Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Dr Max Buchanan is a registered clinical psychologist who specialises in adult autism assessments. He has extensive experience of completing diagnostic assessments both in the UK and Canada (NHS and Canadian Provincial equivalent). Max has experience in recognising the female presentation of autism which is slowly becoming better understood. He continues to work in the NHS whilst also offering this service privately to address local need in a timely manner. Please see Max’s page in Meet the Team section.

Referrals can be made via the contacts page, by phone or email. If you have any questions prior to assessment, our team would be happy to answer these.

The ASD Diagnostic Assessment typically comprises of: 

• Clinical interview with referred person (approx. 2 hours face-to-face whenever possible). Covering topics relating to your background history and development and then becoming ASD specific relating to the quality of your social functioning, social communication, interests, routines, repetitive behaviour, and sensory differences across the course of your life.
• Developmental History Interview (approx.1.5 – 3 hours typically via video call or telephone). This is with someone who knows you. An extensive interview covering your early development, play and schooling, as well as differences in social interaction and communication, and restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests associated with the autism spectrum. Ideally this is completed with someone who knew you well when you were a child because signs of autism should be observable in early development. We recognise that not all adults have someone they can contact from their early years so in these situations we would instead hope to speak to someone who knows you well more recently and would also ensure you are asked detailed questions about your own development.
• Clinical Observation (approx. 2 hours face-to-face). A semi-structured, standardised assessment of communication, social interaction, imaginative use of materials, and restricted and repetitive behaviours for individuals referred because of possible Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This includes some gentle tabletop activities and conversations and will typically be observed by an additional trained clinician, either in person, by video link or recording.
• Supplementary assessment and materials as necessary or beneficial to the completion of assessment. Sometimes further screening or assessment tools are indicated as part of the overall assessment. We understand that ASD and ADHD can go hand in hand so we can screen or assess for ADHD concurrently if indicated and requested. This would only be completed with your permission. Written reports such as school reports or other assessment reports can also be helpful to the process.
• Feedback & written report explaining the outcome and reasons for meeting or not meeting ASD diagnostic criteria.

If you would like to discuss an ASD assessment with us, please get in touch.