Autism assessments in London
- Conducted by experts trained in autism
- Autism assessment available from £1,950
- Shorter waiting times than the national average
- Comprehensive outcome report
Autism is a developmental condition that can impact how you communicate, interact with the world and process information. While many people with autism live fulfilling lives, going through a formal autism assessment can provide clarity, support and guidance for both individuals and their families.
If you or your child are showing signs of autism, it’s important to know that support is available, and you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. At Priory, we’re here to provide a thorough and professional private autism assessment, helping you better understand your needs and identify the best path forward.
Our London-based autism assessments are conducted by experienced specialists and include a detailed outcome report with tailored recommendations. With shorter waiting times and no need for a GP referral, we’re committed to providing you with fast, expert support.
What happens in an autism assessment?
Our autism assessment process is the same for both adults and children. It’s made up of a number of elements, including:
- A screening process, using the autism spectrum quotient test (AQ-10), to help us determine whether our full autism assessment is an appropriate step for you. This consists of us asking you a brief set of questions to determine whether you’re showing some of the signs of autism. This can be done at the initial enquiry stage. Alternatively, if you’re receiving treatment for other mental health concerns, this step may be conducted by your mental health treatment team, as part of your treatment pathway
- A specific autism diagnostic tool, such as the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO), the developmental, dimensional and diagnostic interview (3Di) or the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R). This step can take place without you present. It’s a chance for our specialists to speak to key people in your life, which may include parents/guardians (if nominated), in order to explore your developmental history. For children, this stage will often need input from schools too. We'll ask you for the contact details for these people, and contact them directly
- An Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), observing and assessing for any autism traits. This is conducted and carried out by two specialists, and focuses on your behaviour and/or reactions during the session
- A multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting, to agree on and formalise your diagnosis
- A detailed outcome report
- A feedback meeting to talk about the outcomes of your assessment and provide any recommendations for further support
"A diagnosis provides a psychological map of understanding of where a person struggles and what they might now be able to do about it. It also improves their sense of identity, something that improves their sense of who they are, and this alone improves their mental health.
Having a formal autism assessment and diagnosis also gives them something they can take to their employer/school to ask for support.”
Read more about the importance of diagnosis here.
Experts in autism
For patients and GPs, finding appropriate specialists can be difficult. When referring to Priory, all parties can be assured that our specialists are up to date with best practice treatment methods, qualifications, training and national guidelines.
- We employ and work with leading consultants, psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists
- We offer evidence-based treatment to help manage all types of mental health conditions and addictions
How much does a private autism assessment cost?
Prices for the autism assessment can vary depending on whether this is conducted by a therapist/psychologist, or a consultant psychiatrist.
For people who go down the therapy/psychology-led route, the cost for the autism assessment is £1,950. This includes the autism diagnostic tool (ADI-R), ADOS assessment and feedback session. This doesn’t include an initial mental health assessment, where we'll discuss any complexities, risks, or other concerns you might have, such as anxiety, past traumas or relationship issues.
For people who go down the consultant-led route, the cost for the autism assessment will be around £2,250, which includes the autism diagnostic tool (DISCO, 3Di or ADI-R), ADOS assessment and feedback session. Again, this doesn’t include an initial mental health assessment, and costs may vary depending on individual consultant fees.
Some private medical insurance (PMI) companies may fund your autism assessment and diagnosis. Please contact your insurer to check whether you're covered for this service.
Autism assessments near me
At Priory, we offer private autism assessments at hospitals located throughout London, ensuring that you can access the support you need in a location that's convenient for you. To find your nearest hospital, please use the search form below.
FAQs
Do I need a GP referral to access the private autism assessment?
We always ask for any relevant information from your GP, but you don’t need a formal GP referral to be able to access our autism assessment process. The exception to this is when a person needs to see a psychiatrist before entering the process.
What is the minimum age for a child to receive an autism assessment?
We can offer autism assessments for children from the age of 4 years.
How are parents/guardians involved in their child’s autism assessment?
Depending on the age of the young person, parents/guardians can be involved in all stages of the assessment process. This can be discussed and agreed upon during the initial screening session.
During the ADI-R stage of the autism assessment process, we need to gather information on the person’s developmental history from as many people as possible. Therefore, parents/guardians and other key people in the person’s life will need to be involved. This is the case for both adults and children.
What kind of specialist will I see?
Your autism assessment can be conducted by either a therapist, psychologist or a psychiatrist. The type of specialist you’ll see can depend on a number of factors. These include:
- Whether you have any additional mental health concerns
- Whether you have been advised to see a psychiatrist
- If you would like to discuss psychiatric medication
- Location and specialist availability
We can guide you through the options and help to determine which would be the most appropriate for you. If you start on the therapist or psychologist route, but it becomes clear that you’d benefit from a psychiatric assessment, then we can refer you to one of our psychiatrists quickly and easily.
How long does the process take?
How long each stage of the autism assessment takes can vary slightly depending on each person. However, the following is a general guide:
- ADI-R or other diagnostic tool – allow for 2 hours
- ADOS – allow for 2 hours
- Feedback meeting – allow for 1 hour
The whole end-to-end process usually takes between 4 to 6 weeks.
What happens after the autism assessment? Is further support available?
Following the autism assessment, we’ll discuss next steps and any further support that you might benefit from. We can offer one-to-one outpatient sessions for autistic people who may need extra help managing their condition. We can also help people who have anxiety and/or depression symptoms, linked to their autism, that they might need some support with.
Psychoeducation is also a really important part of the process. This is when you educate yourself about the psychological impact of autism, typical characteristics and normalising some aspects of it. We can support you with this, and recommend websites/resources to help you to learn more about your diagnosis.
Will I need to join a waiting list?
We aim to keep waiting times as low as possible, and this depends on the location of your nearest site.
How do I make an enquiry?
For all enquiries, please call our customer service centre on 0800 840 3219. Our friendly team will be able to answer any initial queries you have, and start the process for booking your private autism assessment.
For more information on the end-to-end process for our autism assessment, please download our detailed information sheet, available in the 'downloads' section below. This document provides an insight into each step of the process, helping you to determine if our assessment service is suitable for your needs, and ensuring you're fully informed and prepared.
