Autism Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about Autism assessments, referrals, or how the process works? You’re in the right place.
When you are considering an Autism diagnosis there may be questions you have about the process. Click through our frequently asked questions below to find the answers.
Can I complete the entire process remotely?
Yes. All parts of the assessment and diagnosis are delivered remotely via secure video consultations. You can access the service from the comfort of your home.
Do you assess and treat children?
No. At this time, our service is for adults only (18+). If you are seeking an assessment for a child, we recommend contacting your GP or a service that specialises in CAMHS ASD care.
Is your service covered by the NHS?
We are contracted by the NHS through ‘Right to Choose’ (RTC), so yes any referral to our service is covered by the NHS and therefore free. We can also support shared care arrangements with your NHS GP if they agree to prescribe ADHD medication based on our specialist recommendations.
Is your service covered by the NHS?
We are contracted by the NHS through ‘Right to Choose’ (RTC), so yes any referral to our service is covered by the NHS and therefore free.
Sharing Information with Informants
If you consent, we may use their contact information to:
- Send appointment reminders
- Share structured questionnaires (e.g., about childhood behaviours)
- Clarify follow-up needs
We use secure platforms such as Hero Health to manage this information confidentially and in line with GDPR standards.
What does your Autism assessment involve?
Our assessments include a detailed review of your medical history, current symptoms, and any relevant background information. You’ll complete standardised questionnaires, followed by a structured clinical interview with one of our experienced clinicians. All assessments follow NICE guidelines to ensure a thorough and accurate diagnosis.
What Happens if the Informant Cannot Attend?
While informant participation is strongly encouraged, we understand that it may not always be feasible. If your informant is unable to attend the appointment:
- We may arrange to collect information through a structured questionnaire or follow-up call
- The clinician may advise rescheduling the appointment if their input is critical
- If no informant is available at all, this will be discussed at clinical team level, and a decision made about how best to proceed
What is an Informant?
The Role of an Informant in Your ASD Assessment
As part of your ASD diagnostic process with HH Minds, it would be beneficial to have an informant attend the assessment with you. This supports a well-rounded and accurate understanding of your experiences and symptoms across different stages of life.
What is an Informant?
An informant is someone who knows you well — ideally over a long period of time — and can offer useful observations about your behaviour, attention, and functioning. Their role is to help provide a more complete picture of your developmental history and day-to-day experiences.
What is the importance of pre-assessment questionnaires?
We send 4 questionnaires on receipt of a referral. These are the Baseline, GAD7, PHQ9 & AQ10. These must be filled in before we can clinically review a patient as they build up clinical information required to undertake assessment.
What should I do if I have not received assessment confirmation or assessment link?
If you have not received one or either of these from us please contact us on either 0121 368 0698 or ASD@healthharmonie.co.uk
Who Makes a Good Informant?
A suitable informant is someone who:
- Has known you since childhood, or for a significant portion of your life
- Is familiar with your attention, behaviour, and daily functioning
- Can provide honest and supportive feedback
- Is comfortable participating in a clinical conversation (in person or remotely)
Common examples include a parent, sibling, long-term partner, close friend, or teacher/caregiver.
Why do patients need to provide photo ID?
A photo ID is required for us to remain compliant with the CQC regulations. It ensures we are verifying a patient ID, helps prevent any mix ups, identity fraud and data breaches.
Why Is an Informant Important?
According to national guidelines (e.g. NICE NG87), a diagnosis of ASD requires evidence that symptoms were present before the age of 12 and have persisted over time. An informant helps:
- Fill in developmental history, particularly where memory or self-report may be limited
- Provide a second perspective to complement your own reflections
Support accurate diagnosis and safe treatment planning
Will you communicate with my GP?
Yes. With your consent, we will send a summary of your assessment and diagnosis to your GP. This ensures continuity of care and enables shared care arrangements where appropriate.
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Rated Good by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), we meet high standards for safe, effective care. We deliver the same quality you’d expect in hospital, delivered by experienced clinicians in a more convenient setting.
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