Autism Assessment FAQs

Some parents worry that an autism diagnosis won’t make a difference — that it won’t change anything. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

A diagnosis can be transformative. It helps families understand that a child’s behaviours are not a reflection on them as parents, but rather a response to the child’s condition and the environment in which they live. Often, a child’s behaviour may appear fine at school but then become challenging at home. A diagnosis allows us to interpret these behaviours in context and provide recommendations tailored to the child’s unique needs.

Many families tell us that receiving a diagnosis has been life-changing — even life-saving. It also helps schools understand the support a child requires, improving educational outcomes and overall wellbeing.

No. Research shows that having an autism diagnosis actually leads to better outcomes for children.

We often see adults in therapy who have struggled all their lives, only to discover in adulthood that they were autistic — their families, schools, and employers had never understood the reason behind their challenges. Early diagnosis changes that.

When a child has a diagnosis, schools are required to make reasonable adjustments to support them. Teachers and sometimes family members can shift their approach, recognising that the child is not being difficult or obstinate, but is navigating a world that isn’t built for their neurodiverse needs. With understanding and appropriate support, children are able to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

It’s very common to notice similarities, but autism is an extremely complex and diverse condition. Some autistic children may have a learning disability and be non-verbal, while others may have high intellectual ability and specific talents, yet still face challenges in other areas.

Because autism presents differently in each individual, diagnosing it is a complex process. It should only be done by a multidisciplinary team of professionals who can gather information from multiple sources.

No two people with autism are the same. At Cura Psychology, we take a bespoke approach to understand your family’s needs and truly understand your child, ensuring that any recommendations are tailored specifically to them.

No — it is never too late to get an autism diagnosis.

At our Lichfield clinic, we see many adults who have struggled for years with invalidation, bullying, teasing, or simply feeling like they don’t fit in. These experiences can contribute to long-standing mental health difficulties, including anxiety, trauma, and depression.

At Cura Psychology, we offer an adult autism assessment service, which can be completed either at our Lichfield clinic or online, helping adults finally understand themselves and access the support they need.

An Adult Autism Assessment can be truly life-changing.

It provides legal protection, ensuring that your employer must make reasonable adjustments to support you at work. It also gives you the opportunity to communicate your needs to family and friends, helping to improve understanding and sometimes mend relationships.

An assessment can connect you with others who have had similar experiences. We’ve worked with adults who have gone on to establish neuro-affirming groups in their workplaces and local communities.

Ultimately, an assessment opens the door to support, understanding, and opportunities that may not have been available before. This can improve mental health and wellbeing, enabling you to thrive both personally and professionally.

If you’re unsure, there’s no need to struggle on your own — we are here to help.

Feel free to get in touch to discuss an autism assessment. Our friendly team, including our admin superstar Debra, can explain the assessment process and answer any questions you have. We also have a team of clinicians who would be happy to talk to you further.

Before starting the autism assessment pathway, we always recommend an initial face-to-face or online session with one of our clinicians. During this session, we take a full history and check that the assessment is appropriate for you. This ensures that you don’t spend time or money on an assessment that may not be suitable, and we can provide recommendations for further support if needed.

Please don’t hesitate to get in contact — we would love to hear from you and support you on this journey.