This is a very common question in to our team, and we are so grateful for it!

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We believe being Autistic, ADHD or otherwise neurodivergent is valuable, valid and vital.

This neurodiversity-affirmative perspective is reflected in everything we do, committed as we are to changing hearts and minds around the concepts of 'assessment’ and ‘diagnosis’.

As such, we recognise our language and perspective present autism, Autistic understanding and ADHD in a way you may not have encountered before

We actively avoid traditional deficit-based understanding, inherent in the diagnostic manuals and associated with ‘typical autism and/or ADHD assessment’. Indeed, we believe being Autistic and/or ADHD is better interpreted through the lens of identification and discovery, rather than diagnosis

Being Autistic and/or ADHD is not a ‘disorder’. Therefore, it is difficult to imagine applying a diagnosis to what is simply a way of being human. Importantly, numerous members of our team are also Autistic, ADHD or otherwise neurodivergent and we draw upon their valuable lived experience to inform our practice

We recognise you as the expert in your own experience. Your Assessment (Collaborative Identification) places you as an equal partner and your participation anchors everything. In building your story together, we are interested to understand your strengths and aspirations, while hearing about any challenging social situations and sensory sensitivities. Through our conversations, we will learn about your communication preferences, abiding interests and social experiences

Though we unapologetically celebrate being Autistic and ADHD, we also fully acknowledge how society disables and dismisses neurodivergent people. To this end, we actively offer support and advice to guide and empower you on your continuing journey, equipped with your new identity

This article ‘What does it mean to be neurodiversity affirmative?’, published in the Psychologist and jointly written by Davida, Anna, Jessica, Maeve and Juliana from The Adult Autism Practice and Tara from Thriving Autistic, provides an accessible overview of this essential understanding

Yes. There is no problem booking for an Autistic identification alone and then deciding either during the process or after to pursue looking into ADHD in more depth. However, if you think you may want this, we would recommend booking in with a psychologist who undertakes both Autistic and ADHD identification. This means that you would not need to change to a different psychologist for the ADHD piece.

This very much depends on you. But you are probably best to book either a:

1. Consultation for both Autistic and ADHD experience, and then decide after which to pursue (or both).

2. A full Autistic and ADHD assessment (collaborative identification).

This very much depends on you. But you are probably best to book either a:

1. Consultation for both Autistic and ADHD experience, and then decide after which to pursue (or both).

2. A full Autistic and ADHD assessment (collaborative identification).

Unfortunately, not at the moment. We are currently only supporting ADHD identification if it is part of a possible Autistic identification.

No, you will not.

This is because it would be a psychologist undertaking this work with you, it will not be possible for us to provide medication. Not only this, but a psychologist's "diagnosis" (formal identification) will not be enough for you to access medication. To access medication, this needs to come from a psychiatrist or other suitable medical profession, and they will want to do their own assessment. So, if you ever wanted medication in the future, you would need to redo the assessment with a psychiatrist or other suitable medical professional. However, if you would like to explore ADHD as a possibility, while knowing that medication will not be possible with our documentation, we can do this.

Whilst we fully support self-identification, we also recognise that some people do wish to explore a formal ADHD identification. This might be for a variety of reasons, for example:

1. Providing a new lens through which to understand their way of being in and experiencing the world, which can support self-compassion and understanding for areas in which life can be difficult when ADHD neurology is misunderstood (e.g., planning and organising tasks; interest-based attention

2. Some people may have previously been given unhelpful labels (e.g., being 'lazy', someone who 'just doesn't listen' etc.) or mental health diagnoses that do not resonate for them

3. Formal identification of ADHD can make it clear that a person requires reasonable adjustments under equality legislation

4. Some people find it when applying for disability benefits to have a formal identification (we recognize it is the individual's choice to identify as disabled whilst recognising that an ADHDer may require financial supports such as that provided through DA or PIP

Yes you can! All you need to do is fill in a new Booking form, where you will be given the option to book in for a 'Follow Up ADHD Identification.'

For clients who have already attended us, the cost will be 1000 Euro or 845 Sterling (if you are based in the UK)

You will then attend for 2 online sessions

If you have very recently attended us (within the past 2-3 months) it may be worth sending your psychologist an email to see if they are undertaking additional ADHD identification

However, it is important to note that not all psychologists in our practice will be undertaking ADHD assessments

After you have paid, you will be sent a link to a team of psychologists to choose from (like you were previously). You can then pick a psychologist who is undertaking both Autistic and ADHD Identification (you will see this clearly stated under the pictures of the psychologists). You can book in with any of these psychologists

If you see that the psychologist you saw previously is doing both Autistic and ADHD Identification, then absolutely book in with them if you would like to!

Apart from the questions related to Autistic experience, yes you do

We absolutely understand that filling in forms is both time consuming and frustrating, and that you were asked to fill in a lot of the information previously. However, things can change in people’s lives – they can change GP, or stop seeing a therapist, or be going through a particularly difficult time. So, we need to capture a more recent picture of all of this so that we can support you best

Collaborative Autistic Identification (Assessment)— including a post-identification, peer-led coaching session costs £1265 or €1500

Collaborative Autistic and ADHD Identification (assessment) - including post identification, peer led coaching session costs £2100 or €2500

*A payment instalment plan is available: click here for details

Consultation for Autistic experience alone costs £255 or €300

Consultation for both Autistic and ADHD experience costs £465 or €550

No payment plan for Consultation

It is not necessary or required to have a Consultation before Identification, though it is possible to transition from Consultation to Identification, without additional waiting

If you ultimately decide to go ahead with Identification, the price of the Consultation is deducted from the final price of the assessment/identification.

Please be aware there are additional fees for additional requested documentation, e.g., a Disability Allowance or PIP letter

Clients paying tax in Republic of Ireland: You can claim back psychology visits at the standard rate of tax. Tax relief is also available for premiums paid for health insurance. The psychologist doesn’t need to be chartered

More info here: Tax relief on medical expenses

No, you don't. If you are curious about exploring both and want to start with a Consultation, you can just book in for a Consultation to look at both Autistic and ADHD experience. You can decide after the Consultation then whether you could like to pursue either or both. It would be important in this case to book in with a psychologist who is undertaking both Autistic and ADHD identification (it will be clearly stated in their information when you get to booking stage).

Our current wait time, from submitting your forms to first appointment, is roughly 2 - 3 weeks. This is the same for either Consultation or Assessment (Collaborative Autistic Identification)

After a consultation, if you decide to move on with identification, you can do this right away, with no further waiting

We operate entirely online, so you will meet with your psychologist via Microsoft Teams

It is important to us that all sessions happen in a kind and safe online space, where you feel comfortable to fully express yourself. We will work with you to achieve this and understand how difficult eye contact and video calls can be for lots of people

While we do ask for at least one video call, there is no expectation of sustained eye contact during sessions. You can face away from the camera, even wear sunglasses. Naturally, you can stim freely while communicating

We are happy to conduct one or two sessions over the phone. We are also happy to conduct shorter sessions, where instead of being online for the full time, you can email responses to questions. You may also find the Teams text chat function useful to communicate with your psychologist, for part of the time

We understand communication is achieved in multiple ways. Ultimately, our priority is making you feel comfortable and understood throughout your journey with us

Adult Autistic identification is relatively new and as a resolutely neurodiversity-affirmative practice, we take a progressive perspective on Autistic identification and discovery. Consequently, our clinical approach is informed by Autistic academics, Autistic-led research and learning from the Autistic community. Though, of course, our professionally qualified and registered psychologists adhere to clinical autism assessment standards and our process is based on current diagnostic criteria for autism in the DSM-5-TR and ICD-11

While guided by the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI–R), to establish a broad outline of your experience, a deeper, richer understanding is achieved through in-depth conversation over three sessions with your psychologist

We do not use the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), as in our professional opinion (informed by understanding within the Autistic community), the current version does not adequately capture the adult Autistic experience

In traditional terms, this is ‘the assessment process leading to clinical autism and/or ADHD diagnosis’. However, we prefer to frame this as Collaborative Autistic and/or ADHD Identification. More than mere rhetorical window dressing, this perspective is a signature stamp of our progressive, neurodiversity-affirmative ethos and commitment to respecting and valuing unique neurodivergent experiences

In our view, and in keeping with understanding within the Autistic community and neurodiversity movement, autism and ADHD are not ‘disorders’ to ‘diagnose’. They are not a ‘condition’ you ‘have’, handed to you in the form of a deficit-based diagnostic report.

While our professionally qualified psychologists, assuredly work within clinical best practice, we firmly believe Autistic and ADHD identification is best explored and established within a collaborative framework.

Though actively positive and strengths-based in our approach, we take full account of your individual support needs and understand the realities of everyday Autistic and ADHD living

It is not necessary or required to have a Consultation before Identification, though it is possible to transition from Consultation to Identification, without additional waiting

If you ultimately decide to go ahead with Identification, the fee for Consultation is deducted from the fee for Identification

For more details, click here: Identification

If you self-identify as, or otherwise believe you are Autistic, this is an opportunity to meet with your psychologist for an exploratory, one-hour conversation. A safe space to explore the ‘What if…?’and ‘Does this mean…?’ type questions you may have. To talk about your experience and discuss the potential pros and cons of formal identification. After this exploratory conversation, there is no expectation or requirement to pursue our Collaborative Autistic Identification

It is not necessary or required to have a Consultation before Identification, though it is possible to transition from Consultation to Identification, without additional waiting

If you ultimately decide to go ahead with Identification, the fee for Consultation is deducted from the fee for Identification

For more details, click here: Consultation

Yes. All our psychologists are professionally qualified, registered with either the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), the British Psychological Society (BPS) or the UK Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and work to clinical autism assessment standards. As such, your Autistic identification with us is recognised within the Irish and British health and social care systems, providing access to relevant support services

There is a few points to this.

Firstly, yes, the assessment will be thorough and best practice and undertaken by a qualified and skilled psychologist. So there will be no issue with either your Autistic or ADHD identity being “accepted.”

However, you will not be able to access stimulant medication from a GP with our documentation, and for example in the UK if seeking NHS prescribed medication, you would need to attend an NHS psychiatrist for another assessment

At our practice, we do not report “levels” of Autistic experience, as seen in the DSM (Levels 1–3) in our documentation.

These categories are unhelpful because people do not fit into neat, fixed classifications. Needs and strengths fluctuate over time and across different environments.

For example, someone may require significant support in the workplace but very little at home, or they may be non-speaking in some situations while communicating easily in others.

This relates also to labels like “high functioning” and “low functioning” which are also highly problematic.

Similarly to being categorised with DSM levels, Autistic people have shared that being categorized as “high functioning” often leads to their struggles being dismissed, while being labelled “low functioning” results in being underestimated and denied opportunities. These terms fail to capture the complexity of Autistic experience and can lead to inappropriate or inadequate support.

Instead of using rigid categories, we take a person-centered, neurodiversity affirmative approach that recognizes individual differences, shifting needs, and unique ways of navigating the world. This ensures that Autistic people receive understanding and support based on their actual experiences rather than limiting and misleading labels.

At our practice, we help collaboratively identify people as ADHD without specifying a particular presentation.

ADHD experiences shift over a person’s lifetime, making rigid categorization unhelpful.

More importantly, labeling “types” reinforces a deficit-based and medicalized framing of ADHD—something that is inconsistent with a neurodiversity-affirmative perspective.

Rather than viewing ADHD through the lens of “pathology,” our approach is to reframe it as an affirmative difference, not a deficit.

Classifications such as “combined type,” “predominantly inattentive type,” or “predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type” fail to capture the depth and breadth of individual experiences. These labels reflect a narrow medicalized perspective that does not align with our neuroaffirmative ethos.

Instead, we take a collaborative, person-centred, and holistic approach to exploring ADHD experiences. This means considering aspects such as divergent thinking, variable attention, hyperfocus, and pacing differences—elements that more accurately reflect how ADHD manifests in real life.

In summary, we reject the privileging of selective attention as the default or ideal, as this is a neurotypical construct. ADHD represents a valid and effective way of processing the world—one that functions well according to its own internal logic.

By moving away from outdated labels, we can better recognize and respect the full diversity of ADHD experiences.

Yes. During Assessment (Collaborative Identification), you will have the opportunity to discuss your work or college life, to explore your strengths and address environmental and/or social aspects not set up to allow you to perform at your best. Your psychologist can help you identify equitable requirements — changes in your work or college — that will help reduce stress and allow you to access your strengths

We understand the shortcomings and short-sightedness of legacy Autistic understanding and how this has sadly marginalised and missed many Autistic people, particularly Black and Asian people, women and the LGBTQ+ community. We also understand how many Autistic people are identified later in life, having been misunderstood and missed as children. Therefore, as a practice informed by rich Autistic experience and actively assimilating new understanding, we recognise Autistic people have unique social and cultural histories and present in myriad different ways

Yes. As a team, we are cognizant of the evolving PTSD and minority stress research in relation to the Autistic experience and are mindful of this when working with you. Furthermore, many of our team have minority stress, trauma and post-traumatic stress training and experience

No. There is certainly no requirement or expectation you involve anybody else

However, it is entirely your decision and if you prefer involving a parent, partner, family member or friend for support during your meeting, then this is perfectly possible and they are most welcome to join you. We encourage you to do what you feel supports you best and this extends to involving any supportive pets!

Yes it does. Here are the ways:

1. A comprehensive assessment should be carried out by suitably qualified clinicians.

All of our psychologists are fully qualified and working within their areas of competency. They are all either registered with the HCPC or the Psychological Society of Ireland. All psychologists are required to provide proof of these on joining the practice.

2. Be team based:

We strive to provide a thorough and robust process that reflects current understandings of Autistic neurology from a multidisciplinary perspective (our process is informed by continuous and regular engagement with SLT and OT consultants). We aim to provide a service that is Autistic-led and we work with our clients to gain a full understanding of their experience.

3.     Include observational assessment (either through observation at assessment or a structured observational assessment tool such as the ADOS).

Our process includes observational aspects through our direct meetings with clients (a minimum of three meetings). Our approach does not consist solely of observation as in our experience, it is unfortunately common that when a purely observational approach is employed, a person’s inner experience can be missed. This frequently leads to an incorrect outcome and the Autistic person being missed or mis-identified as something else. This is especially important when it comes to adult assessments, due to the commonly stated and studied experience of ‘masking’.

4.     Involve a family member, partner, carer or other informant or use documentary evidence of current and past behaviour and early development, wherever possible:

All clients within our service are invited to include information about themselves and their experiences from those who know them well as an adult and those who knew them as a child. Information about childhood experiences is also sought and may come from the person themselves or someone who knew them as a child.

5.     Demonstrate that consideration is given to differential or coexisting disorders or conditions:

With every client we work with in our practice, we always consider their medical history, mental health history, and experience of significant life events including any trauma experienced.

6.     Use formal diagnostic assessment tool in more complex assessments:

Wording in the UK NICE best practice guidelines for Autistic identifications with adults states that the use of formal diagnostic assessment tools can be “considered”. The guidelines do not state that such tools must or should be used. Within The Adult Autism Practice, we employ a neuroaffirmative approach which is an exceptionally detailed process of gathering information about a person’s experience of the world. We do not use “diagnostic assessment tools” for more “complex” assessments as in our view, there are no tools currently available that are neuroaffirmative and those that currently exist do not provide adequate levels of information when exploring the nuance of Autistic neurology. We find this to be especially true in situations where clients may have experienced significant mental health challenges and/or trauma.  

7.     Consider and assess core autism features across the life span and include early developmental history, where possible, or note why it is not possible.

Our processes include accessing a detailed and comprehensive exploration of experiences across a person’s lifespan.

Added Note:

The UK NICE best practice guidelines for Autistic identification with adults actually do not refer to the ICD-11 or the DSM-5. However, we do use both within our practice and we acknowledge that these are internationally recognised as the current criteria.

Payment is required before booking your appointment. You will receive an email notifying when you are at the top of the waiting list and can book an appointment

Payments are made easily using your credit/debit card, via an online link

If you have private insurance, we can provide all the necessary details for you to claim on your insurance

Please note: for claims, when choosing your psychologist, you will likely be required to choose a psychologist based in your country of residence

Please note: if you are based in Ireland, you must choose a Chartered Member of the PSI if you want to claim on insurance

Information about each psychologist will be given to you clearly at the time of booking

Please check with your insurance provider before booking if you have any queries

Yes. We want our service to be as accessible as possible and understand payment in one go may be difficult for some. Therefore, we have a payment plan to cover the Collaborative Autistic Identification (Assessment) fee. The booking form has an option to request this plan

Click HERE for details about our payment plan for people in the UK, Ireland and other countries.

Click on the ‘Make a Booking’ button, anywhere you see it — there is one located at the bottom of this page

When you make a booking, you will need to complete three forms:

The Consent Form

This outlines details about us and the regulations we are bound by. You will choose either Consultation or Assessment (Collaborative Autistic Identification), provide contact details, specify some preferences and ultimately provide your consent to proceed

The Intake Form

This asks for detailed information about you as a person, e.g., your communication preferences and how you have experienced social relationships. In this form you can share what makes you ‘you’

The CORE Form

This is a standardised questionnaire to establish your current mental health, e.g., have you had thoughts of self-harm recently?

In collecting your personal story, the forms may take some time to complete. Perhaps best to complete them when you have plenty of time to spare and minimal distractions

Please note: you do not need to complete the forms in one sitting (you can save and return); however, unsubmitted forms are automatically deleted after 60 days and cannot be recovered. Please ensure to submit your completed forms within 60 days

Submitting your form adds you to our waiting list. You will receive an email confirmation

You will also receive some additional forms. Completing these is optional

No. You can book directly. Click on the ‘Make a Booking’ button, anywhere you see it — there is one located at the bottom of this page

Most of the time, yes. After payment, you will be sent a link to a selection of psychologists with availability to see clients. Here, you can read the psychologists’ bios, and watch a brief introductory video. This way, you can make an informed choice in selecting a psychologist that best suits you

Of course, we also understand you may feel overwhelmed in selecting a specific psychologist, and are happy to help you choose. If you simply provide us some pointers in what is important to you in a psychologist, this will guide us in recommending one or two psychologists for you

If you are wondering if you may be ADHD as well as Autistic, we recommend booking in with a psychologist who undertakes work in both areas. This will be clearly written in the psychologists' information after booking

It should be noted that there may be some occasions where there will be no choice because there may be just one suitable psychologist available for you. This does not happen often though

Yes. We have a gender mix of psychologists

Yes. You can choose either an Ireland or UK-based psychologist. Though, if you intend to claim through health insurance, you will likely be required to choose a psychologist based in your country of residence. Please check with your insurance provider before booking

Important Note: If you are based in Ireland and want to claim back from private insurance, you will need to choose a Chartered Member of the PSI

We mostly see clients from Ireland, the UK and wider Europe

However, we do see people living in other countries. If you currently live in a country outside Ireland, the UK and wider Europe, please email us at info@adultautism.ie, to see if your country can be covered

If you live outside Ireland or the UK and hope to use your formal Autistic identification to access disability supports or other assistance, please check local legislation regarding the acceptance of a diagnosis from outside your country of residence

Unfortunately, we cannot see clients residing in the USA or Canada, as regulations in these countries require your psychologist be registered in the specific US state or Canadian province in which you live

Many typical autism/ADHD diagnostic services simply end with handing you a turgid, invalidating report. However, we recognise the personal significance of discovering your Autistic and/or ADHD identity.

Therefore, to support the important next steps of your journey, a follow-up support session from Thriving Autistic is available with Collaborative Identification, should you wish

Founded by Post-identification Support Lead, Tara O’Donnell-Killen, Thriving Autistic is our partner organisation. With a range of skilled, neurodivergent practitioners, your psychologist can help you choose someone best suited to set you on your way

Your psychologist will also signpost you to various helpful resources and routes to link in with the vibrant, online Autistic, ADHD and otherwise neurodivergent community network

Discovering you are not Autistic, can be as significant as discovering you are. If together in Collaborative Autistic Identification we discover you are not Autistic, you will of course be offered appropriate support and guidance to meet your needs, including the option of a follow-up support session from Thriving Autistic

Yes. We work closely with our equally neurodiversity-affirmative partner, Thriving Autistic. Tara O’Donnell-Killen, who supervises our post-identification support, founded this wonderful, Autistic-led organisation

After an initial post-identification session, many of our clients continue their support relationship with Thriving Autistic, providing great feedback

Tara and team will be happy to discuss your particular support needs. Contact hello@thrivingautistic.org for more information

Yes. However, there is an additional €100 fee

A robust letter of this kind requires additional time gathering relevant information from you. We need to go into detail to ensure we provide appropriate evidence to support you. To provide a detailed letter, we must charge to cover the additional staff costs and admin time required

If you have any questions, at any time, help is just an email away. Contact info@adultautism.ie and we will respond quickly

Our official address is 51 Sandycove Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin A96 WK44. However, we do not see people there for identification work. We only see people online. This address is used as a postal address only. No work is undertaken there.