There is no current public pathway to an adult Autism assessment, but it is still possible to receive one through private practice. In this section, you will find answers to some of the key queries about adult diagnosis.
Adult Autism Diagnosis in Ireland
Currently there are no public teams in Ireland dedicated to assessing Autism in adults.
Private Assessment
Most adults who think they may be Autistic will need to seek a private assessment. In Ireland, many private psychologists do not require a GP referral for an Autism assessment. You can contact them directly to arrange an appointment.We recommend choosing a professional who has experience with Autism in adults and uses a respectful, neurodiversity-affirmative approach. This means they should understand Autism as a natural difference, not something to be fixed.
Speaking to Your GP
Although many private professionals do not need a GP referral, it is a good idea to talk to your GP first. Some private professionals may still require a referral. Your GP plays an important role in understanding the demand for Autism assessments in Ireland and advocating for you.When you speak to your GP, be clear about why you think you might be Autistic. This is important because some GPs may still have outdated ideas about Autism.
Understanding the Assessment Process
Remember, an Autism assessment for adults is a thorough process to understand your neurotype. It is not a test that you can pass or fail. Even if you are not diagnosed with Autism, the assessment can help you understand your experiences. You might discover another neurodivergent condition, such as ADHD, or an anxiety disorder that shares similar traits with Autism.
Some Autistic people choose to self-identify and don’t feel the need for an official diagnosis. This is completely valid and widely accepted in the Autistic community, especially given how difficult it can be to access a public assessment.For others, getting a diagnosis can provide the opportunity to talk through their experiences with a professional, gaining more clarity and understanding about themselves and their life.
Benefits of an Official Diagnosis
Going through the assessment process with the right professional can be helpful, and many people find it therapeutic. One of the key benefits of an official Autism diagnosis is that it can help you access support and reasonable accommodations. This could be in areas like:
• College
• The workplace
• Disability benefits
An official diagnosis can open doors to these resources and support systems.
Getting an Autism Diagnosis as an Adult
An Autism diagnosis for adults is made by a psychologist or psychiatrist. The process may differ between professionals, but there are some things you can expect.
What to Expect During the Assessment
All assessments will include in-depth interviews and questions about your life and how you experience the world. You will meet with the psychologist or psychiatrist (either online or in person) for one or more interviews. These meetings will discuss your experiences, background, and why you think you might be Autistic. You may be asked about your past and how you view the world around you.
Why You Might Not Show Obvious Autism Traits
Some adults seeking a diagnosis may not show clear signs of Autism. This is because they may have learned to ‘mask’ or hide these traits over time. A good psychologist or psychiatrist with up-to-date knowledge of Autism will understand this. They will also be familiar with a neurodiversity-affirmative approach, which recognises the different ways Autistic people experience the world.
Family Involvement
There is certainly no requirement or expectation that you involve anybody else in this process. However, if you wish to involve a parent, partner, family member or friend for support during your meeting, this should be possible. The professional you meet should focus on your own experiences and put your voice at the centre of the assessment. If you prefer not to have a family member involved, you can choose a professional who does not require this.
The Assessment Process
Getting an assessment as an adult should be a respectful and collaborative process between you and the professional. While the psychologist or psychiatrist will use the DSM-V criteria for diagnosing Autism, the assessment should feel like two adults working together to understand if Autism is the right fit for your experiences. If you do not feel comfortable with the process or the professional, you may want to find someone else.
*Please note: this page is currently under review and will be updated in due course*
Some private psychologists and psychiatrists provide once-off consultation sessions where you can meet with them to discuss your thoughts about Autism, ask questions, and explore whether a full Autism assessment is right for you.
When you are choosing a clinician, it may be helpful to ask the following:
1. What are their qualifications?
Currently in Ireland, the state does not regulate psychologists. CORU, Ireland’s health and social care regulator, is working on introducing regulations for the psychology profession, however this is not yet formalised.
You can check whether the clinician is a Chartered member of the PSI. The PSI is a professional body that upholds professional standards and high training quality by offering membership to psychologists who meet specific requirements. If you’re unsure, ask to see their PSI Chartered Membership Certificate.
2. Are they neurodiversity-affirmative?
The basis of neurodivergent-affirming care comes from the neurodiversity paradigm. The idea behind this paradigm is that neurodivergent conditions like Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and others are normal variations in the human condition. It is helpful to be mindful of the language that the clinician uses in relation to Autism; neurodiversity-affirmative practitioners typically avoid terms that frame Autism as a “disorder” or illness. Instead, they highlight an Autistic person’s unique strengths and talk about “differences” rather than “impairments” or “deficits” that need treatment. They may acknowledge that Autistic people have different levels of support needs
3. What is the follow-up pathway of care following an assessment?
Ask the clinician what their assessment process looks like, and ask about their follow up supports, following the assessment.
This may include onward referral to other services, as required.
For further information, it may be helpful to review AsIAm’s language guide
If you wish to access an adult Autism assessment, and would like us to signpost you to some clinics that offer assessments, please contact our Autism Information Line:
- Phone: please contact on Monday – Thursday 10-3pm Call 0818 234 234
- Instant Messaging is available: Monday – Thursday 10-3pm
- Email: support@asiam.ie
