Dr Victoria Milner
Autism Assessments
Starting an autism assessment journey can be daunting and confusing. I hope the information below helps you make an informed decision about whether I am the right clinician for you or your loved one, however if you have any further questions please get in touch at hello@drmilner.co.uk and I'd be happy to help.
Use the menu below to jump to each section:
Before the assessment
Deciding if an assessment is right for you/your loved one:
There are many reasons someone may seek an autism assessment. An autism diagnosis can be a gateway to self-understanding, self-acceptance and support.
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If you are seeking a diagnosis to gain access to support, before enquiring about a private adult autism assessment it is important you check your local services (e.g. GP / NHS healthcare professionals / employer / education authority) will accept a private assessment’s outcome and recommendations for future support.
It is important to keep in mind that a diagnosis of autism is not guaranteed. Regardless of the outcome of your assessment, your report will offer an understanding of your strengths, challenges and needs, as well as tailored recommendations.
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Arranging an initial phone call:
Once your enquiry is received, I will get in touch within 5 working days to offer an initial telephone or zoom call, free of charge.
In the initial phone call we will:
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discuss reasons for referral
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provide space to ask questions about the assessment process
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discuss any concerns.
This conversation will last for up to 30 minutes and will help decide if it is appropriate to proceed with a full assessment.
After this phone call, if I do not think that I am the best person to meet your needs, I will signpost you to further or alternative support options. If I am able to accept your referral, the assessment will follow the steps outlined below.​
During the assessment
Who is involved in the autism assessment?
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Dr Victoria Milner (a Clinical Psychologist with >9 years conducting autism assessments)
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A second neurodevelopmental practitioner with appropriate training and experience
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You
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An informant who has known you well for more than 1 year, and ideally knew you as a child. For many people this is a parent, caregiver, sibling or partner. If you do not have anyone in your life who is able to be involved in your assessment, this can be discussed in the initial phone call.
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What will the assessment involve?​​
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Screening questionnaires: These ask about characteristics associated with autism and co-occurring conditions such as mental and physical health difficulties. Your informant may also be asked to complete questionnaires to support your assessment.
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Direct Observation: This is a specialist autism assessment tool that involves a mixture of conversation and activities and lasts 1 hour.
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Diagnostic Interview: This part of the assessment is typically completed with you and/or an informant. The comprehensive interview gathers evidence about autistic features and the impact of these features in your day to day life. The clinician will ask you questions about your current experiences, and how things were for you as a child. This interview takes up to 3 hours and can be completed over 2-3 sessions if required.
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Formal assessment tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R) are used during these appointments where appropriate and feasible. ​​
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After the assessment
After the assessment is completed you can expect the following:​
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A telephone, video call, or email (based on your preference) within two weeks to discuss the outcome and recommendations from the assessment. If via telephone or video call, the appointment will last up to one hour and will be with either one or both of the practitioners who completed the assessment.
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A comprehensive written report outlining the assessment, conclusions and tailored recommendations. The full report will be sent via email 3-4 weeks after the assessment is completed. ​
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Some people have questions or appreciate a dedicated time to reflect on the outcome of their assessment. An optional appointment can be arranged to discuss the report and recommendations for an extra fee (please see fee section below).​
Fees
Adult Autism Assessment: £1800
Optional follow up appointment (50 minutes): £100
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I acknowledge and appreciate that paying for a private assessment is a significant investment; fees have been selected to fairly reflect the training and experience of myself and my colleagues, as well as the time commitment and quality of our assessments.
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Fee Schedule:
If your referral is accepted after the complementary initial phone call, a first instalment of £200 is required to secure the assessment.
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The remaining balance (£1600) is due two weeks prior to the assessment date. If you prefer to split your payment across several installations, this can be discussed during the initial call.
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If you would like an additional follow up appointment, the full £100 is required once the appointment has been arrange to secure the booking.​​
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can you assess?
I offer assessments for anyone aged 8 or older. I have experience working with people across the lifespan, from young children to adults in their 60s. There is no upper age limit for an autism assessment. I welcome referrals from people of all genders, ethnicities, and abilities. ​The only characteristic I am limited on is that I can only speak English and will not be able to offer assessments to non-English speaking clients.
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Where do assessments take place?
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The screening questionnaires can be completed in your own time and in a place that suits you.
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The direct observation takes place in person, I am currently able to offer appointments in Oxfordshire (at the Kingsmoor Clinic) or London (with my colleague, location TBC).
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The diagnostic interview typically takes place online via Zoom. I do ask for you (or the informant) to have the camera on for this appointment but please discuss this with me if it will be a problem. If you (or the informant) prefers to meet in person then this can be arranged at the Kingsmoor Clinic in Oxfordshire.
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How long is your waitlist?
We currently have a short waitlist and are able to arrange the first appointment within a month.
Get in touch
​If you have read this page and would like to enquire about an adult autism assessment, please email me at hello@drmilner.co.uk.
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In your email, please include who the assessment is for, the person's age and gender, and a whether you have preferred time/day (e.g. weekday evenings only) for the initial phone call.
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I will get back to you within 5 working days to arrange an initial phone call.
Cancellations, Non-attendance and Rescheduling
Assessment fees are non-refundable with the exception of when appointments need to be cancelled by the practitioner. If I or my colleague need to reschedule, we will give you as much notice as possible and you will be offered a refund or the option to rearrange your appointment at a mutually convenient time.
I appreciate that life can be busy and unexpected changes can arise. If you need to rearrange an appointment, I ask for at least one weeks (7 days) notice, where possible, so that I can try to offer the appointment to someone else.
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The fees cover all costs related to the assessment including staff hours, admin fees and overheads. A diagnosis is not guaranteed and no refunds will be available if you are not satisfied with the outcome of your assessment. ​