Child Autism Assessment

Comprehensive Private Autism Assessments for Children and Young People

WMI Psychiatry provides private autism assessments for children and young people throughout the UK. Our comprehensive child autism assessment pathway is designed to identify whether Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is present, understand how autistic characteristics affect everyday life and provide personalised recommendations for support.

Our assessments are completed by experienced autism clinicians and include a detailed developmental history, clinical assessment, structured autism observation, diagnostic formulation, written reporting and personalised recommendations.

The assessment pathway is delivered across four appointments, allowing time for a thorough evaluation rather than a rushed one-off consultation. The total cost is £875, which is paid across the four appointments rather than as a single upfront fee.

What Is Included in a Child Autism Assessment?

Our private autism assessment pathway includes:

  • Detailed autism and general mental health assessment

  • Review of parent, school and supporting questionnaires

  • Detailed developmental and risk history

  • Structured autism clinical observation

  • Multidisciplinary discussion

  • Individualised recommendations for home, school and further support

Signs of Autism in Children

Autistic children can experience differences in many areas of development. Every child is different and autism presents differently from one person to another.

Common signs of autism include:

  • Difficulties understanding social situations

  • Finding it difficult to develop or maintain friendships

  • Differences in eye contact or non-verbal communication

  • Literal understanding of language

  • Difficulties recognising social cues

  • Preference for routine and predictability

  • Becoming distressed by unexpected changes

  • Intense or highly focused interests

  • Repetitive movements or behaviours

  • Sensory sensitivities to noise, light, textures, smells or food

  • Sensory seeking behaviours

  • Difficulties understanding or expressing emotions

  • Feeling overwhelmed in busy environments

  • Challenges at school, home or in social situations

Many of these characteristics can also occur in children who are not autistic. A comprehensive assessment is therefore needed to determine whether these differences are consistent with Autism Spectrum Disorder and whether they have had a significant impact throughout development.

Our Four-Part Autism Assessment Pathway

Part 1 – Background and Screening

Duration: 2 hours

Cost: £220

Clinician: Autism Practitioner

This appointment focuses on understanding your child's developmental history, current concerns and wider background.

The appointment includes:

  • Autism screening

  • Detailed developmental history

  • Risk assessment

  • Review of current concerns

  • Explanation of autism and the assessment process

This appointment helps us understand how your child's strengths and differences have developed over time and how they affect everyday life.

Part 2 – Information Gathering

Duration: 2 hours

Cost: £220

Clinician: Autism Practitioner

This appointment explores autistic characteristics in greater depth and examines how they affect different aspects of daily life.

The appointment includes:

  • Detailed autism history

  • Educational history

  • Social and family history

  • Detailed mental health history

  • Exploration of strengths, interests and areas of difficulty

This allows us to develop a detailed understanding of your child's presentation and identify any additional factors that may require consideration.

Part 3 – Clinical Observation

Duration: 1 hour

Cost: £285

Clinician: Autism Specialist Nurse or Doctor

This appointment involves a structured autism clinical observation with the child or young person.

During the observation we consider areas such as:

  • Social communication

  • Reciprocal conversation

  • Non-verbal communication

  • Imaginative play or abstract thinking

  • Restricted or repetitive behaviours

  • Sensory differences

  • Emotional understanding

  • Flexibility of thinking

Following the observation, a multidisciplinary discussion takes place between the team members involved in the assessment to review all available information and consider the diagnostic formulation.

Part 4 – Diagnosis and Planning

Duration: 1 hour

Cost: £150

Clinician: Autism Specialist Nurse or Doctor

This appointment provides detailed feedback regarding the outcome of the assessment.

We will discuss:

  • Whether diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder are met

  • The reasons for our conclusions

  • Strengths and individual differences identified during the assessment

  • Practical recommendations for home and school

  • Reasonable adjustments

  • Sources of further support

  • Any additional assessments that may be helpful

Families have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the recommendations in detail.

Who Can Be Referred?

We assess children and young people aged 5 to 17 years who may have symptoms of ADHD.

Referrals can be made by:

  • Parents and carers

  • General practitioners

  • Schools

  • Paediatricians

  • Psychologists

  • Other healthcare professionals

A GP referral is not required.

Assessment Fees

The total cost of the private child autism assessment pathway is £875.

Payments are spread across the assessment process.

Appointment Cost:

Part 1 – Background and Screening – £220

Part 2 – Information Gathering – £220

Part 3 – Clinical Observation and MDT Discussion – £285

Part 4 – Diagnosis and Planning – £150

What Happens After the Assessment?

Following completion of the assessment, you will receive:

  • A comprehensive written report

  • Diagnostic outcome and formulation

  • Individualised recommendations

  • Advice for home and school

  • Recommendations regarding reasonable adjustments

  • Information about available support services where appropriate

If autism is diagnosed, we will discuss practical strategies and any further referrals or support that may be beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a child autism assessment cost?

Our private child autism assessment costs £875 in total, paid across four appointments.

How long does the autism assessment process take?

The pathway includes six hours of direct clinical appointments, multidisciplinary review and report preparation.

Do I need a GP referral?

No. Families can contact WMI Psychiatry directly to arrange an assessment.

Is a written report included?

Yes. A detailed written diagnostic report is included within the assessment fee.

Can autism be treated with medication?

There is no medication that treats autism itself. However, if additional conditions such as ADHD or anxiety are identified, we can discuss appropriate assessment and treatment options where indicated.

Do you offer online autism assessments?

Yes. Much of the assessment pathway can be completed remotely through secure video consultations. Where clinically appropriate, parts of the assessment may be completed in person.

Do you assess teenagers?

Yes. We assess both children and young people up to the age of 17 years.

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are considering an assessment or would like guidance on the most appropriate pathway, please feel free to Click Here to complete our enquiry form and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Alternatively, feel free to contact our admin team via the details below: