessment is carried out in line with the measures recommended by NICE (2021 update)
Step 1 - Contact me using email McGeownConsultancy@protonmail.com or on 07958642333
Step 2 - I will arrange a phone/video call with you to discuss assessment
During this phone/video call I will ask you why you are seeking assessment at this time. I will ask about your hopes and expectations for assessment and will tell you what the assessment might involve. We will make a decision together about whether to proceed to the next step.
Step 3 - Developmental Assessment
Autism spectrum conditions are considered lifelong. It is important to establish the presence of autistic traits emerging during early childhood that cannot be otherwise accounted for by factors such as brain injury or other environmental factors. Developmental assessment will likely involve the completion of questionnaires as well as clinical interviews with you and someone who has known you since early childhood (usually a parent).
Step 4 - Phone/video call with you to discuss developmental assessment
I will talk through the information gathered during the developmental assessment. I will tell you if diagnostic assessment is warranted or not, and I will explain how I came to this decision. If further diagnostic assessment is warranted, it is your decision whether or not you still wish to proceed. If no further assessment is indicated I will be able to offer some suggestions for next steps and sign-post you to other services that may be of benefit to you.
Step 5 - Booking a diagnostic assessment
If you wish to proceed with diagnostic assessment, I will arrange a date and time that is suitable. Assessment sessions are usually one to two hours in length. Where a session is longer than this, there will be the opportunity for a break. The diagnostic part of the assessment can require three sessions. If at any time you feel unable to continue with a session then I will arrange another one for you.
Step 6 - Phone/video call with you to discuss outcome of assessment
I will provide verbal feedback to you regarding the outcome of assessment using either a video call or telephone, whichever you prefer.
Step 7 - Report
I will provide a written report of the outcome of assessment. This report will be detailed and will evidence the steps taken and measures used, to reach the conclusion. I will discuss the content of the report fully in the feedback session and you will have the opportunity to query any aspect of it before I finalise it.
Support and Advice
I offer support and advice to individuals who have had a diagnosis of autism, their families and those around them, including employers.
Receiving an autism diagnosis is a major event in a person’s life. For many people it is a relief, often after years of waiting. But this is not always the case. It may be helpful to be able to talk through what this means for you, and those around you. It can help you move forward and live a more fulfilling life.
No two people are the same. We all have unique strengths and things we find more challenging. Life often does not follow a predictable pattern, and this can generate uncertainty and anxiety. Changes in our routines, relationships, working life, health or other circumstances can make it much more difficult to cope with everyday life. Many find it helpful to talk through these issues and I can help you find ways to cope.
No-one exists in a vacuum. Our wider environment and the people in it can have a significant impact on us. For family members and close contacts of an autistic person, it can be helpful to have a greater understanding of autism more broadly, and how it might uniquely affect the person they are close to. In collaboration with the individual, the whole system around the person can be examined and tailored advice provided. For example, a person may be having difficulty at work due to misunderstandings, or sensory challenges around noise, light, etc. Advice given to workplaces can significantly lessen anxiety, increase productivity and improve overall quality of life. If workplaces are aware of the need for reasonable adjustments, they are often accommodating.
I have been working with children and adults who have autism for over twenty years. The experiences they have shared with me have taught me a great deal, not just about the challenges they face, but also about the unique and valuable contribution made by neurodiverse individuals to our society. I provide a service which is Client led and which supports and advises based on the Client’s needs.
Support and advice sessions can be of any length, but the minimum appointment time is 30 minutes.
Pricing
Initial phone conversation to discuss the assessment process - free
Developmental/Initial assessment to identify if full assessment is indicated - £110 per hour*
Full Adult Diagnostic assessment - £1200*
*You will not pay more than £1200 for an autism assessment. The hourly rate for developmental assessment applies only if you do not proceed with full diagnostic assessment.
Support and Advice - £55 per 30 minutes
£110 per hour