Private Autism Assessment Exmoor

HELPING YOU FIND GREATER UNDERSTANING AND CLARITY

If you have spent time wondering whether you may be autistic, having a professional assessment can help you gain a clearer understanding of yourself, your experiences and the way you see and respond to the world around you.

I offer private autism assessments in Exmoor for adolescents and adults in a confidential, supportive and understanding environment. My role is to listen, understand your experiences and guide you carefully through the assessment process without judgement.

MEMBERSHIPS

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy BACP
British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies BABCP
Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing EMDR U.K. and Europe
National Autistic Association

I am a qualified Psychological Therapist based near Minehead, Somerset, offering evidence-based therapy in a confidential and supportive environment. I hold a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and Diplomas in both Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

With over fifteen years of experience in the NHS within Enduring Mental Health and Psychological Services, and more than five years running my own private practice, I bring a depth of clinical knowledge and compassion to my work. I am an Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and have maintained accreditation for over ten years.

WHAT IS AN AUTISM ASSESSMENT FOR?

Autism can present differently from one person to another, and for some people the signs may not have been recognised earlier in life. You may have developed ways of coping or adapting over the years, yet still feel there are certain areas of life you find particularly challenging or overwhelming.

You may be considering an assessment because you experience difficulties with social situations or communication, find changes to routines particularly difficult, have strong or focused interests, experience sensory sensitivities, or simply feel that you process and experience the world differently from those around you.

For many people seeking adult autism assessments in Exmoor, the aim is not simply to receive a diagnosis. It is also about gaining a better understanding of why they may think, feel or respond in certain ways.

WHAT DOES THE ASSESSMENT INVOLVE?

I provide comprehensive assessments for Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), using recognised diagnostic tools to build a detailed picture of your individual experiences.

The assessment process uses the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R).

The ADOS-2 is an observational assessment that allows me to examine areas such as communication, social interaction, and behaviours through a series of structured activities and conversations.

The ADI-R focuses more closely on developmental history. It helps us explore behaviours and experiences both now and earlier in life, providing valuable information that contributes towards the overall assessment.

Using the two approaches together allows me to consider different aspects of your experiences rather than relying on a single piece of information.

A SUPPORTIVE AND RESPECTFUL APPROACH

I understand that talking about your experiences, particularly those from childhood, can sometimes feel personal or difficult.

Throughout your private autism assessment in Exmoor, you will be treated with respect and understanding. There are no right or wrong answers, and the assessment is not about judging how you behave or communicate.

It is an opportunity to explore your experiences and develop a clearer picture of whether autism may help to explain some of the differences or difficulties you have experienced throughout your life.

I will guide you through each stage so that you understand what is happening and can ask questions along the way.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE ASSESSMENT?

Once the assessment has been completed, all the information gathered will be carefully considered to determine whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Condition.

The outcome will then be explained to you clearly, giving you the opportunity to understand the findings and what they may mean for you.

Receiving an autism diagnosis can bring different feelings for different people. For some, it can provide relief and help make sense of experiences they have struggled to understand for many years. It can also give you greater awareness of your individual needs, strengths, and areas where additional understanding or support may be helpful.

Whatever the outcome of your assessment, the aim is to leave you with greater clarity and a better understanding of yourself.