What Happens During a Private Autism Assessment in the UK? A Step-by-Step Parent Guide
If you are considering a private autism assessment for your child — or for yourself — it is completely normal to feel uncertain about what the process involves. Many parents describe feeling both hopeful and anxious at the same time. This guide explains exactly what to expect at every stage, from the first phone call to receiving the final report.
If you are also wondering about the cost involved, our separate guide on how much a private autism assessment costs in the UK covers prices, payment plans and what affects the final fee.
Why do parents seek a private autism assessment?
The most common reason is NHS waiting times. In England alone, more than 230,000 people are currently waiting for an autism assessment, with over 90 per cent having waited longer than the NICE-recommended 13 weeks. Many families are waiting two, three or even four years. A private assessment can typically be completed within four to eight weeks of referral.
Other parents choose the private route because their GP did not refer them, because their child has a complex profile that needs specialist expertise, or because they need a report urgently for a school or Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan application. If your GP has declined to refer, read our guide on what to do if your GP refuses an autism referral.
Stage one: the initial enquiry and pre-assessment paperwork
Most private clinics begin with a brief telephone or video call to discuss your concerns and confirm that an autism assessment is appropriate. This is usually free of charge and takes around 20 to 30 minutes.
Once you have booked, you will typically be sent a set of questionnaires and developmental history forms to complete before the assessment day. These usually include:
- A developmental history questionnaire — covering your child’s early development, milestones, birth history, and any previous diagnoses or concerns
- A behaviour and communication questionnaire — often based on the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) or similar standardised tools
- A school or nursery questionnaire — which the clinician will ask you to pass to your child’s teacher or SENCO
It is worth taking your time over these forms. The more detail you can provide, the more useful the information is to the assessing clinician. Digging out old photographs, nursery reports, health visitor notes and school reports can all help jog your memory about early development.
Stage two: the assessment itself
A full autism assessment for a child usually takes place over one or two sessions and involves several different elements. For adults, the process is broadly similar but the interview content focuses more on the person’s own account of their experiences.
The parent or carer interview
A significant part of the assessment involves the clinician speaking with you in detail. They will ask about your child’s social communication, interests, routines, sensory experiences, behaviour at home and at school, and early developmental history. This is usually structured around a recognised tool such as the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview — Revised) or the DISCO (Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders).
This part of the session can feel quite intense. You may be asked to recall very specific details about your child’s early years. Try not to worry if you cannot remember everything — clinicians understand that no parent has a perfect memory.
The direct assessment of your child
Your child will usually spend time with the clinician, often in a play-based or structured activity session. The most commonly used observation tool in the UK is the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule — Second Edition). This is a semi-structured assessment that uses activities, conversation and play to observe social communication, interaction and behaviour.
The ADOS-2 is not a test your child can pass or fail. It simply gives the clinician the opportunity to observe how your child communicates and interacts in a naturalistic setting. Children rarely find it distressing — most describe it as playing games or having a chat.
Who carries out the assessment?
In the UK, a good quality private autism assessment should be conducted by — or under the supervision of — a suitably qualified professional. This is typically a clinical psychologist, paediatrician, psychiatrist, or a multidisciplinary team. Always check that the assessor is registered with the relevant professional body: the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the British Psychological Society (BPS), or the General Medical Council (GMC).
If you are in Scotland, look for clinics registered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS).
Stage three: the feedback appointment
After the assessment sessions, the clinician will review all the information gathered — your forms, the school questionnaire, the parent interview notes, and the ADOS-2 results — before reaching a conclusion. Most clinics offer a verbal feedback session within one to two weeks of the final assessment day.
In this appointment, the clinician will explain their findings, share whether an autism diagnosis is indicated, and give you the opportunity to ask questions. This is an important moment — try to have your questions written down in advance so you do not forget anything in the moment.
Stage four: the written report
A full written report is usually provided within two to four weeks of the feedback appointment. This document is central to accessing support: schools, local authorities, and GP practices will all refer to it when putting services in place.
A good autism assessment report should include:
- Background history and reason for referral
- A summary of the assessment tools used and findings
- A clear diagnostic conclusion (whether or not autism is indicated)
- Recommendations for support — at school, at home and via NHS services
- Details of the assessing clinician and their professional registration
Keep copies of this report somewhere safe. You will need it many times over the years — for school EHCP applications, for CAMHS referrals, for DLA claims, and whenever a new professional becomes involved in your child’s care.
What happens after the assessment?
If your child receives an autism diagnosis, the next steps can feel both clarifying and overwhelming at the same time. Our guide on what to do after an autism diagnosis in the UK covers the practical steps — from sharing the news with school to accessing support services.
If the assessment concludes that autism is not indicated, the clinician should still provide you with a full written report explaining their findings and, where relevant, suggestions for further investigation.
Will a private assessment be accepted by schools and the local authority?
In most cases, yes. Schools and local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales are expected to consider evidence from any suitably qualified professional, whether NHS or private. However, it is worth checking in advance with your child’s school or local authority SEND team that they will accept a private report. Quality matters — a well-written report from a registered clinician will carry far more weight than a cut-price online assessment.
Find a private autism assessor near you
The SEND List has a growing directory of vetted private autism assessors across the UK. You can browse specialists in your area:
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