Frequently Asked Questions
If you are unable to find an answer to your question please contact one of our friendly team.
About autism assessments
What is involved in an autism assessment?
Our autism assessments bring together several sources of information rather than relying on a single appointment or questionnaire. These include developmental history, a structured clinical assessment, information from relevant settings where available, and a multidisciplinary review. Our clinicians consider the evidence against recognised diagnostic criteria before explaining the outcome and preparing a written report.
How long does an autism assessment take?
The assessment involves more than one appointment. The developmental history interview (ADI-R) and the structured observation assessment (ADOS-2) can each take around two and a half hours, although the time needed varies according to individual circumstances. There is also preparation, consideration of supporting information, multidisciplinary discussion and a feedback appointment. We will explain the proposed timetable before you proceed.
Do you assess both children and adults?
Yes. The Autism Centre provides autism assessments for children, young people and adults. The assessment approach is adapted to the person's age, communication needs, developmental history and circumstances, while maintaining the same commitment to careful, evidence-based clinical decision-making.
Can adults be diagnosed with autism later in life?
Yes. Some autistic people reach adulthood without having been assessed, particularly where their differences were not recognised earlier in life or they developed ways of managing social and everyday expectations. An adult assessment considers both present-day experiences and developmental history, as autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference.
What happens if the assessment does not result in an autism diagnosis?
An assessment is intended to reach a carefully considered clinical outcome, not to guarantee a diagnosis. If the evidence does not support an autism diagnosis, our clinicians will explain the reasons and provide recommendations informed by the assessment findings. Where appropriate, they may suggest further discussion with other services about needs that warrant consideration.
Can you assess someone who masks their autistic characteristics?
Yes. We recognise that some people consciously or unconsciously adapt their behaviour to fit social expectations, which can make autistic characteristics less obvious in particular settings. Our clinicians consider developmental history, experiences across different environments and the wider evidence, rather than relying only on how someone presents during a single appointment. Masking does not, by itself, establish or rule out a diagnosis.
The assessment process
What is the ADI-R assessment?
The Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised (ADI-R) is a detailed, structured interview exploring early development, communication, social interaction and patterns of behaviour. It is usually completed with a parent or someone who knew the person well during childhood. For adult assessments, we will discuss the available sources of developmental information and how these can contribute to the overall assessment.
What is the ADOS-2 assessment?
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), is a structured clinical assessment involving activities and conversation suited to the person's age and communication style. It helps a trained clinician observe aspects of social communication, interaction and behaviour. It is one part of the assessment: an ADOS-2 result alone does not determine whether someone is autistic.
Why are two clinicians involved in the assessment?
Our approach brings together the perspectives of experienced clinicians who gather and review different parts of the assessment evidence. They discuss their findings through a multidisciplinary process, consider any differences in interpretation and reach a reasoned clinical conclusion. This helps ensure that the outcome reflects the full picture rather than one person's observations in isolation.
Are assessments conducted online or face-to-face?
We combine remote and face-to-face appointments. The ADI-R developmental history interview is generally conducted online, while the ADOS-2 assessment is ordinarily undertaken face-to-face at our clinic in Bridgend, South Wales. We will discuss the arrangements with you in advance, including any circumstances that may require a different approach.
Do you need information from my school, workplace or family?
Information from people or settings that know the person well can be valuable because autistic characteristics and support needs may be experienced differently in different environments. Depending on the circumstances, we may seek information from an education setting, a family member, a partner or another appropriate source, with the necessary consent. We will explain what is relevant to your assessment rather than assume that every source is available.
What if I cannot provide information about my childhood?
We understand that childhood records or a parent who can describe early development may not be available, particularly for adults. Please tell us about this when you enquire. Our clinicians can discuss what other information may be available and whether there is sufficient evidence to undertake a clinically robust assessment. We would not promise a diagnostic outcome where essential information cannot be established.
Can reasonable adjustments be made during my assessment?
Yes. We want people to be able to take part in an assessment in a way that meets their communication, sensory and accessibility needs. You can tell us about any adjustments you may need, such as clearer written information, breaks, a quieter environment or support with communication. We will discuss what can be accommodated while preserving the clinical validity of the assessment.
Fees and appointments
How much does a private autism assessment cost?
Our comprehensive private autism assessment costs £1,500. We believe people should understand the price and what it covers before deciding whether to proceed. Please contact us if you would like to discuss the assessment process or the arrangements for booking.
What is included in the £1,500 assessment fee?
The fee includes developmental history, structured clinical assessment, multidisciplinary clinical review, diagnostic feedback, a written report and post-diagnostic recommendations. We will explain the stages of the assessment before booking so you know what to expect.
Are there any additional charges?
The published assessment fee is £1,500 for the assessment described above. If your circumstances raise a need for work outside the standard assessment pathway, we will discuss this with you before any additional arrangement is agreed. Please ask us to confirm any potential additional costs in writing before booking.
Do you offer payment plans?
We understand that the cost of a private assessment is an important consideration. Please contact our team to ask about the payment arrangements currently available. We will explain when payment is due and any applicable terms before you commit to an assessment.
How quickly can I arrange an assessment?
Appointment availability can vary, so we do not publish a fixed waiting time. When you enquire, our team can explain the current availability and the stages involved, including the completion of consent forms, developmental information and any supporting questionnaires before your appointments.
Can I refer myself or my child for an assessment?
Yes. You can contact The Autism Centre directly to enquire about a private autism assessment for yourself or your child; you do not need to begin by asking a GP to make a private referral. We will explain the information and consent required before an assessment can proceed. For assessments involving children or young people, we will also discuss parental responsibility and the appropriate involvement of the person being assessed.
Location and accessibility
Where is The Autism Centre based?
We are based in Bridgend, South Wales. Our assessment pathway combines online appointments with face-to-face clinical sessions, allowing people to complete some stages from home while attending the clinic for the parts that require an in-person assessment.
Do you offer autism assessments in Cardiff, Swansea and across South Wales?
Yes. People living in Cardiff, Swansea and elsewhere in South Wales can enquire about an assessment with The Autism Centre. Our face-to-face appointments are normally held in Bridgend, so we will explain any travel requirements before booking.
Can I arrange an assessment if I live elsewhere in the UK?
Yes. We welcome private assessment enquiries from across the UK. Some appointments can take place remotely, but an assessment will ordinarily include a face-to-face ADOS-2 session in Bridgend. We will explain the practical arrangements so you can decide whether our service is suitable for you.
Can the entire assessment be completed online?
Our standard pathway is not entirely online. The developmental history interview is generally completed remotely, while the ADOS-2 assessment is ordinarily carried out face-to-face. If attending in person would be particularly difficult, please speak with us before booking so our clinicians can consider what is appropriate and clinically valid in your circumstances.
What if I have accessibility or communication needs?
Please let us know what would help you access our service. This might include information in a different format, additional processing time, communication preferences, sensory considerations or support during appointments. We aim to make reasonable adjustments wherever possible and will discuss individual needs with you before the assessment.
Diagnosis and aftercare
Is a private autism diagnosis recognised by the NHS?
A private autism diagnosis can be clinically valid when it is made by appropriately qualified professionals using a thorough assessment process and recognised diagnostic criteria. At The Autism Centre, our clinicians follow relevant NICE guidance and consider evidence from multiple sources. NHS services, GPs, education settings and employers may have their own processes for recording a diagnosis or deciding what support is available, so we cannot guarantee a particular administrative decision. If questions arise about our assessment, we can help explain the clinical basis of the report.
Will my GP receive a copy of my diagnostic report?
We can discuss how relevant information from your assessment may be shared with your GP and other professionals involved in your care, taking account of consent and confidentiality. Please tell us if you would like your GP to receive a copy of the report, and we will explain the arrangements that apply.
What happens after I receive my diagnosis?
Receiving an autism diagnosis can bring a range of feelings and questions. Our clinicians will explain the assessment outcome and provide a report with recommendations relevant to the person's circumstances. These may include practical strategies, sources of information and suggestions for seeking support at home, in education or at work. We can also discuss appropriate next steps and signposting.
What happens at the diagnostic feedback appointment?
The feedback appointment is an opportunity to discuss the assessment findings with a clinician, understand the diagnostic outcome and ask questions. We will explain how the different sources of information contributed to the decision and talk through recommendations and possible next steps. You do not need to absorb everything at once; the written report provides a record of the findings.
Will my report include recommendations for support?
Yes. The written assessment report includes recommendations informed by the assessment findings and the person's individual needs. Depending on the circumstances, these may cover communication, sensory needs, everyday routines, education, employment, reasonable adjustments and sources of further support. Recommendations do not guarantee that a third party will provide a particular service or adjustment.
Can an autism diagnosis help with workplace or educational adjustments?
A diagnosis and a clear description of someone's needs can help inform discussions with an employer, school, college or university about appropriate support and reasonable adjustments. However, support should be considered according to the person's needs and applicable responsibilities; a diagnosis is not always required to request adjustments. Our reports aim to provide useful information for these conversations, although decisions about specific arrangements rest with the relevant organisation.
Choosing The Autism Centre
Why choose a private autism assessment?
Some people choose a private assessment because they want to explore their experiences and support needs without waiting for a local NHS pathway. Choosing a provider is an important decision, and we encourage you to ask about the clinicians' experience, the assessment methods used, how diagnostic decisions are reached and what happens after the assessment. Our service is led by experienced clinicians and follows relevant NICE guidance, with a multidisciplinary approach to diagnostic decision-making.
Why is The Autism Centre more affordable than some other providers?
As clinicians with experience of supporting autistic people and their families, we understand the impact that uncertainty and long waits for assessment can have. We want our private assessment service to be as accessible and fairly priced as possible without compromising the time, expertise and clinical standards needed for a thorough assessment. Our £1,500 fee reflects that commitment; we do not believe that a higher price necessarily means a better assessment.
What do 'gold standard assessment' and 'NICE guidelines' mean?
NICE is the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Its guidance sets out recommendations for the identification, assessment and support of autistic children, young people and adults. The phrase 'gold standard' is often used to describe a thorough assessment, but it is not a formal accreditation or a guarantee of a particular result. What matters is that appropriately trained clinicians use suitable assessment methods, consider developmental and contextual information, apply recognised diagnostic criteria and explain how they reached their conclusion.