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Understanding ECHPs
For parents of children with autism, navigating the education system can feel overwhelming. One tool that can make a real difference is an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This document is designed to ensure that children with additional needs receive the support they need to thrive in school and beyond.
EHCPs and your child:
Navigating the education system for a child with autism can be challenging. An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) can help to secure tailored support for your child. In this guide, we’ll explain what an EHCP is, how it can help children with autism, and how parents can navigate the process.
The process begins with a request for assessment. Parents or educational settings can make an application for an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) to identify a child’s strengths and areas of needs. Professionals including teachers, therapists, and medical experts contribute to a comprehensive assessment process.
If the application is successful, an EHCP will provide extra funding for your child’s school to put additional support in place. If an application is unsuccessful, this does not mean that your child doesn’t need any additional support. In most cases, it means that the school should be able to provide the additional support your using their own resources.
An EHCP outlines the long term outcomes and the provisions required to achieve them. Importantly, it is a collaborative document, designed to ensure the educational and health support is coordinated.
Parents often find that having an EHCP not only provides practical support but also brings peace of mind. It gives clear guidance to schools, validates the child’s needs, and offers a framework for measuring progress. Tailored intervention and structured support, backed by an EHCP, have been shown to improve educational and social emotional outcomes, and overall wellbeing for autistic children.
As part of the process of applying for an EHCP, we can assist by providing a report to support the Educational Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) process. We can produce a full written report which will identify the specific type and nature of your child’s Special Educational Needs. Based on your child’s and your aspirations, the report will also identify the positive outcomes and recommend the provisions that are needed. The report will be delivered to you via our secure online platform. You will be able to submit this report to your Local Authority or educational setting in order to progress with the provision required.
An up-to-date and detailed report can provide a strong foundation for an EHCP application. It turns observations and professional opinions into a structured, evidence-backed case, which can speed up the process of securing the tailored support your child as well as provide valuable insight on your child’s development across different areas.
What is an EHCP?
An EHCP is a legally binding document in the UK that outlines a child’s educational, health, and social care needs, along with the support required to meet those needs. It ensures that children with autism receive tailored support at school, promoting their learning, development, and wellbeing.
Key Benefits of an EHCP for Children with Autism
Access to specialist teaching and support staff
Schools can provide targeted interventions and additional support for learning, social skills, and communication.
Tailored classroom adjustments
Adjustments such as sensory-friendly spaces, visual timetables, and quiet areas help children manage their environment more effectively.
Eligibility for therapies and interventions
An EHCP can include access to speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, or social skills programs.
Improved coordination between professionals
Teachers, therapists, and health professionals work from a shared plan, ensuring consistent support.
Validation and understanding of your child’s needs
An EHCP provides clarity for parents and schools, helping reduce misunderstandings about behaviour or learning challenges.
How does an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) Report help?
1. Documents Your Child’s Needs Clearly
The EHCNA report consolidates observations and assessments from multiple professionals—teachers, educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and medical specialists. It gives the local authority a detailed, evidence-based understanding of your child’s strengths, challenges, and learning needs.
2. Provides Objective Evidence for the EHCP Request
Local authorities are legally required to consider whether the child’s needs are significant and long-term. The EHCNA report presents factual data, test results, and professional recommendations that demonstrate these needs, making it much more likely that an EHCP will be granted.
3. Highlights Required Support and Adjustments
The report outlines the type and level of support your child requires—such as classroom accommodations, specialist teaching, or therapy. This directly informs the EHCP, ensuring it is tailored to your child’s specific needs rather than generic.
4. Supports Collaboration Between Professionals
Because the EHCNA brings together input from multiple disciplines, it provides a shared framework for schools, therapists, and local authority officers. This improves consistency in understanding your child’s needs and reduces the risk of gaps in support.
5. Strengthens Your Case as a Parent
Having a thorough, professional EHCNA report gives parents credible documentation to back up their request for an EHCP. Local authorities are more likely to approve a plan when clear, objective evidence is presented.
Tips for parents
Start early: the EHCP process can take several months.
Keep detailed records of your child’s progress, challenges, and support needs.
Engage with all professionals involved in your child’s care to ensure a comprehensive plan.
Review the EHCP annually to ensure it continues to meet your child’s evolving needs.
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FAQs
How long is the wait time for a children's private autism assessment?
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.
Do I need a GP referral for a private autism assessment?
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.
What is included in a private autism assessment?
A private autism assessment at Autism Clinic London includes a detailed developmental history, clinical observations, and a structured diagnostic ADOS assessment. Input from parents, caregivers, and educational placements may also be included to ensure a complete understanding of your child’s needs. All of our reports mirror those you would receive from an NHS assessment.
How much does a private autism assessment cost in the UK?
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.
Is a private autism diagnosis recognised by the NHS and schools?
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.
Do you do assessments for ADHD?
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.
What age can a child be diagnosed with autism?
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.
What are the signs that my child may need an autism assessment?
How accurate is a private autism assessment?
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.
What happens after an autism diagnosis?
Can adults get a private autism assessment too?
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.
Is a private autism assessment faster than the NHS?
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.
Will schools accept a private autism assessment report?
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.
Can I use a private diagnosis to apply for an EHCP?
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.
What is the difference between screening and a full autism assessment?
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.
Do you offer online only autism assessments?
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.
Why is an autism diagnosis important?
An autism diagnosis helps individuals and families understand their experiences, access appropriate support, and make informed decisions about education, healthcare, and daily life.
Does an autism diagnosis change anything?
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.
Can a diagnosis help at school?
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.
