Finding private psychiatry for autism can be a challenge that can feel overwhelming to people experiencing symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Whether you have an existing autism diagnosis, or are looking for an assessment, we understand how important it is to get clarity and tangible support. Dr McCann is here to help you through all aspects of your psychiatry journey from autism assessment and diagnosis all the way to ongoing support.
This outpatient Psychiatry Service offers accessible, expert mental health support for people aged 16+. We provide diagnostic assessments, tailored therapy, and medication management for autism and a variety of other psychiatric conditions.
Many adults who believe they are on the autism spectrum face significant setbacks when seeking diagnosis. From long NHS waiting lists, to lack of access to expert psychiatrists, getting diagnosed with autism can be a truly frustrating experience.
Choosing to undertake private psychiatry means that you will be able to overcome a lot of those difficulties, significantly shortening wait-times, and having direct access to psychiatrists without requiring an NHS or GP referral.
We understand that clients who want to discuss a potential autism diagnosis or ongoing support for an existing one, need to feel involved and fully informed throughout the entire process.
We do not currently treat children or young people under 16.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex learning disability that affects both children and adults, often presenting in a range of unique ways. While it’s important to recognise autism as early as possible, lots of adults and adolescents find themselves requiring a late autism diagnosis, or even an adult ADHD diagnosis with autism, for a variety of reasons from being "high masking", to not having been able to access this support in childhood. Autism has a variety of signs and symptoms that can be more unique, however, here are the most common ones:
Individuals with autism may struggle with social interactions and communication. This can include difficulty making eye contact, understanding body language, and maintaining conversations. These difficulties can affect relationships with family members, friends, and colleagues. Autistic people may also struggle with understanding social norms.
A well-known symptom of autism is the presence of repetitive behaviours. This can include repetitive movements such as hand-flapping, or the need for strict routines that, when disrupted, can cause distress. People with autism may also develop a narrow, intense focus on a specific interest or hobby, sometimes referred to as a ‘special interest’.
Many individuals with autism experience heightened or diminished sensory sensitivity. This can manifest as an overreaction to lights, sounds, textures, or smells, which can result in anxiety or discomfort. Conversely, some may show a limited response to other senses, for example pain or temperature. Understanding these sensitivities is crucial for providing the right autism treatment and support.
It’s not uncommon for autism to be accompanied by other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Dr McCann understands that mental health conditions often intersect with autism, and he provides comprehensive evaluations to identify any co-occurring conditions that may require treatment.
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking a private autism assessment with a psychiatrist is an important step. A diagnosis can provide a clear understanding of how the condition affects you, from which a personalised treatment plan can be developed. Dr McCann is highly qualified to assess and support individuals with autism and related conditions.
As a private service, we offer flexible payment options, including the possibility to use private medical insurance for consultations and treatments. We follow NICE guidelines and aim to provide the highest standard of care, drawing on the latest research and training from recognised institutions like the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Dr McCann provides expert support for individuals who have autism or suspected autism. From assessment and diagnosis to ongoing mental health care, he offers a range of services to help individuals better understand their needs and access the right support. He can help you with:
Dr McCann provides comprehensive autism assessments and diagnostic services for individuals aged 16 and over. With growing demand for autism assessments, many people in the UK face long NHS waiting times, often waiting more than a year to receive help. Our private service offers a significantly faster alternative.
Autism Assessments for Adults and Young People (16+)
Our autism assessments are conducted by Dr Peter McCann, Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Director at Castle Craig :
There are many reasons for people with autism to choose Dr McCann as their mental health medical provider. He’s a specialist in managing patients with autism; helping them to manage their condition effectively.
We believe that every person who walks through our doors should feel valued, respected, and be treated with the utmost care. We understand that autism spectrum conditions are unique to each person, which is why our treatments are personalised to address individual needs.
Dr McCann has extensive experience in expertise in dual diagnosis treatment, addressing both autism and any co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. He ensures that every aspect of a patient's well-being is managed, from psychiatric support to therapeutic interventions, for a holistic treatment approach.
At Castle Craig, we understand the importance of being able to access treatment quickly. That’s why we offer rapid assessments with little to no waiting lists. Our patients can access immediate support from our expert team, ensuring a swift path to diagnosis and treatment for those seeking help with autism and related conditions.
Dr Peter McCann, MBBS, MSc, MRCPsych, Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Director of Castle Craig. He specialises in general psychiatry, alongside his work at Castle Craig helping people who suffer from addiction. He has experience of treatment both in the United States and the United Kingdom.
He is on the GMC Specialist Register for General Psychiatry in the U.K and is also U.S. Board certified in both General Psychiatry and Internal Medicine. He is BUPA Registered.
We are covered by the following private medical insurers:
If you have private medical insurance but do not see your insurer here, we encourage you to give them a call and ask if they would cover your treatment here.
offer partial or full reimbursement, and we're more than willing to help with any paperwork or information you might need to support your inquiry.
Contact our team to find out more information regarding private medical insurance. Our team is on hand to answer questions and help with anything you may need to provide to your insurer.
We offer flexible appointment options to suit your needs; whether you prefer to visit us in person at our clinic at Castle Craig nestled in the scenic Scottish Borders, 20 miles from Edinburgh or you prefer to connect with us online from anywhere in the UK. Regardless of how you choose to engage, our commitment remains the same: to provide you with professional, compassionate, and evidence-based care throughout your treatment journey.
Our team at Castle Craig is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, ensuring that you receive the highest quality of care tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. We are here to support you (or your loved one) with your eating disorder, to ensure your mental and physical health and emotional well-being are cared for and prioritised and to provide access to care that will support lasting recovery.
If you feel you are struggling with a mental illness or mental health challenges you can begin by self-referring through a phone call or email
If you're unsure about what support you need or if you have any concerns, we're more than happy to assist you. Whether you’re looking for more information about the services, the types of treatments available, or simply need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to get in touch.