Child Autism Assessments

A thorough autism assessment for children, designed to help you understand
how your child experiences the world, and to help them understand themselves.

Why you might be here

Maybe you've noticed your child finds social situations harder than other children their age, or that certain sounds or environments overwhelm them in ways that are hard to explain.

Perhaps teachers have raised concerns. Or maybe you've always known your child sees things differently, you just haven't had the words for it yet.

A lot of autistic children go unnoticed because their struggles aren't obvious. Some mask or work hard to keep up, which leaves them exhausted and misunderstood.

An autism assessment gives your child the chance to be properly understood. It also gives you the language and the knowledge to advocate for them in the places that matter.

THE PROCESS

What's the assessment process?

Total cost: £1,595

  • A short call to talk through your concerns, answer any questions, and make sure the assessment process feels like the right next step for your child.

    Book your phone consultation now.

  • This appointment lasts approximately two hours. It involves a clinical interview with you and your child, focussing on different areas of their life.

    Before this appointment, you’ll be asked to complete some validated questionnaires. Information will also be gathered from your child's school, with your permission.

    Please note: if at the end of this appointment I do not believe it would be beneficial to complete the full assessment, we can end the process here for a reduced fee.

  • This appointment lasts up to 90 minutes and focuses on gathering information from parent(s) focussing on your child's early years.

  • The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) is a structured observational tool designed to assess Autism. This appointment is completed by a colleague I work closely with, so that your child's assessment draws on more than one clinician's perspective.

  • This appointment brings everything together. We’ll explore specific autistic traits, discuss how they may be shaping your child’s life, and go through the outcome of the assessment.

    Afterwards, you’ll also receive:

    • A detailed, comprehensive assessment report

    • A summary letter confirming the outcome (including diagnosis, if appropriate)

THE ASSESSMENT

What to expect during the assessment

Your child’s assessment will include:

  • Validated and nationally recognised screening questionnaires

  • Review of school reports and teacher feedback (if available)

  • A detailed clinical interview exploring your child’s life in detail

  • An ADOS-2 assessment

  • A multidisciplinary approach, involving at least two clinicians

  • A clear diagnostic outcome

  • A detailed written report

  • A letter confirming the diagnosis (if one is given)

Why an autism assessment might matter

A diagnosis isn't the only outcome that matters. An assessment can offer:

  • Clarity about patterns and experiences that may have gone unrecognised for years

  • Validation that your child's differences are real and worth understanding

  • A new way to make sense of things like masking or shutdowns, without blame

  • Practical recommendations for school and home, including adjustments your child may be entitled to under the Equality Act

  • Guidance around resources and therapeutic support

  • Connection with communities where your child can feel understood

A CLIENT’S EXPERIENCE

“I had a great experience with Emily from start to finish. She was kind, empathetic and reassuring. She was professional throughout and made sure I understood what was happening and why. I would highly recommend Emily.”

Frequently asked questions

  • A child autism assessment typically takes place across four appointments over several weeks.

  • The full assessment costs £1,595. If at the end of the first appointment I do not believe it would be beneficial to complete the full assessment, we can end the process at that stage for a reduced fee.

  • Yes, appointments can take place in person (in Leicestershire), or by video call, depending on your location and preference.

  • After the assessment, a diagnostic outcome will be given. Following this, I will provide you with a comprehensive assessment report summarising all the information gathered through the assessment process, as well as detailed recommendations. If a diagnosis of autism is given, you will also be provided with a letter confirming your child’s diagnosis, as you may wish to share this with school (or employers in future).

  • No, you do not need a GP referral to book an autism assessment. I do accept GP referrals, however my assessments are not funded by the NHS.

  • This is something a lot of parents worry about before booking, and that makes sense. If you're at the point of seeking an assessment for your child, you've probably been sitting with these questions for a long time.

    I can't guarantee a diagnosis will be given. The assessment will be thorough, and I'll always explain my reasoning clearly, so you leave understanding how I arrived at my conclusions. If I notice other areas worth exploring, or anything that points toward additional support for your child, I'll share that with you too.