Autism · 3 min read
The Autism Assessment Journey: What Actually Happens
A step-by-step, jargon-free walkthrough of a private autism assessment — what happens, how long it takes, and what you get.
“Assessment” sounds clinical and scary. In reality it’s a careful, respectful process of understanding your child. Here’s exactly what happens with us — no surprises.
Step 1 — Free 20-minute call
A relaxed chat. No forms, no pressure. You tell us what you’re noticing; we tell you honestly whether an assessment makes sense now.
Step 2 — Screening (£95)
We gather your child’s background and history and agree next steps together. This makes the full assessment focused and useful.
Step 3 — Full MDT assessment
Our multidisciplinary team assess together using gold-standard tools (ADOS-2 and ADI-R), in line with NICE guidance (CG128). Where it helps, we observe your child at school too — because children show different sides in different places.
The team can include a Highly Specialist SLT, a Specialist Autism Nurse, a Specialist OT and a Clinical Psychologist.
Step 4 — Report & ongoing support
You get a detailed written report with practical recommendations, and a feedback session to talk it all through. Our reports are written to the standard needed for EHCP applications, Annual Reviews and NHS shared care.
If therapy would help, it can start straight away — no re-referral, because the team already knows your child.
The essentials
- Ages: 5 and above
- Timescale: typically 4–8 weeks, screening to report
- Cost: £1,975 (includes the £95 screening). Instalment plans available.
- Referral: none needed — you can come to us directly
Common worries, answered
“Will the label limit my child?” A good assessment does the opposite — it explains your child so the right support can follow. It’s about understanding, not boxing in.
“What if they say no?” Then you have clarity and a fuller picture of your child’s profile and needs — which is valuable in itself.
“Is a private report accepted?” Yes. Written to NICE standards and accepted for EHCP and school SEND support.
Ready to talk it through? Book your free call →
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