What Sets The Berlin Autism Clinic Apart?

We believe in adopting a neuro-affirmative perspective throughout the autism identification process. We reject the notion that autism is a disorder, viewing it instead as a way of describing how some people interact with the world and how the world interacts with them. We acknowledge that you are the expert on your experiences, and our clinicians are guided by your insights. We strive to create a collaborative space that positions you as an active partner in the identification process.

We are keen on discovering your strengths and understanding your experiences with social situations and sensory sensitivities. While we celebrate the unique experiences of being Autistic, we recognize the challenges of navigating a world designed for neurotypical individuals. Our goal is to support you in gaining insights into yourself and how being Autistic fits into your identity.

Our commitment extends to being led by the Autistic community and Autistic-led research. This involves actively recruiting neurodivergent Clinical Psychologists and participating in research that empowers Autistic voices.

Who Will Be Completing Your Assessment?

All our clinicians are Clinical Psychologists registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) who have worked in specialist autism services within the National Health Service (NHS).

What is a Clinical Psychologist?

A Clinical Psychologist is a protected title in the UK, Canada, and the USA for professionals trained to a doctoral level in the practice of clinical psychology. This designation ensures that a professional can only be called a Clinical Psychologist if they have completed a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. As a result, they receive extensive training in working with individuals across the lifespan and addressing various mental health problems using evidence-based therapies. Clinical Psychologists are also proficient in administering standardized assessments.

When searching for a clinician to conduct your autism identification assessment, ensure they have the appropriate qualifications and experience. Titles such as 'psychologist' and 'therapist' are not protected and can be used by anyone. Verify that any professional with whom you work therapeutically or for assessments is registered with a professional body, such as HCPC or BACP.

Do I Need a Referral from a Doctor?

No, we do not require a referral from a doctor. If you are identified as Autistic, we are happy to share this information with your general practitioner upon your request.

Do You Complete Any Assessments In Person?

We conduct most of our autism identification assessments remotely using Microsoft Teams. This approach helps us keep wait times and costs minimal. However, we can accommodate in-person assessments upon request in Berlin, Germany, and London, UK. Please note that this may incur additional costs. Feel free to contact us if you prefer an in-person assessment.

How Much Does an Assessment Cost?

A full autism assessment, including reports upon completion, costs:

• £1200 for UK residents

• €1380 for Europe-wide residents

We aim to keep costs as accessible as possible and will consider payment plans and adjustments on a case-by-case basis. Contact us if you have any payment queries.

Can I claim for the assessment through my health insurance?

We are currently not affiliated with any health insurance providers. While you have the option to book and pay for the assessment directly with us, the possibility of reimbursement from your health insurance is subject to their specific terms and conditions. We recommend reaching out to your health insurer for guidance in this matter.

Can I have a consultation before committing to the assessment?

We welcome the opportunity to address any questions you may have through a complimentary telephone consultation. Due to high demand, these consultations are limited to 15 minutes to accommodate as many inquiries as possible.

In Which Countries Do You Provide Assessments?

As we primarily conduct assessments remotely, we can serve individuals living in Europe. Unfortunately, we are unable to complete assessments for residents of Canada and the United States due to the requirement for provincial or state professional registration. Currently, we do not have Clinical Psychologists with professional registration in North America.

Which Age Groups Do You Work With?

We currently only complete autism identification assessments for individuals aged 18 and above. We also plan to offer workshops for parents of neurodivergent children.

Do I Need to Bring a Family Member to My Assessment?

No, it's not necessary to bring a family member or friend to your assessment. While having someone close may provide insights into your early life, there is no expectation for you to involve anybody else. We recognize that this process can be highly personal, and you may prefer to complete it independently. Please feel free to choose what makes you feel most comfortable.

Do Your Clinical Psychologists Have an Understanding of How Trauma and Attachment Intersect with the Autistic Experience?

All of our Clinical Psychologists have conducted extensive practice and research on attachment and trauma. During your sessions, you will be invited to discuss these aspects of yourself with the Clinical Psychologist and explore how they may impact the autistic experience.

How Long Will I Be Waiting for an Assessment?

We aim to respond to all queries within two working days. Currently, we have approximately a 3-5 week waitlist from the submission of your initial forms and payment to your appointment date.

How Do I Book an Appointment?

To make a booking, email us at info@berlinautismclinic.com. We aim to respond to all queries within 2 working days.

How and When Do I Pay?

Once you have an initial discussion with a psychologist and agree on an appointment time, you will be sent an invoice with payment details. Upon receiving payment, you will receive email confirmation of your appointment.

Do You Identify ADHD?

At this time, we do not identify ADHD. As ADHD and autism share many overlapping characteristics, we encourage you to discuss this with your Clinical Psychologist.

What Will You Cover in Parent Groups?

We aim to have three rolling workshops throughout the year covering sleep, toileting, and feeding. Each group consists of two 90-minute sessions, three weeks apart, with individualized written feedback provided between sessions. Additionally, we will run an 'Introduction to Autism' group across six sessions, one week apart, covering key aspects such as sensory sensitivities, communication, and emotional regulation. Please contact us if you are interested in learning more or to be put on the waitlist.

I Have More Questions. Who Should I Contact?

If you have additional questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Reach out to our team by emailing info@berlinautismclinic.com and you can expect a response within 2 working days. We are here to assist you and provide the necessary support.