Assessment
Private autism assessment for children
A structured autism (ASD) diagnostic assessment to NICE guideline CG128, bringing together developmental history, school information and direct observation of your child.
What parents often notice first
- Finding social situations confusing or exhausting
- Strong, deep interests in particular subjects
- Distress when routines or plans change
- Sensitivity to noise, light, textures or food
- Language that developed differently, or very formally
- Coping at school then melting down at home
- Difficulty reading tone, sarcasm or facial expression
- Repetitive movements that help them self-regulate
None of these on their own mean a diagnosis. Assessment is about understanding the whole picture of your child across home, school and social life.
How we assess autism
Autism is a description of how a person experiences and interacts with the world, not an illness. Assessing it well takes time and information from more than one source.
We take a detailed developmental history from you, gather structured information from your child's school or nursery, and spend unhurried time with your child in clinic. The assessment follows NICE guideline CG128 for autism in under-19s.
Girls and young women
Autism is still missed more often in girls, who frequently mask difficulties in the classroom and only show the cost of it at home. We assess with that pattern firmly in mind, and we take seriously a picture where school reports nothing and home sees everything.
After the assessment
You receive a written report setting out the findings and what they mean in practice - at home, in the classroom and socially. Where an autism diagnosis is not the right explanation we say so clearly and explain what we think fits better.
A diagnosis often unlocks support: reasonable adjustments at school, evidence towards an EHCP application, and access to local services. The report is written with that use in mind.
How the assessment works
- 01
Get in touch
Send a short enquiry describing your concerns. We'll tell you which type of appointment fits, or say honestly if we're not the right service.
- 02
Pre-assessment information
We gather developmental history, school observations and standardised questionnaires before you come in, so clinic time is spent with your child.
- 03
Clinic appointment
An unhurried consultation at our Leamington Spa clinic with direct observation and time for both you and your child to be heard.
- 04
Diagnosis explained
Findings are explained in plain language on the day - what they mean, what they don't, and what happens next.
- 05
Written report
A full report you can share with school, your GP and the NHS, written to NICE standards.
- 06
Ongoing management
Where treatment or medication is appropriate, we review, titrate and support rather than discharge you at diagnosis.
Common questions
How long does an autism assessment take?
The clinic appointment is unhurried, and the work around it - history, school information, questionnaires and report writing - takes place over several weeks. We give you a realistic timescale when you enquire.
Will the NHS and school accept the diagnosis?
Our assessments follow NICE guideline CG128, and reports written to that standard should be accepted by your child's school and by the NHS.
Does my child need to be there?
Yes. Direct observation is a core part of a sound autism assessment, so your child needs to attend the clinic. If that is difficult, tell us and we will plan the appointment around what they can manage.
Should we assess for ADHD too?
Often, yes. Autism and ADHD frequently occur together and their traits can look alike. A combined assessment considers both at once and avoids a second round of the same process later.
Other services
ADHD assessment
A full NICE-standard diagnostic assessment for attention, focus, impulsivity and hyperactivity, with a written report and a clear management plan.
Combined autism & ADHD
Both assessments carried out together, so overlapping traits are considered side by side rather than in two separate journeys.
Anxiety & mental health
Assessment and ongoing management of anxiety, low mood and emotional wellbeing in children and young people.
Talk to us about your child
Tell us a little about your concerns and we'll advise on the right type of appointment - there's no obligation to book.
ADHD assessments, autism assessments and combined ASD/ADHD assessments are all currently bookable.
- Phone
- 01926 624 235