Autism Assessments for Children & Young People
A thoughtful, clinician-led assessment that helps you understand your child's communication, social experience and sensory world, and what support may help.
Looking for the adults assessment? Go there
Is this right for my child?
An Autism assessment may be helpful if you've noticed differences in your child's communication, social interaction, sensory experiences or how they cope with change, and you'd like a clearer understanding of their individual profile.
We want children and young people to feel comfortable, listened to and involved in their assessment, in a way that suits their age and individual needs.
- You'd like to understand your child's strengths, differences and support needs
- Your child, their school or another professional has raised questions
- You'd like clear recommendations for home, school and beyond
You don't need to be certain. The Initial Assessment Consultation is a good first step if you're unsure.
- 01
Initial Consultation
An online conversation of around 30 minutes about your concerns and the right pathway.
- 02
Information Gathering
Relevant background and clinical information is gathered.
- 03
Specialist Assessment
Includes both the ADI-R and the ADOS-2, alongside developmental, clinical and school information where appropriate.
- 04
Clinical Review
The information is considered carefully and brought together.
- 05
Report
A comprehensive written report with findings and recommendations.
- 06
Feedback & Recommendations
We explain the findings and talk through next steps.
Learn more: assessment components
ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised) gathers a detailed developmental history, usually with a parent or carer, or another person who knows your child's early development.
ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Second Edition) is a structured observational assessment of social communication, interaction and behaviours relevant to Autism.
Relevant questionnaires, school information, previous reports and other clinical information are also considered where appropriate. ADI-R and ADOS-2 findings are never treated as stand-alone results: the conclusion is reached by bringing all the available evidence together.
What an assessment may include
From clinical assessment to a written report, feedback and recommendations.
An assessment may include the following, as appropriate. Exact components depend on the assessment pathway and individual circumstances; not every component is used in every case.
- Initial clinical consultation
- Detailed clinical and developmental history
- Appropriate standardised assessment measures
- Questionnaires and supporting information
- Parent, family or informant information, where appropriate
- School information, where appropriate
- Specialist clinical assessment
- Clinical / MDT review, where appropriate
- Comprehensive written assessment report
- Feedback appointment
- Individualised recommendations and next steps
Autism Assessment · Children & Young People
Includes the written report, feedback and recommendations, where applicable to the pathway.
Not sure yet? Initial Assessment Consultation — £150 £95 · Spread the cost with 0% finance
Quick answers
How do I know whether I need an Autism, ADHD or Combined assessment?
You don't have to work this out alone. The Initial Assessment Consultation is an online conversation of around 30 minutes to understand your concerns and establish whether an Autism, ADHD or Combined pathway may be appropriate. It is not a diagnostic assessment.
What happens during an assessment?
Includes both the ADI-R and the ADOS-2, alongside developmental, clinical and school information where appropriate.
The components are explained under Learn more above. Our How It Works page shows every step.
Will you need information from my child's school?
Where appropriate, and with consent, information will be sought from your child's school, nursery or college. This may include questionnaires and information about communication, attention, behaviour, learning, social interaction and functioning in the educational environment. Existing SEN/EHCP information, school reports or previous professional assessments may also be considered.
School information helps us understand your child across different environments. It is not needed in every case.
How long does an assessment take?
The length of the process varies according to the assessment pathway, appointment availability and how quickly relevant supporting information can be obtained. Once your pathway has been established, we can give you a clearer indication of the expected timescale.
Will I receive a written report?
Yes. After the assessment and clinical review you receive a comprehensive written report, covering the reason for assessment, relevant history, the assessment components used, findings, the clinical conclusion, strengths and areas of need, individualised recommendations and suggested next steps.
A feedback appointment is offered to explain the findings and answer your questions.
What is included in the assessment fee?
The Fees page lists what an assessment may include. Exact components depend on the assessment pathway and individual circumstances.
Ready to take the next step?
Not sure where to start?
Tell us a little about what you're looking for. We'll take it from there, at a pace that suits you.