Staffordshire Autism Service

Understanding yourself can change everything.

At Staffordshire Autism Service (SAS), we provide specialist autism assessments for adults who want clarity, understanding, and practical next steps. Our assessments are carried out by highly experienced Clinical Psychologists who follow best-practice and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) aligned approaches.

Led by Dr Matt Johnson - Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Dr Andrew Adams - Principal Clinical Psychologist, SAS offers a calm, professional and evidence-based pathway designed around you. Based in Staffordshire, we provide autism assessments for adults both locally and across the UK - online or in person.

We believe that an autism assessment should be a respectful, validating process - one that helps you make sense of your experiences and identify the support that fits you best.

Why consider an autism assessment?

For many adults, the idea of seeking an autism assessment comes after years of wondering why certain situations feel harder than they seem for others - social interactions, sensory overload, or needing time to recover after changes in routine.

An assessment can bring understanding, relief, and a clearer picture of your strengths and needs. For some, it’s the first step towards better self-acceptance and accessing appropriate support at work, in education, or in relationships.

We also recognise that NHS waiting lists for adult autism assessments can be very long which adds to feelings of frustration and overwhelm. Our service provides a timely, thorough and compassionate alternative, offering clarity and recommendations without unnecessary delay.

Our approach.

We provide a structured, step-by-step pathway that’s easy to follow and transparent from the start.

1. Screening Assessment – We begin with a short, evidence-based screening assessment to identify whether a full diagnostic assessment is likely to be appropriate and helpful to you.

2. Autism Diagnostic Assessment – For those continuing, we complete a comprehensive autism assessment using validated tools as recommended by NICE.

3. Feedback and Report – You’ll receive clear feedback explaining the outcome of your assessment and what it means for you, along with a written report you can share with your GP or employer if you choose.

Our process follows NICE guidelines and draws on current psychological research, ensuring assessments are both clinically robust and person-centred.

Who we are.

We are HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologists with a commitment to ethical, evidence-based work and to creating a respectful environment for every client. Between us, we have over 30 years of combined NHS and private practice experience, specialising in autism assessment and adult mental health.

A straightforward, supportive process.

We understand that taking this step can feel daunting. From first enquiry to feedback, our goal is to make the process as clear and comfortable as possible. You don’t need a referral - please contact us directly to discuss whether an autism assessment is right for you.

If you’re seeking greater understanding of yourself or someone you support, we’re here to help.