Autism Assessments

To help us understand the young person’s current profile, we ask parents or carers, and where appropriate, the young person themselves, to complete pre-assessment forms. These help guide our clinical understanding and ensure the assessment is focused and relevant. 

We gather insights from school staff who know the young person well in an educational or social setting. This helps build a picture of how the young person presents in different environments. 

A detailed conversation with parents or carers focusing on the young person’s developmental history, strengths, and challenges from infancy to the present day. This forms a vital part of the diagnostic process. 

We carry out a virtual assessment with the young person using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), a recognised and reputable tool for Autism diagnosis. The session is carefully adapted to the needs, communication style, and comfort of the individual. 

At least two qualified clinicians are involved in the assessment process. They collaborate to consider all information and observations before reaching a diagnostic conclusion. 

We offer a personalised feedback session with the family, delivered in a way that suits them, whether by video call, phone, telephone call or written summary. Our goal is to ensure families feel heard, supported, and fully informed. 

 Each family receives a detailed written report, including:

• Diagnostic outcome
• A clear explanation of findings
• Strengths-based observations
• Tailored recommendations for support
• Signposting to both local and national services and resources

We know that no two young people are the same. That’s why our assessments are always adapted where needed, to ensure they are accessible, respectful, and representative of the young person’s true profile.

If you'd like to speak to us about whether an autism assessment is right for your child or young person, please feel free to get in touch. We're happy to answer any questions and guide you through the next steps.

While our Autism assessments are primarily delivered virtually, we recognise that every young person is unique and that, in some cases, a face-to-face approach may be more appropriate.

In specific, case-by-case circumstances, face-to-face assessments can be considered and offered, taking place within the young person’s school or educational setting. This may include:

• A gold-standard observation conducted in person
• An observation during unstructured times such as break or lunch, to gain insight into social communication and interaction in a natural environment

This option is available for young people of any age, provided they are currently attending an education setting but will be heavily dependant on geographical location. Please feel free to get in touch for enquiries.