Autism Assessments
Expert autism assessments for adults in Oxford. Our team provides personalized evaluations to help you understand and manage your autism symptoms effectively.
Contact Us
Email : connect@oxbam.co.uk
Phone: 07922744469
107 Percy St, Oxford OX4 3AD, United Kingdom
Get in touch to discuss your needs, book an appointment, or ask any questions about our services. Reach out via phone, email, or our online form below for a confidential and professional consultation.
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Thanks also to Sanjay at Oxford Brain and Mind for dealing so efficiently and sensitively with the administrative side of things.
The assessment itself was thorough but felt relaxed – the clinician made sure I understood each step and answered all my questions. I never felt rushed, and they genuinely listened to everything I had to say, which was such a relief. By the end, I felt like I finally had some clarity and a clear plan for what to do next.
The whole process was smooth, and booking was a breeze too. If you’re considering an ADHD assessment or any kind of support, I highly recommend this clinic. They really know their stuff and made what could have been a stressful experience into a very positive one.
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. While the condition is typically diagnosed in childhood, many individuals with autism may not receive a formal diagnosis until adulthood. At Oxford Brain and Mind, we offer comprehensive assessments to diagnose adult autism, which includes a thorough evaluation of symptoms, behaviors, and social interaction.
Our assessments are tailored to each individual and may involve a combination of interviews, questionnaires, and cognitive tests. Our team also takes into account any other underlying conditions that may be contributing to symptoms, such as anxiety or depression. We strive to provide our patients with a clear understanding of their diagnosis and offer personalized treatment plans to help manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
At Oxford Brain and Mind, we offer comprehensive adult autism assessments using gold standard diagnostic tools, including the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). These assessments are backed by years of research and are considered the gold standard in diagnosing autism in adults.
ASD diagnosis at Oxford Brain and Mind is led by a Consultant Psychiatrist and they follow the Royal College of Psychiatrist interview guide for the diagnostic assessment for ASD.
Our Oxford based Autism Specialists
Dr. Tina Malhotra
CONSULTANT PSYCHIATRIST
MBBS, MSc, MD (Psychiatry), MRCPSych, CCST
Dr. Malhotra, Consultant Psychiatrist at Oxford Brain and Mind. She also did her research thesis for her MD in Psychiatry on broad autism phenotype in first degree relatives of children with Autism.
She is also trained in using ADOS. She follows the Royal College of Psychiatrist interview guide for the diagnostic assessment for ASD.
Sometimes, ADI-R interview conducted by other clinician along with psychiatrist’s ASD interview and ADOS are used to arrive a comprehensive understanding of ASD condition useful for a diagnosis of ASD. Dr. Malhotra’s profile
Dr Saïk de La Motte de Broöns de Vauvert
CONSULTANT PSYCHIATRIST
MBBCh, BSc, MRCPsych
Dr Saïk de La Motte de Broöns de Vauvert, Consultant Psychiatrist at Oxford Brain and Mind has extensive experience in treatment resistant conditions and how they interact with ADHD and Autism.
He is particularly passionate about ADHD and helping his patients to fulfil their potential and live a better life every day.
He is also trained in using ADI-R. He follows the Royal College of Psychiatrist interview guide for the diagnostic assessment for ASD. Sometimes, ADI-R interview conducted by other clinician along with psychiatrist’s ASD interview is used to arrive a comprehensive understanding of ASD condition useful for a diagnosis of ASD.
Dr Sanjay Kumar
CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST
Dr Sanjay Kumar is a registered Clinical Psychologist and has expertise in neuropsychology. He has supervised many students’ dissertations on ASD.
He is also trained in ADI-R and provides independent ADI-R report to the psychiatrist in the team at Oxford Brain and Mind when indicated that an independent ADI-R assessment would be useful along with the psychiatrist’s own ASD assessment to arrive at a comprehensive understanding of ASD diagnosis.
ASD assessment at Oxford Brain and Mind is led by a Consultant Psychiatrist
FAQ: ASD assessment
What does a psychiatrist do when it comes to autism?
Psychiatrists are doctors who specialize in mental health, and they’re trained to understand conditions like autism. They look at the big picture—how someone thinks, feels, and behaves—and they can help figure out whether what you’re seeing is autism, something else, or a mix of both.
They’re trained to spot overlaps between autism and other mental health conditions like anxiety, ADHD, or depression—which are often missed or misdiagnosed. Plus, they can offer treatment options if needed. To give an example you can see in the figure below to what extent the other conditions that can occur with ASD.
This is based on a research 42,569 individuals with ASD and their 11,389 non-ASD siblings ( see Vahe Khachadourian and colleague’s research paper published in Translational Psychiatry, 2023 : https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-023-02374-w
What happens during an autism assessment with a psychiatrist?
The psychiatrist will ask questions about development, behavior, and daily life. For kids, parents or caregivers usually share a lot of the history. For teens and adults, the person being assessed shares more about their own experiences. They might also use checklists or questionnaires to help guide the process.
Can psychiatrists help with treatment too?
Yes! While there’s no medication that “treats” autism itself, psychiatrists can help manage specific challenges—like anxiety, attention issues, sleep trouble, or mood swings. They can also connect you with therapists, school support, and community resources.
Why choose a psychiatrist instead of someone else?
Psychiatrists are a great choice if:
You’re not sure whether it’s autism, something else, or both
There are mental health concerns involved
You’re looking for a diagnosis and treatment options in one place
Is it only for kids?
Not at all! Many teens and adults seek autism assessments later in life. A psychiatrist can help adults understand their experiences and provide support, whether it’s for work, relationships, or just making sense of things.
Is it common for adults to get assessed for autism?
Yes—and it’s becoming more common all the time. Many adults reach a point where they start wondering if autism could explain certain lifelong patterns—like social struggles, sensory sensitivity, or feeling different from others.
Getting assessed as an adult can bring clarity and even a sense of relief.
What does the assessment actually involve?
At Oxford Brain and Mind we will send you some questionnaires for you to complete. These we use as screening tool to guide us whether an AD assessment would be useful. Sometimes, the psychiatrist may suggest having an ASD assessment even if the screening questionnaires are not positive for ASD. As the ASD assessment is led by a consultant psychiatrist they will also do a psychiatric assessment as part of the ASD diagnostic assessment.
This makes us unique in providing a comprehensive service to our patients. The diagnostic assessment usually starts with a detailed conversation about your life experiences—growing up, relationships, school, work, and how you handle emotions or sensory input.
The psychiatrist might also use questionnaires or checklists to guide the process. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and it’s not a test you “pass” or “fail”—it’s about understanding you better.
What does the assessment actually involve?
At Oxford Brain and Mind we will send you some questionnaires for you to complete. These we use as screening tool to guide us whether an AD assessment would be useful. Sometimes, the psychiatrist may suggest having an ASD assessment even if the screening questionnaires are not positive for ASD. As the ASD assessment is led by a consultant psychiatrist they will also do a psychiatric assessment as part of the ASD diagnostic assessment.
This makes us unique in providing a comprehensive service to our patients. The diagnostic assessment usually starts with a detailed conversation about your life experiences—growing up, relationships, school, work, and how you handle emotions or sensory input.
The psychiatrist might also use questionnaires or checklists to guide the process. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and it’s not a test you “pass” or “fail”—it’s about understanding you better.
I’ve masked for years—will that affect the results?
That’s very common. Many adults—especially women and people from underrepresented groups—learn to “mask” or hide their traits to fit in. A good psychiatrist will understand that and look past surface behavior to understand the patterns underneath.
What are the benefits of getting diagnosed as an adult?
For many, it’s about finally making sense of things. A diagnosis can bring validation, self-understanding, and a path toward support that fits who you really are. It’s not about labeling—it’s about understanding your wiring and finding tools that work for you.
What if I’m not sure I “fit the mold”?
Autism shows up in many different ways, especially in adults. You don’t need to have every trait or a childhood diagnosis to seek answers now. If you’ve always felt a bit “off track” socially, overly sensitive to certain environments, or drained by things that seem easy for others, it’s okay to explore it. A psychiatrist can help you figure out what’s going on—no pressure, no judgment.