Private Autism Assessments in Birmingham
At Private Medical Clinic, we are committed to providing comprehensive and specialised care for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in Birmingham. Our ASD Clinic offers expert autism testing, diagnosis, and treatment for both children and adults. Led by experienced and dedicated specialist psychologists, our services are designed to ensure a thorough assessment, personalised treatment plans, and ongoing support for a better quality of life.
Adult & Child Autism Assessments
- Conducted by a multidisciplinary team of professionals with expertise in autism and other neurodivergence.
- Informed by NICE guidelines, utilising the gold standard testing protocols
Autism is characterised by differences with social communication and interaction, impacting a person’s relationships. These social differences are combined with restricted and repetitive behaviours; this may include unusual or intense interests, sensory processing differences, a need for routine, or repetitive body movements known as complex mannerisms. These differences have a persistent and pervasive impact on the person’s functioning.
Private Medical Clinic offers a triage assessment to determine whether a full diagnostic assessment of ASD is warranted.
The triage assessment involves completion of questionnaires, including standardised screening tools, as well as other questionnaires to help us better understand the reason for your referral and your child’s current strengths and needs.
This information will be reviewed by one of our clinical psychologists, who will be able to advise whether formal diagnostic assessment is recommended.
The assessment process is broken down into three parts, including information gathering, a multidisciplinary team meeting and feeding back the outcome.
1. Gathering information about your child
Our comprehensive assessment process will explore your child’s development and current behaviours. With all assessments for children and adolescents, the clinical team will gather information from parents and school, as well as meet with your child.
Specifically, our assessment will include:
- clinical interview with a parent/caregiver to explore development and behaviours from birth to present day
- an observational assessment with your child known as the ADOS-2
- liaison with your child’s school (and an observation in the school setting where required for an additional fee)
- questionnaires to explore possible co-existing conditions
- a review of any relevant prior professional reports
2. Multidisciplinary team meeting
Once the assessment has been completed, the multidisciplinary team of professionals will meet to review the information gathered. They will confirm the outcome of the assessment in accordance with the diagnostic criteria for ASD, in line with the DSM-5.
3. Sharing the outcome
Once the clinical team have finalised the assessment outcome, you will be invited to a feedback appointment with the lead clinician, after which you will receive a comprehensive diagnostic report, including recommendations.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorders encompass a range of neurodevelopmental conditions that impact an individual’s behaviour, social interactions, and developmental abilities throughout their lives. Conditions under the ASD umbrella include Autistic Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (NOS).
Our ASD Clinic recognizes the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis. If your child exhibits repetitive behaviours, struggles with communication, experiences anxiety in unfamiliar situations, or takes longer to process new information, seeking a private autism diagnosis at our Birmingham clinic may be beneficial.
Asperger’s Syndrome
Asperger’s Syndrome is a milder form of high-functioning autism. While individuals with Asperger’s often possess strong intellects, they can experience challenges in social and emotional interactions. Common characteristics of Asperger’s syndrome include high intelligence, strict routines, difficulty adapting to change, and sensory sensitivities.
Testing for Asperger’s syndrome is essential to gaining insights into an individual’s challenges and developing effective strategies for managing them.
ASD Diagnosis
At Private Medical Clinic, our team of expert psychiatrists and paediatricians is dedicated to providing a holistic approach to autism assessment and management. Our process begins with an initial assessment that includes a gold-standard diagnostic interview for ASD. We also screen for related disorders such as ADHD, emotional challenges, substance misuse, and more.
To confirm the diagnosis, a series of questionnaires are utilised, providing objective data to establish baselines and measure ASD symptoms. This data guides ongoing treatment interventions and improvements if necessary.
We understand the impact of an autism diagnosis on individuals and families. Our consultant psychiatrists and paediatricians provide compassionate guidance to navigate the journey ahead.
Precise Diagnostic Tools
Our diagnostic process is guided by respected tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) for children, Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), and various questionnaires including the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-10) and more. These assessments align with international diagnostic criteria to ensure accurate results.
Treatment & Support
Our expert ASD team offers a range of treatment options, including ASD coaching, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), medication, and ongoing support from our Private GPs. Our specialists work closely with individuals to develop personalised treatment plans based on their unique needs.
A formal autism diagnosis brings more than just an understanding of symptoms. It offers clarity, practical strategies for managing difficulties, correction of misdiagnoses, access to ASD services and support, and tailored treatment plans.
Choosing Private Medical Clinic for your autism testing needs means benefiting from a psychiatrist-led service, specialised care for adults and children, and availability of urgent appointments. Our state-of-the-art clinic in Birmingham offers convenient online booking, efficient assessments, and a caring team of medical professionals.
Our Team
Dr Simon Khela
Consultant Private GP
Dr Simon Khela is an experienced private GP and the medical director of Private Medical Clinic. He has a special interest in lifestyle & functional medicine.
Dr Jayawardena
GP with Specialist Interest in Women’s and Sexual Health
Dr Jayawardena is an experienced private GP with specialist training in obstetrics and gynaecology.
Dr Robyn Cooley
Clinical Psychologist
Dr Cooley provides psychological assessment and therapy for all ages. She is trained in multiple models of psychotherapy to support you.
Dr Sam Cooley
Clinical Psychologist
Dr Cooley sees children and adults for autism and ADHD assessments and one-to-one therapy. He is expertly placed to provide psychological therapy.
