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Autism in adults: diagnosis and assessment options

Explore autism in adults information and assessment options

If you think you might be autistic, you can refer yourself for a private adult autism assessment without a GP referral. You can be assessed in person at one of our clinics across England and Wales or fully online, and a combined autism and ADHD assessment is available if you are also questioning ADHD. Assessments cost £2,095 in clinic or £1,995 online, and most people receive their report 4 to 6 weeks after booking.

Autism in adults is not always recognised in childhood. Many people begin exploring it after years of feeling different or finding certain situations exhausting. This page brings together clear information about autism in adults, including common characteristics, masking and late diagnosis, to help you find the right next step.

Autism in adults: Smiling woman talking with a clinician in a bright room

Where would you like to start?

Choose the option that most closely reflects the questions you have now.
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I’m wondering if I could be autistic

Learn about common adult autistic characteristics, including differences in communication, social interaction, routines and sensory experiences.
Explore the signs of autism in adults
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I’m considering an autism assessment

Understand what a private adult autism assessment involves, who it may be suitable for and what you can expect from the process.
Explore private adult autism assessments
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I’m exploring autism and ADHD

If you recognise characteristics of both autism and ADHD, a combined assessment may provide a more complete understanding of your experiences.
Explore combined autism and ADHD assessments
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I would prefer an online assessment

Our adult autism assessment process can be completed online, allowing you to participate from a familiar environment.
Explore fully online adult assessments
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I want to understand the cost

View our current adult assessment fees, what is included and the payment options available.
View adult assessment costs
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Understanding autism in adults

Autism affects how a person communicates, interacts with others and experiences the world. Every autistic person is different, and there is no single way that an autistic adult will think, behave or communicate.

Some adults reach this point after recognising longstanding differences in:

  • Social communication and interaction
  • Routines, predictability and managing change
  • Sensory experiences
  • Focused interests and attention

Others begin questioning after a period of overwhelm or burnout, after receiving another diagnosis that does not fully explain their experiences, or after an autistic child or family member is diagnosed.

Recognising individual characteristics does not confirm that you are autistic. A formal assessment considers your development, current experiences and overall pattern of behaviour rather than relying on one characteristic, checklist or screening score.

Read about the signs of autism in adults

Autism can be missed until adulthood

Some autistic adults learn to hide or compensate for their differences. This is often described as masking or camouflaging and may involve copying other people’s behaviour, rehearsing conversations or suppressing signs of sensory discomfort.

Someone may appear confident or comfortable to others while experiencing anxiety, exhaustion or overwhelm internally. This can make autism more difficult to recognise, particularly in women and people whose experiences do not match outdated stereotypes.

If this reflects your experience, our information about women, masking and late diagnosis may provide a useful starting point.

Woman holding a mug and looking thoughtful at her desk

Signs of autism in women: traits, checklist and how to get assessed

The signs of autism in women are often misunderstood, meaning that many autistic women remain undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed. In this article, Jo Condon, an…
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High masking autism: signs, impact and why so many autistic people go undiagnosed

Learn about high masking autism, including signs in women and girls, camouflaging behaviours, autistic burnout, diagnosis and mental health impacts.
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Can you be diagnosed with autism later in life?

Autism can be diagnosed at any age, including in a person's 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s or beyond. Many autistic adults were not identified in childhood…
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autism in adults assessment options

If you decide to pursue a formal assessment, the most appropriate pathway will depend on your experiences and whether you are also questioning ADHD.

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In-person private adult autism assessment

NICE-compliant adult autism assessments with self-referral and screening review.

This evidence-based evaluation assesses whether your lifelong experiences meet the diagnostic criteria for autism.
View the adult autism assessment process
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Combined autism and ADHD assessment

Autism and ADHD can occur together and may share some characteristics.

A combined assessment allows our clinicians to consider both conditions as part of one coordinated process.
View the combined assessment options
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Fully online adult assessment

Adults can complete our autism assessment process online.

This may be helpful if you live further from one of our clinics, find travelling difficult or feel more comfortable participating from home.
Learn about fully online assessments
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Why choose Jo Condon Autism Assessments?

We provide ethical, evidence-based and neuro-affirming autism assessments for adults across the UK.

Our service includes:

  • NICE-compliant adult autism assessments
  • Experienced and appropriately registered clinicians
  • A multidisciplinary assessment process
  • Free screening before you commit to an assessment
  • No GP referral required
  • A dedicated coordinator throughout the process
  • Detailed reports with personalised recommendations
  • In-person and fully online assessment options

Our aim is to ensure that you feel informed, respected and supported. If the information you provide does not indicate that an autism assessment is appropriate, we will explain this before you pay for an assessment.

Learn about our approach

What clients say about us

Families and adults often come to us at an important point in their lives. Our clients regularly highlight the clarity of our reports, the responsiveness of our team and the care shown throughout the assessment process.

Jo and the team have been amazing. Helping to answer any question with such empathy and precision. The journey through the assessment was timely, with a less than a week between each stage. Our dedicated coordinator (Leoni) really was an exceptional person with handling both correspondence and appointments. Using Jo Condon assessments was truly exceptional. The report received at the end included such detail, that only somebody with vast experience and understanding would be able to provide.

Abigail D

I am an autism specialist with over 20 years experience. I chose to have my own children diagnosed by Jo’s team. I made the right decision. The clinicians are amazing and the reports were excellent too. I’ve since recommended this service to close family and friends. I would not recommend any other service.
Worth every penny.

Clare W

Highly recommend Jo Condon Autism Assessments. We decided to use them after recommendations from our school as they are NHS & Local Authority approved. Fantastic team of professionals. So understanding & caring. They supported us all really well during the process. This has given our 14 year old daughter the validation and a better understanding of why she struggles and feels different to her peers. We thank everyone at Jo Condon for the beginning part of our daughter’s new journey in her life.

Sarah W
You can read more about our clients’ experiences on our review platforms.

Not sure which assessment is right for you?

Our free screening process allows you to tell us about your experiences before making a financial commitment. A member of our clinical team will review the information and advise whether an autism assessment, combined autism and ADHD assessment or another next step appears most appropriate.

If an assessment is not indicated, we will tell you openly and honestly.

Helpful autism in adults resources

Explore information about autism in adults before, during and after diagnosis.
Clinician talking with a young man in a calm room

Will a private autism assessment be accepted by the NHS?

One of the most common questions asked by families and adults considering a private autism assessment is: “Will the NHS accept a private autism diagnosis?”
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NICE guidelines for autism and ADHD assessments: why they matter

If you are considering an autism or ADHD assessment for yourself, your child, or another family member, it can be difficult to know what makes…
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Is it worth paying for a private autism assessment? An evidence-based guide

For many individuals and families, deciding whether to pay for a private autism assessment is a significant financial and personal decision. While NHS autism assessments…
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Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS): what is it and how is it used in autism assessments

What is an ADOS assessment? Learn how the ADOS is used in autism diagnosis, what happens during the assessment and how it is tailored for…
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Can you get a second opinion autism assessment?

If you are not happy with the outcome of an autism diagnostic assessment, you can consider requesting a second opinion. Here we outline when a…
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Reasonable adjustments for autistic adults in the workplace: understanding your rights and support options

Reasonable adjustments are changes made in the workplace to remove barriers and help autistic employees perform their role effectively. Examples may include flexible working arrangements,…
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View all autism in adults resources

Frequently asked questions

Ready to take the next step?

Whether you are beginning to explore autism in adults or feel ready to pursue an assessment, our team can help you understand your options.

Complete our free screening or contact us to discuss the most appropriate next step.