Adult Autism Assessment Process at EBTC

Adult Autism Assessment Process at EBTC

The Autism assessment process at EBTC involves three stages and is described below:

Initial Consultation

We start with an initial consultation. This is a 90 minute appointment with Dr. Emer Downey, Clinical Psychologist. The aim of the initial consultation is to provide a safe, supportive space to explore what is going on for you and to consider whether or not it is likely that Autism is a helpful explanation for your experiences. It gives you time to consider the important decision about whether or not to proceed with a full Autism assessment. As part of your initial assessment, you will complete some screening forms which will be sent to you when you book in. These forms help inform your consult so it is important they are completed one week before your appointment so they can be scored and reviewed before your appointment. If a formal diagnostic assessment of Autism is recommended following the initial consultation, you will be invited to book a full Autism assessment should you wish to proceed with this. Some people decide not to go ahead with full autism assessment as they got the information they needed from the initial consultation.

Cost €300

Full Assessment

A full Autism assessment includes 2 separate sessions, a 90 minute session with Emer and a 60 minute session with Emer and someone who knows you well. The first session is an opportunity to explore your life experiences as a child and as an adult and consider how they may relate to Autism. This session provides a safe, supportive space to develop the information discussed at the initial consultation in greater depth, as well as consider alternative reflections and explanations.

The second session is ideally attended by a person who knows you well from childhood, such as a parent. This session allows for a thorough exploration of your early experiences. You are welcome to attend this session and It can be conducted in person or online. Should it not be possible for a person who knows you well from childhood to attend, you can nominate someone who knows you best, like a partner, spouse, or sibling. If is is not possible or desirable to involve someone else in the assessment, we can work around this and use this session to examine your early experiences further from your perspective.

Cost €1700

Reflection Consultation

Once your assessments and report have been completed, you will attend for a 60 minute reflection session. This session allows for the exploration of the outcome of your full assessment and what it may mean for you. You will receive a detailed report during this appointment. You will be given an opportunity to clarify any details within the report, and agree with whom the report will be shared. Onward referrals or signposting to support agencies that may be beneficial will also be discussed at this session.

Cancellation policy

There is a high demand for our Autism services at EBTC and people are waiting significant periods to start the assessment process. Our goal is to ensure all assessment appointments are used and that therapists are not left with empty appointments that could have been offered out to other people on the list. The cancellation policy has been designed with this in mind. Please take the time to read it here.