Autism screenings
A thoughtful first step towards understanding what support or assessment may be right for you.
An autism screening is an initial clinical assessment designed to explore whether a full autism diagnostic assessment is the most appropriate next step.
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We don't believe in putting people through lengthy and costly assessments unnecessarily. Instead, we take time to understand the wider picture first - including autistic traits, possible ADHD and emotional or mental health needs - so we can recommend the pathway that makes the most sense for you or your child.
£150 · Online · Ages 5+
1. Before your appointment
2. Your 1-hour appointment
3. Your screening report
What to expect.
We'll send you a small selection of screening questionnaires to complete at home. These help us gather information about autistic and ADHD traits, alongside emotional wellbeing and other factors that may be important to consider.
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You'll meet with one of our clinicians for a relaxed clinical interview. We'll explore your experiences, strengths and difficulties using questions informed by the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for autism.
There are no right or wrong answers, and you don't need to prepare for the conversation. Our role is simply to understand your experiences as fully as we can.
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Afterwards, you'll receive a written report bringing together the information from your questionnaires and clinical interview, along with our recommendations for what to do next.
What happens next?
Autism isn't always the only possible explanation for someone's experiences, and part of good assessment is considering the whole person rather than looking for a particular diagnosis.
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Your clinician will recommend the most appropriate next step. This may be:
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our psychology-led autism diagnostic pathway
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our psychiatry-led autism diagnostic pathway
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further exploration of ADHD or mental health needs
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an alternative service or pathway where autism does not appear to be the best explanation
Whatever the outcome, we'll explain our reasoning clearly and help you understand your options.
Do I need a screening?
We require an initial screening before beginning an autism diagnostic assessment with The Cognitive Collective.
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You won't need to complete our screening if you already have an appropriate professional referral, for example from your GP or another suitably qualified clinician. We can review this with you before you book.
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This first step helps us make sure that a full diagnostic assessment is clinically appropriate before asking you to make a much larger financial commitment.
1 hr
150 British pounds