All assessments are conducted in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, ensuring a thorough, evidence-based, and high-quality diagnostic process.
All assessments are conducted in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, ensuring a thorough, evidence-based, and high-quality diagnostic process.
Our assessment pathway is designed to be clear, supportive, and tailored to each child’s individual needs. We aim to provide a thorough understanding of your child’s strengths, communication style, and support needs, while making the process as accessible and comfortable as possible for families.
1. Pre-assessment Questionnaire
The process begins with a detailed pre-assessment questionnaire. This gathers important background information about your child’s developmental history, communication style, strengths, and current support needs.
This helps our clinicians build an initial understanding of your child and ensures the assessment is tailored to their individual profile.
2. Information gathering and review
Once the questionnaire is completed, our team carefully reviews all available information. This may include developmental history, school reports, and any additional relevant documentation provided by parents or caregivers.
This stage allows us to take a holistic view of your child’s experiences across home, education, and other environments.
3. Assessment process (Clinical assessment tools)
Your child’s assessment is carried out using a range of gold-standard, evidence-based tools, which will include:
These are internationally recognised diagnostic tools widely used in clinical practice to support a thorough and accurate assessment process.
4. Multidisciplinary clinical review
Following the assessment, our multidisciplinary team reviews all information gathered, including clinical observations, developmental history, and supporting documentation.
This collaborative discussion ensures a balanced and comprehensive understanding of your child’s profile, drawing on the expertise of clinicians from different professional backgrounds.
5. Feedback and diagnostic outcome
You will be invited to a feedback appointment where we discuss the outcome of the assessment in a clear, supportive, and accessible way.
If your child meets the criteria for an autism diagnosis, this will be explained carefully, alongside what this means in everyday life. If autism is not identified, we will explore alternative explanations where appropriate and ensure your concerns are fully addressed.
A comprehensive diagnostic report will be provided, clearly outlining the outcome and findings in a professional and easy-to-understand format.
6. Post-diagnostic support and Recommendations
Following feedback, we provide personalised recommendations tailored to your child’s strengths, needs, and experiences. This may include strategies for home and school, guidance for supporting sensory or communication differences, and signposting to relevant services.
Our aim is to ensure you leave the process with clarity, understanding, and practical next steps to support your child’s wellbeing and development.
All of our clinicians are highly experienced and have worked extensively within specialist autism and neurodevelopmental services. You can feel confident that your child’s assessment will be thorough, professional, and aligned with best clinical practice.
We are committed to providing a supportive, respectful, and neuroaffirming assessment experience for both children and their families.
Cost
The cost of a full assessment is £1,800.
We support families across:
We also offer virtual appointments for families throughout the UK.
What age can a child be assessed for autism?
At Autism Insight, we assess children from the age of 4 years onwards. If you have concerns about your child's social communication, sensory differences, emotional regulation, or developmental profile, we can discuss whether an autism assessment may be appropriate during an initial consultation.
How long does the assessment process take?
The assessment process varies depending on your child's individual needs and circumstances. Following your initial consultation, we will guide you through each stage of the assessment and keep you informed throughout the process.
Is a private autism diagnosis recognised?
Our assessments are completed by experienced clinicians using recognised diagnostic standards and evidence-based assessment tools. The diagnostic report can be shared with healthcare professionals, educational settings, and other relevant services where appropriate.
How can the assessment report help my child at school?
Following the assessment, you will receive a comprehensive diagnostic report detailing your child's strengths, areas of need, and profile of autistic characteristics. The report includes practical, individualised recommendations that can be shared with schools to help inform reasonable adjustments, classroom strategies, sensory support, communication approaches, and educational planning.
What happens if my child receives an autism diagnosis?
You will receive a detailed diagnostic report and personalised recommendations tailored to your child's needs. We will discuss the findings with you during a feedback session and provide guidance on how the recommendations can be implemented at home, in school, and within other support settings.
What if my child is not diagnosed with autism?
Regardless of the outcome, the assessment process provides valuable insight into your child's strengths, challenges, and support needs. Where appropriate, recommendations will be provided to help you access relevant support and services moving forward.
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