Aspect Autism Consultancy

03/02/2026

Curious. Unsure. Overwhelmed. All welcome.

If autism is something you’ve been thinking about — for yourself, your child, or someone you support — you don’t need to have it all figured out before reaching out.

You don’t need the right words.
You don’t need certainty.
You don’t need to be ready for a diagnosis.

Sometimes the first step is simply a conversation.

At Aspect Autism, we offer free 30-minute consultations for anyone seeking clarity around autism and the diagnostic process — no pressure, no obligation.

If you’re wondering, questioning, or just need to talk it through:
start with a conversation.

Contact us
https://www.aspectautism.com/

aspectautism@pm.me

07783 733500

01/02/2026

Do I Need a Diagnosis?

For many people, a diagnosis can be a powerful and positive step. It can bring clarity, validation, and a clearer understanding of yourself or your child. A diagnosis often helps people make sense of lifelong experiences and can open doors to appropriate support, adjustments, and accommodations.

While support can exist without a diagnosis, many find that having a name for their experiences reduces self-doubt and provides confidence in advocating for their needs.

Whether you’re seeking answers, reassurance, or a clearer path forward, a diagnosis can be a helpful tool — not a label.

We offer free initial consultations via Zoom to discuss your autism journey. Available to book on our website www.aspectautism.com

28/01/2026

Autism Doesn’t Always Look Like You Think

Autism isn’t always visible — and it doesn’t always fit the stereotypes we’re used to seeing. Not all autistic people avoid eye contact, struggle at school, or have obvious social difficulties. Many autistic individuals are high achievers, professionals, parents, and carers who appear to be coping well, while working incredibly hard behind the scenes.

Autism is often missed in women and girls, who may mask their difficulties or be labelled as anxious, sensitive, or perfectionistic. As a result, many people don’t receive understanding or support until much later in life.

Autism is a spectrum, meaning it can look very different from one person to the next. Broadening our understanding helps reduce stigma, improve support, and ensure autistic people — and their families — feel seen and understood.

Read more on this on our blog here: https://www.aspectautism.com/post/autism-doesn-t-always-look-like-you-think

Learn more about the full spectrum of autism by following our blog, social media, and if you are seeking clarity for yourself or a loved one, please get in touch!

10/01/2026

Happy New Year and welcome to 2026!

As we step into the new year, we’re delighted to share an exciting update on our services at Aspect Autism. Alongside our ongoing Autism Assessments, ADHD Assessments, and Post-Diagnosis Support, we’re introducing several new offerings for 2026, including our Medication Pathway, informative Webinars, and a Peer Walking Group. These additions have been developed to further support individuals and families at every stage of their journey.

From the whole team at Aspect, we wish you all a happy and healthy new year and look forward to helping many of you in 2026. If you’d like more information about any of our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via phone 07783 733500 or email aspectautism@pm.me
We’d be happy to help.

07/01/2026

The autism network have put together videos for the newly diagnosed. This has been developed in partnership with colleagues from NHS Fife Neurodevelopmental Pathway team.

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

23/12/2025

That's a wrap! Every one of you have been amazing and we've enjoyed meeting so many children, young people and adults all on their unique journey. From all of us to you, have a restful time. Do Christmas your way!

19/12/2025

Helpful Phrases Autistic People Can Use to Advocate for Their Needs Over Christmas.

The festive season often brings shared spaces, busy environments, social expectations, and changes to routine. For autistic people, this can mean increased sensory input, social fatigue, and pressure to “push through” discomfort for the sake of politeness or tradition.

You should not have to give long explanations, disclose personal information, or justify your needs in order to be respected. Sometimes, having a few prepared phrases can make it easier to communicate clearly and confidently—especially when energy is already low.

Below are simple, respectful phrases autistic people can use over Christmas to advocate for their needs, while keeping explanations to a minimum.

Phrases for Needing Time Away or Space
“I’m going to take a short break and come back later.”

“I need some quiet time for a bit—I’ll rejoin when I can.”

“I’m stepping outside to reset for a few minutes.”

“I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed, so I’m going to take some space.”

These phrases communicate a clear need without inviting debate or concern.

Phrases for Needing a Lie Down or Rest
“I need to lie down for a while to recharge.”

“I’m taking some rest time so I can manage the rest of the day.”

“I’ll be more comfortable if I take a break to rest.”

Rest is not rudeness—it’s regulation.

Phrases Around Food and Eating Preferences
“I’m sticking with foods I know feel safe for me today.”

“I’m not eating that, but thank you for offering.”

“I’ve already planned what works for me food-wise.”

“I eat differently, and this works best for me.”

No further explanation is required.

Phrases for Sensory Needs
“I’m going to put my headphones on for a bit.”

“The noise/lights are a bit much for me right now.”

“I need a quieter space to feel okay.”

Sensory needs are valid needs.

Phrases for Social Boundaries
“I’m going to head off now—thank you for understanding.”

“I’m not up for conversation right now, but I appreciate you checking in.”

Leaving early or opting out is a form of self-care.

A Reminder
You are not being difficult, rude, ungrateful, or antisocial by honouring your needs.

Clear, calm communication is a strength—not something to apologise for. The right people will respect your boundaries, and it’s okay if not everyone fully understands.

Your comfort matters.
Your needs are real.
And you are allowed to advocate for yourself—especially at Christmas.

16/12/2025

Christmas Doesn’t Have to Look a Certain Way

For many autistic and ADHD adults, Christmas can feel full of pressure, expectations, and traditions that don’t actually feel enjoyable.

You are allowed to do Christmas on your own terms.

That might mean:

✨ Creating personalised traditions that feel comforting and predictable
✨ Letting go of things you do out of obligation rather than choice
✨ Centring your Christmas around special interests, rest, and regulation
✨ Keeping celebrations quiet, low-demand, or non-traditional
✨ Saying no to events that drain you—and yes to what genuinely brings you joy
A meaningful Christmas doesn’t have to be loud, busy, or social. It can be calm, repetitive, personal, or even completely un-festive.

An authentic Christmas is a valid Christmas.

You can read the full blog on our website here: https://www.aspectautism.com/post/how-neurodivergent-adults-can-make-christmas-enjoyable-on-their-own-terms

09/12/2025

Introducing the Clinicians Behind Aspect Autism. We’re a bespoke autism consultancy made up of highly experienced clinicians—most with over 30 years working in mental health and neurodevelopmental services.

Our team includes specialists in:
✔ Autism assessment & diagnosis
✔ Mental health nursing, Psychology
✔ Occupational therapy
✔ Speech and language therapy
✔ Support for both children and adults

Many of us also have personal experience supporting neurodivergent family members, bringing an added layer of understanding and empathy to the work we do.

We’re proud of the expertise, warmth, and neuro-affirming support our team offers every day.

Read our full team introduction on our blog: https://www.aspectautism.com/post/meet-the-team-behind-aspect-autism

30/11/2025

Support Outside the NHS: The Role of Organisations Like Aspect Autism. Alongside NHS provision, some families seek additional guidance and clarity from independent services. Since 2017, Aspect Autism Consultancy has been supporting children, young people, and adults who are looking for advice, answers, and help navigating the assessment process. They provide guidance, diagnostic services where appropriate, and ongoing support, and are known for offering high-quality, regulated reports. For many families, organisations like Aspect Autism Consultancy offer reassurance and continuity at a time when public services are under significant strain. Read our blog at aspectautism.com on why our NHS Neurodevelopemental service crisis is happening.

Offering private autism assessment for chldren as well as adults. A mental health service with clinicians with at least 25 years experience in their field.

21/11/2025

We are pleased to announce that Aspect Autism Consultancy are now offering ADHD assessments for both children and adults.

After recognising the growing need for high-quality ADHD pathways, we have formally partnered with AuDHD Psychiatry to ensure our clients can receive safe, regulated psychiatric input where medication is required.

Our ADHD assessment pathway includes:

• Initial Appointment: Background information, current concerns, and assessment goals
• Diagnostic Interview (DIVA) & QBCheck: A comprehensive clinical interview supported by objective testing of attention, activity, and impulsivity

While Aspect carries out the full diagnostic assessment, medication management is provided exclusively by Audhd Psychiatry ensuring a seamless and clinically robust process.

ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental condition, and an accurate assessment is essential for accessing appropriate support. We are proud to expand our services to meet this need within our community.

If you would like more information please get in touch.

19/11/2025

Did you know… many parents only realise they might be autistic after their child receives an autism diagnosis.

It’s surprisingly common — when someone brings their child for assessment, they begin to recognise similar traits in themselves: sensory sensitivity, social exhaustion, special interests, or intense focus. That awakening often leads them to explore and eventually seek their own diagnosis.

Why this matters:
• Getting diagnosed as an adult can bring clarity, self-understanding, and access to support.
• It also helps change how people think about autism: it’s not just a “childhood condition” — it’s lifelong.

📊 UK Statistics & Context:

A major recent review found that 89–97% of autistic adults aged 40 or above in the UK are undiagnosed.

Research suggests that many adult diagnostic tools and support systems are still skewed toward children.

According to NHS / government data, about 1.46% of the population in England currently have a recorded autism diagnosis, but experts believe this underestimates the true number of autistic adults.

✨ Why sharing this helps:

It validates the experiences of parents who suddenly recognise themselves in their child’s diagnosis.

It raises awareness that autism in adults is under-diagnosed in the UK, especially in mid-life and older age.

It encourages more inclusive services: better adult-diagnostic pathways, more understanding from professionals, and community support.