General FAQs
How long will I have to wait for an Autism assessment?
At AutismCare, we understand how important it is for families to access timely, respectful support.
We aim to complete the initial pre-assessment consultation within one week of your first contact. From there, our full three-step process-comprising consultation, assessment, and feedback-is typically completed within 4 to 6 weeks, depending on individual needs and availability.
We are committed to offering timely access without compromising depth, care, or connection. Our process is guided by your child's pace and comfort, and we take the time needed to understand each individual's unique profile in a thoughtful and affirming way.
Why is your assessment process more accessible than traditional systems?
At AutismCare, we've designed our service to remove unnecessary delays while maintaining a comprehensive, respectful, and identity-affirming process. Families and individuals are often faced with long waiting lists and complex referral pathways within traditional systems-barriers that can prolong stress and delay access to meaningful support.
Our model offers direct access to experienced psychologists and a carefully structured, three-step assessment process. We aim to conduct the initial pre-assessment consultation within one week of first contact. From there, the full process-including consultation, assessment sessions, and feedback-is typically completed within 4 to 6 weeks of the initial consultation, depending on individual needs and scheduling.
This approach allows us to provide timely, high-quality assessments while still ensuring the depth, care, and collaboration that are central to our neuroaffirmative ethos. We work closely with each individual and family to ensure the process is not rushed, but responsive to the person's pace and comfort.
Will my diagnosis be recognised by the HSE?
Yes. All the psychologists our platform connects you with are professionally qualified and registered with the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).
As a result, your diagnosis is recognised within the Irish health and social care systems, providing access to relevant support services.
Is every psychologist licensed and qualified?
Yes. All of the psychologists our platform connects you with are professionally qualified and registered with the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).
Is an online Autism assessment recognised in the same way as an in-person assessment?
Yes. An online Autism assessment is fully recognised and holds the same validity as an in-person assessment.
At AutismCare, our online assessments are carried out in line with current best practice guidelines. This format offers increased accessibility and flexibility, particularly for individuals who may experience barriers to in-person appointments or prefer to engage from the comfort of their own environment.
Whether the assessment is conducted online or in person, the outcome is equally valid and can be used to access services through the HSE, Department of Education, and other public or private support systems.
We ensure that the online experience remains thorough, respectful, and neuroaffirmative, and is adapted to meet each individual's communication and access needs.
Do I need a referral to begin the Autism assessment process?
No referral is required to begin the process at AutismCare.
We begin with a pre-assessment consultation, where you'll meet directly with one of our qualified psychologists. This session provides an opportunity to explore your concerns, ask questions, and discuss your or your child's experiences in a supportive, neuroaffirmative space.
Following this consultation, the psychologist will offer a formal recommendation on whether proceeding to a full Autism assessment is appropriate at this time. This approach ensures that every step of the process is individualised, collaborative, and grounded in respect for neurodivergent identities.
You can contact us directly to begin-we're here to support you from the very first step.
What is the cost of the full Autism assessment process?
At AutismCare, we offer a comprehensive, neuroaffirmative assessment process that includes consultation, assessment sessions, and a detailed feedback report with personalised recommendations.
The full assessment process for adults is EUR 1,787.
The full assessment process for children is EUR 2,487.
Payment plans are available to support accessibility.
If you have any questions about pricing or would like to discuss payment options, our team is happy to guide you through the available supports.
Who oversees quality and standards at AutismCare?
All clinical processes, standards and assessments are supervised by our Clinical Director, Dr Sam Gower.
Dr Gower is a Clinical Psychologist with over 17 years experience registered both in Ireland and the UK. Dr Gower has previously held senior Clinical Director roles in the NHS, Pieta House and also held roles as Principal Clinical Psychologist for a number of clinics that specialise in the deliverance of services for adults and children with intellectual disability, autism and or acquired brain injury, who may also have other complex needs including mental health difficulties.
All clinical staff for our child assessment process at AutismCare are garda vetted, meet stringent professional and educational standards, are appropriately certified by their respective professional bodies and hold specialised training in autism, along with continuous professional development requirements. AutismCare also is governed by a Board of Directors and undertakes external independent healthcare audits once every two years.
Are AutismCare a credible service?
Yes. All our psychologists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists are qualified and registered with their respective professional bodies. Our reports are recognised by Irish systems (e.g. HSE, Department of Education). AutismCare are also an approved HSE service provider.
