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Adult Autism Assessment at Autism Kent: What to Expect

If you are considering an adult autism assessment, you may be feeling uncertain about what the process involves. Many adults reach this stage after years of self-reflection, recognising autistic traits in themselves, or following a diagnosis within their family.

At Autism Kent, we provide comprehensive, professional, and compassionate adult autism assessments designed to give clarity, understanding, and practical next steps. We offer a free 15 minute initial consultation - see contact details below.

This guide explains what you can expect from a private autism assessment for adults and how the process works.

What to Expect at your Adult ADHD Assessment

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is increasingly recognised in adults, many of whom have spent years feeling misunderstood or unsupported. At Autism Kent, we provide fully NICE compliant adult ADHD assessments, designed to help individuals gain clarity and access appropriate support. Our assessment reports are accepted by the NHS, educational bodies and other organisations.

If you are considering an ADHD assessment for yourself or a loved one, this guide explains what our adult ADHD assessment process involves and what you can expect.

What to Expect at Your Child’s ADHD Assessment

A Parent’s Guide to Child ADHD Assessments at Autism Kent

If you’re considering a child ADHD assessment, it’s completely natural to feel unsure about what the process involves. Many parents tell us they feel anxious, overwhelmed, or worried about whether they’re doing the right thing for their child.

This guide explains what to expect from an ADHD assessment for children, how the process works, and answers some of the most common questions parents ask.

Managing Sensory Overwhelm

Sensory overwhelm is a common experience for many neurodivergent people, including those with different sensory processing and attentional profiles. Everyday environments - such as shops, workplaces, schools, public transport, or even home - can become overwhelming when sensory input builds faster than the nervous system can comfortably manage.

Sensory differences are a recognised part of autism and ADHD, reflecting natural variation in how brains process sound, light, touch, movement, and internal sensations.

Christmas, neurodivergence, and coping with the festive season

For many people, Christmas is presented as a joyful and magical time. For autistic people and those with ADHD, however, the festive period can be genuinely challenging. Increased sensory input, disrupted routines, heightened social expectations, and emotional pressure to “enjoy” the season can all make December feel overwhelming rather than restorative. These experiences are not a personal failing - they reflect how demanding Christmas can be for neurodivergent nervous systems.

Recognising Social Exhaustion

One social event can cause weeks or months of suffering and pain to an autistic person.

For many autistic individuals, stress related to social activities often begins when they become aware that they have a social event coming up soon. This can happen even when the social event is weeks or months away.

Before a social event, the brain can become intensely focused on what might happen and all the various possibilities, all the ways in which a question could be asked, how questions should be answered, what topics of conversation are appropriate, what topics should be avoided, what should be worn etc. The questions and therefore ruminations can be endless, often feeling all-consuming.

Statergies to cope with social situations - Autism

Strategies for coping with social and emotional exhaustion

Social situations can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally. Here are some ideas to help you cope with the stress associated with social events:

Autism in females

In recent years there is an increased understanding of the ways in which autism specifically affects women and girls, and this is somewhat different to our understanding of how autism may typically present itself.

The school, college or work environment can be very stressful, where social interactions in groups and understanding what is expected in relationships is extremely difficult. Females often report that from a young age they felt on the “outside” of social groups, sometimes watching from afar, and that friendships are difficult to establish and maintain. Sometimes girls become particularly attached to one or two friends.

What our clients say

I was nervous before my assessment, but within minutes I was made to feel at ease. My questions were answered quickly and the report was in-depth. A very positive experience—I’d definitely recommend Autism Kent.

The team at Autism Kent were welcoming and thorough. Dr Robb’s warm, empathetic approach created a safe space for our daughter during her ADHD assessment. We highly recommend her.

Immensely grateful for the support and guidance I received from Autism Kent. From the moment we reached out to them, their professionalism and expertise were evident. The team made the diagnostic process manageable, listened to our concerns, and gave invaluable insights into our daughter's needs.

Can't thank Autism Kent enough for the positive impact they've had on our lives. If you're seeking assistance for diagnosis or support, I wholeheartedly recommend reaching out to them. Their dedication to helping families like mine is truly remarkable.

We can highly recommend Dr Robb and her team at Autism Kent. We were guided through the process of ascertaining a diagnosis for our teenage son. The interviews and questions were professionally delivered but in a very gentle and kind manner to ameliorate stress for him and for us as parents.

Waited years for an assessment. It was easy, straightforward, and Isobel was lovely. Getting this diagnosis has helped me get the support I need—thank you.

Excellent service—professional, empathetic, and tailored perfectly to my needs. I was made to feel at ease throughout, with fantastic communication and feedback.

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Robb Psychology Kent Ltd t/a Autism Kent Company Number: 12336230
Address: Unit 128C First Floor, John Wilson Business Park, Harvey Drive, Chestfield, Whitstable, CT5 3QT

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