Our Neuroaffirmative Approach
At UMID, we embrace and advocate for neuroaffirmative approaches in autism assessment and support. We view autism as a neurological difference rather than a deficit, recognising the unique strengths and perspectives that autistic individuals bring to our communities. Our commitment extends to supporting environmental modifications, advocating for individualised accommodations, and promoting language that honours neurodiversity.
We believe that understanding autism through this lens enables us to develop more effective, person-centred support strategies that build upon strengths and acknowledge authentic selves. However, we recognise that the diagnostic process requires adherence to formal diagnostic criteria. Throughout our assessments, we endeavour to balance these requirements with our commitment to respectful, difference-focused language.
Autism Assessments for Adults (Over 18)
Dr Baig offers autism assessments for adults at UMID, available as self pay and via Vitality, BUPA, AXA and Healix where there is pre authorisation for Specialist Autism Assessment
The purpose of an autism assessment is to determine if difficulties are related to autism or if there could be another explanation. Even if the assessment concludes that autism is not the diagnosis, it will still provide insight into what might be happening and guide the next steps. We believe that simply ruling out autism is not helpful. Therefore, our assessment includes a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, with a specialist focus on autism.
If an individual receives an autism diagnosis, we believe it's important to discuss what this means personally and how they can live a fulfilling life. We understand that every person with autism is unique; it's not about being deficient but rather being different.
Important Note: Our autism assessment does not include any diagnostic opinion on ADHD. If there are indications of possible ADHD, a separate comprehensive assessment would be recommended. However, we do offer a joint Autism and ADHD assessment package for £2450.
The Adult Assessment Process
Components of the Assessment:
- Pre-assessment questionnaires completed by yourself
- Pre-assessment completion of questionnaires by a close relative via online form or if form completion is not possible, by phone with a close relative (60 minutes)
- Assessment appointment with the patient including discussing the diagnosis and next steps (90 minutes)
- Completion of diagnostic report
Detailed Process:
We will request your GP summary records once you have completed the booking form and provided consent. Prior to the appointment, we will send you pre-assessment questionnaires online for completion by yourself and, if indicated, by a close relative who has known you well. These questionnaires need to be returned prior to your assessment meeting.
The close relative will complete comprehensive information questionnaires through a structured form. If they cannot do so electronically, we arrange for this to be completed by phone, which may take 45-60 minutes.
We arrange a face-to-face or online appointment with the person requesting diagnostic assessment. The appointment may take up to 90 minutes and includes a comprehensive autism evaluation as well as a broader psychiatric assessment. The assessment includes a discussion of diagnosis, any co-occurring conditions, and potential interventions that may be beneficial.
Assessment Report:
A detailed autism report that explains your diagnosis and recommendations will be provided for you and your GP after the appointment. You can share this report with anyone who needs to know about your condition. The report will be available within four weeks of the assessment.
Additional letters to third parties can be provided as part of the initial assessment if needed. These letters only confirm the diagnosis for specific purposes such as work, education, or travel. Please note that reports regarding specific adjustments required for work purposes are not included in this service.
Autism Assessments for Children and Adolescents (Under 18)
Dr Baig offers autism assessments for 7-18-year-olds with a multidisciplinary team at Umid.
Our comprehensive autism assessments for children and adolescents are conducted by our multidisciplinary team and follow a structured approach that meets or exceeds the latest NICE guidelines.
Understanding the Assessment Tools
ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule): This is a semi-structured observational assessment that takes up to one hour. During this session, your child will engage in various activities and interactions designed to observe their natural communication and social skills. Think of it as a structured play session where we can observe how your child naturally communicates and interacts. The activities are tailored to your child's developmental level and interests.
ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised): This is a comprehensive interview that takes 2-3 hours, conducted with parents or caregivers. We will ask detailed questions about your child's development, communication, social interactions, and behaviours from early childhood to the present. This interview helps us understand your child's developmental history and current functioning across different environments.
The Assessment Structure
Our assessment process includes:
- Appointment with your child including completion of ADOS-2 (up to 1 hour)
- Developmental history gathering using ADI-R with parents/caregivers (2-3 hours)
- Review of school observations using standardised rating scales
- Additional measures including self/parent-rated communication and social interaction questionnaires, if applicable
- Multidisciplinary team discussion to review all information
- Family meeting with parents (and young person where applicable) to discuss assessment conclusions and plan further care
Our Comprehensive Approach
We recognise that comprehensive care extends beyond diagnostic assessment to encompass a holistic understanding of each person's unique circumstances and needs. Our assessment considers the broader context of an individual's life experiences, acknowledging that effective care planning requires attention to family dynamics, support networks, personal interests, and any co-occurring neurological or mental health experiences.
We value understanding the complete picture of a person's psychosocial functioning, recognising that establishing a diagnosis represents just one component of truly understanding and supporting someone's needs. This approach enables us to develop care plans that reflect not only clinical considerations but also personal preferences, existing support systems, and individual strengths.
Diagnostic Considerations
Current diagnostic frameworks acknowledge that recognition requires identification of persistent differences in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, coupled with the presence of distinct patterns of behaviours, interests, or activities, including sensory differences, cognitive processing variations, and repetitive behaviours.
These neurological differences must be present from the early developmental period, though they may not become apparent until social or environmental demands exceed individual capacity. These differences must create challenges or impact functioning in important areas of life, and cannot be better understood through intellectual disability or global developmental delay alone.
Person-Centred Care Planning
Our assessment process integrates various aspects of daily life, including family relationships, current support requirements, recreational activities, and personal interests. We appreciate that other mental health experiences may influence someone's presentation, and these are carefully considered within the broader context of their life circumstances.
Through this comprehensive approach, we aim to create collaborative care plans that respect individual autonomy, build upon existing strengths, and address any challenges in a supportive and empowering manner. This reflects our commitment to delivering care that is both clinically robust and personally meaningful to each individual we support.