Day-to-Day Strategies for Improving an Autistic Child’s Happiness

For private assessments, we aim to arrange a pre-assessment with a Specialist Doctor within 72 hours. If a full autism assessment is recommended, all appointments are typically completed within 4 weeks. Some delays may occur for example if the educational placement is closed during the holiday period. A comprehensive report, including a diagnosis where appropriate, is usually delivered within 10 days of your final appointment.

If you are referred through your NHS Trust, timelines are similar, although this can vary depending on local demand.

No, you do not need a GP referral to access our private autism assessment service. Your first step is a consultation with one of our Specialist Doctors, all of whom also work within the NHS. They will discuss your child’s needs, development, and any concerns you or their school may have. If appropriate, you will be offered a short video consultation to review your child’s needs in more detail and decide whether to proceed with a full assessment.

The cost of a private autism assessment varies depending on the provider and the complexity of the assessment. To compare costs from other providers our costs cover the initial consultation, full diagnostic assessment, and a detailed written report. Mostly, you will be charged over £2,000 with some private clinics charging up to £3,500. We work hard to deliver our assessments at a lower rate than most of the market without compromising on quality. For example, some providers will assess your child without meeting them face-to-face. We believe that for an assessment to be thorough, we have to see your child in person.

Yes, a private autism diagnosis carried out by Autism Clinic London is recognised by schools, the NHS and local authorities. All our assessments are carried out by our multi-disciplinary team who follow NICE guidelines.

Many schools and local authorities accept private reports to support EHCP applications and access to support services.

Although our clinicians do carry out ADHD assessments in their NHS practice, we do not currently offer ADHD assessments at Autism Clinic London. Our Autism Assessments do include a comprehensive report and will highlight if there are possible ADHD concerns, which can then be explored in future by your child’s local NHS trust or by another provider.

Children can be assessed for autism from around 18 months onwards. Early diagnosis can help children access the right support sooner, improving long-term outcomes. We see children aged between 2 and 14 years.

Private autism assessments are highly accurate when conducted by experienced clinicians using evidence-based diagnostic tools and NICE guidelines. The quality of the assessment depends on the expertise of the professionals involved and the thoroughness of the process. We are regulated, inspected and rated by CQC which ensures that you can depend on the quality of our assessments.

Yes, many private services offer autism assessments for adults as well as children. The process is similar but tailored to adult experiences, including work, relationships, and mental health history. We are a specialist clinic that only assesses children.

Yes, private assessments are significantly faster. While NHS waiting lists can often exceed 12–24 months, a private assessment at Autism Clinic London will typically be completed within four weeks.

Schools should accept private autism assessment reports, particularly when completed by qualified clinicians who follow NICE guidelines. These reports can be used to support SEN planning and requests for additional support.

Yes, a private diagnosis can support an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) application. The report provides professional evidence of your child’s needs and recommended support.

A screening is an initial check to see whether autism may be present, while a full assessment is a comprehensive diagnostic process that can lead to a formal diagnosis. If you are concerned that your child has signs of Autism, please contact us and we can arrange an initial assessment in the first instance.

Some parts of the assessment process, such as initial consultations and diagnostic interviews with parent or carer, can be carried out online. However, a full diagnostic assessment will require in-person observation. Other providers may offer fully virtual assessments but such assessments do not meet our standards.

An autism diagnosis helps individuals and families understand their experiences, access appropriate support, and make informed decisions about education, healthcare, and daily life.

A diagnosis doesn’t change who your child is, but it can open doors to support, reduce uncertainty, and provide clarity for families and professionals. Once you have a confirmed diagnosis, you can also access appropriate and targeted post-diagnostic care, which can help day-to-day life enormously.

Yes, a diagnosis can help schools better understand your child’s needs and provide appropriate support, accommodations, and learning strategies. It can help inform an EHCP and a more complete approach to your child's educational needs.