Autism Psychiatrist
Marbella

Adult Autism Assessment

Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation using internationally validated diagnostic frameworks, tailored for adults seeking clarity later in life.

Autism in Adolescents

Specialist diagnosis and psychiatric support for teenagers, with guidance for parents and coordination with educational and therapeutic teams.

Co-occurring Conditions

Assessment and management of ADHD, anxiety, depression and other conditions frequently associated with autism spectrum disorder.

Online Consultations

Secure video appointments available for patients across Spain and internationally, offering the same rigour and discretion as in-person care.

Fluent English Care

All consultations conducted entirely in English — essential for expats and international families who require precision in nuanced psychiatric discussions.

Internationally Validated

Diagnostic assessments follow DSM-5 and ICD-11 criteria — accepted by educational institutions, employers and insurance companies worldwide.

Absolute Discretion

Dr Taillefer's private practice operates with the highest standards of confidentiality — particularly valued by professionals, executives and high-profile individuals.

Holistic Psychiatric View

Beyond diagnosis, Dr Taillefer assesses the full psychiatric picture — including co-occurring anxiety, burnout and mood disorders — designing truly integrated care. See her work on burnout and anxiety in professionals.

Flexible Access

In-person consultations in Marbella and Estepona, with secure online sessions available for patients based elsewhere along the coast or internationally.

Reports & Aftercare

Each assessment concludes with a thorough written report. Follow-up psychiatric appointments and long-term support plans are available for all patients.

An autism assessment with Dr Victoria Taillefer begins with a comprehensive psychiatric consultation lasting approximately 90 minutes. During this appointment, she conducts a detailed clinical interview exploring developmental history, current functioning, social communication, sensory sensitivities, and any co-occurring psychiatric conditions. Where clinically indicated, structured autism diagnostic instruments aligned with DSM-5 criteria are used. Collateral information from family members or other professionals may be sought with your consent. Following the evaluation, a written diagnostic report is prepared — typically within ten working days — outlining findings, conclusions and recommendations. This report is suitable for use with schools, employers, insurance providers and other healthcare professionals. Aftercare appointments to discuss the report and explore treatment or support options are strongly encouraged as part of the care pathway.

Absolutely. Late diagnosis of autism in adulthood is increasingly recognised as both valid and highly valuable. Many adults on the Costa del Sol — particularly expats who may not have had access to specialist evaluation in their country of origin — reach their thirties, forties or later before receiving a diagnosis. Common presenting factors include persistent difficulties in social communication, sensory overwhelm, burnout after years of masking, or unexplained anxiety and depression. Dr Taillefer is experienced in assessing autism in adults using a culturally sensitive and non-stigmatising approach. A formal diagnosis in adulthood can bring profound relief, self-understanding and access to appropriate support. It can also prompt valuable reassessment of longstanding psychiatric difficulties. All adult assessments are conducted privately, in English, and with complete confidentiality.

Yes. Dr Victoria Taillefer conducts all consultations in fluent English and is one of the very few fully qualified consultant psychiatrists on the Costa del Sol who offers specialist autism assessment entirely in English. For expatriate patients and international families, this is a significant advantage — not only for clarity of communication but for the accuracy of the clinical history, which depends upon nuanced and precise language. Diagnostic reports are produced in English as standard, or in Spanish upon request. Dr Taillefer understands the particular experience of living as a foreigner in southern Spain and approaches the cultural dimension of her patients' lives with sensitivity and awareness. Her practice is specifically designed for the international community in Marbella, Estepona, Puerto Banús and the surrounding area.

Yes. Autism and ADHD are among the most frequently co-occurring neurodevelopmental conditions, and a significant proportion of patients referred for one are found to meet criteria for both. Dr Taillefer's neurodevelopmental assessments are designed to evaluate the full clinical picture, including ADHD, autism, sensory processing difficulties and associated mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Rather than conducting siloed assessments, she takes a comprehensive psychiatric approach that maps the interactions between conditions — which is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. Patients may be referred by their GP, another specialist, or self-refer directly. More information about her combined neurodevelopmental work is available on the ADHD assessment page.

Dr Taillefer offers secure video consultations for patients who are unable to attend in person, whether due to location, mobility, or personal preference. Initial consultations and follow-up appointments can be conducted online, and many elements of an autism assessment — including clinical interview, structured questionnaires and developmental history review — are fully compatible with a telehealth format. For patients based outside the Marbella and Estepona area, or those living internationally, online consultations provide equivalent access to specialist psychiatric care. All video appointments are conducted via a secure and confidential platform. Patients wishing to proceed with a formal diagnostic assessment fully online should enquire directly, as Dr Taillefer will advise on the most appropriate pathway based on individual clinical circumstances and the purpose of the assessment.

Yes — and this is an area of particular clinical interest for Dr Taillefer. Research consistently demonstrates that autism presents differently in women and girls, who are more likely to mask or camouflage autistic traits — appearing socially competent on the surface while experiencing significant internal distress. This masking often leads to late or missed diagnosis, with many women instead receiving diagnoses of anxiety, depression or emotionally unstable personality disorder before autism is eventually recognised. The exhaustion of sustained masking is a significant contributor to burnout, particularly in high-achieving professional women. Dr Taillefer's extensive experience in women's mental health equips her specifically to recognise and assess the female autism phenotype with the rigour and sensitivity it requires.