Screening and diagnosis are different things, and confusing them causes a lot of unnecessary worry.
What screening does
A screening tool is a short questionnaire that indicates whether a fuller assessment might be worthwhile. It is a signpost. It cannot diagnose, and a high score is not a diagnosis.
What a diagnostic assessment does
A diagnostic assessment is a structured clinical conversation with someone qualified to interpret it, covering your history, your current functioning and the alternative explanations. It produces a clinical opinion.
Why the distinction matters
Online questionnaires are widely available and are not regulated. They can be a useful prompt to seek an assessment. They are not a substitute for one, and they should not be used to rule a possibility out.
Where to go next
- The service: Autism Screening and Guidance
- Who delivers it: Our professionals
- What it costs: Prices
- How to start: Book a free 15-minute suitability call