Frequently Asked Questions

I consider adults (and 17 year olds) who are looking to determine if they are autistic and seeking a robust assessment. I also see people from the fields of elite sports and the performing arts.
Yes. In certain circumstances, referring you to another professional is the right thing to do.
- Conflict of interest: if a personal or professional connection could affect my objectivity, I'll refer you to a colleague.
- Acute risk: if you're in crisis or at acute risk, you need a service better placed to provide urgent care.
- Learning disability: this falls outside my area of specialism, and I'll direct you to someone with the relevant expertise.
- Court or medico-legal work: I don't undertake this type of assessment or reporting, but can point you toward practitioners who do.
- Fees: Private fees can be prohibitive for some and I’d suggest exploring NHS Right to Choose.
Yes. If I suspect ADHD while we complete our autism work then we can arrange to meet back promptly to focus on the remaining parts needed to complete an AQAS standard ADHD assessment. I do not have clinic space to offer medication titrations, if indicated, but have colleagues who can offer this.

I see patients aged 17 and over. I do not see children or younger adolescents.
I specialise in late-discovery in adults. There is no upper age limit and autistic people can be any age.

It is good practice to obtain a referral from your GP or psychiatrist. Many patients are referred by their therapist, or psychologist. I do accept self-referral but not in every case.
Absolutely, it is up to you. Someone who knows how you were as a child such as a parent or other family member is very helpful. You can bring a current informant such as a partner to contribute, or just for support.
Item description

My assessments have been recognised by the NHS, GPs, colleges, universities, employers and sports teams. I lectured on the topic of diagnosis at the NHS England funded National Autism Training Programme for Psychiatrists (NATPP).