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Late diagnosis & masking specialists

Adult Autism Assessment (18+)

Designed for adults who have masked their whole lives. Online assessment available nationwide. No waiting lists. Compassionate, specialist clinicians.

Book adult assessment How it works →

What does adult autism feel like?

Many adults reach us after years of anxiety, burnout, or feeling "different" without knowing why. They've often been told they're "too sensitive," "socially awkward," or "just anxious." Common experiences include:

  • • Social exhaustion after work or events
  • • Replaying conversations (rumination)
  • • Sensitivity to lights, sounds, textures
  • • Difficulty with unwritten social rules
  • • Intense special interests
  • • Preference for routine, distress with change
  • • History of being called "too sensitive"
  • • Burnout cycles

The mask: why autism is missed in adults

Masking (camouflaging) is when autistic people hide their natural behaviours to fit in. It's exhausting and often leads to late-life burnout. Many adults, especially women and non-binary people, develop sophisticated masks that can fool even experienced clinicians — but the cost is high.

"I spent 40 years learning to act 'normal.' I didn't realise I was exhausted because I was pretending to be someone else every single day."

— Mashdel DiagnostiX client, diagnosed at 42

Our clinicians are specially trained to identify masking — even when the person has learned to "appear neurotypical." We listen to your life history, not just current presentation.

Adult assessment pathway (online or clinic)

We follow NICE guidelines and use gold-standard diagnostic tools adapted for adult presentations.

1Pre-screening & consent call
2Developmental history interview — includes collateral if available
3Individual patient assessment (adult-friendly)
4MDT review & diagnostic feedback

Remote option: All steps can be completed via secure video call. No need to travel.

⏱️ Timeline: 4–6 weeks from referral to diagnostic report.

What you receive after diagnosis

Adult Autism
£800
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✨ Best Value
ADHD + Autism
£1,350
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Frequently asked questions (adults)

Do I need my parents to be involved in the assessment?
No. While parental/collateral information is helpful, it's not required. For adults, we can use alternative sources of developmental history, including school reports, diaries, or self-reported memories.
What if I've learned to mask my autistic traits?
That's exactly what we specialise in. Our clinicians are trained to identify masking, and we use assessment tools designed to detect autism even in highly masked individuals.
Will the diagnosis be accepted by my employer or university?
Yes. Our reports are written by HCPC registered clinical psychologists and are recognised for workplace reasonable adjustments (Equality Act 2010) and university Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA).
How much does an adult autism assessment cost?
£800 including all appointments, individual patient assessment, developmental history, MDT review, and the full diagnostic report. Payment plans available. Some private insurance accepted.
Do you offer a combined assessment for Autism and ADHD?
Yes. If you suspect both Autism and ADHD, we offer a combined assessment for £1,350, saving you £150 compared to booking them separately.
What if I'm not sure if I'm autistic?
That's very common. Our pre-screening process helps determine whether a full assessment is right for you. We offer a free initial triage call to discuss your concerns.

Signs you might be masking

Feeling exhausted after socialising
Rehearsing conversations beforehand
Copying others' expressions or gestures
Hiding your true interests
Forcing eye contact even when uncomfortable
Feeling like you're "acting" in social situations

If these resonate with you, an assessment could bring clarity and relief.

Book adult autism assessment

Or call us: +44 7776 620557 | Email: enquiries@mashdelcareservices.co.uk