Child Autism Assessment

At The Spectrum Clinic, we provide comprehensive and thorough Child Autism Assessments to help children and their families better understand Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a child’s ability to communicate, interact socially, and adapt behaviours to different situations. Children with autism may find it difficult to make friends, understand social cues, or change their behaviour according to their environment. They may also display repetitive behaviours or have specific sensory needs. Our goal is to offer a detailed and accurate diagnosis, giving families the clarity and support they need.

Why Choose The Spectrum Clinic for Your Child’s Autism Assessment?

Our team of registered clinical psychologists and clinicians specialises in child mental health, neurodevelopmental conditions, and parenting advice. We adhere to the latest NICE/NHS guidelines to ensure that our assessments are of the highest quality. Our clinicians are highly experienced in working with children and families, and we prioritise listening to parents' perspectives, recognising the importance of your insights throughout the diagnostic process.

The Child Autism Assessment Process

Our Child Autism Assessment follows a detailed, structured approach to ensure the most accurate and thorough results. Depending on your child’s age, the assessment involves the following steps:

1. Initial Questionnaires:
   • You will be sent questionnaires to complete, which will gather important background information such as any medical conditions, family history, and the specific challenges your child is experiencing.
   • We will also request information from your child’s school, and if your child is not in school, we will discuss other suitable options for gathering external input.
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2. ADOS-Informed Observation (approximately 60 minutes):
   • The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) session involves structured observation to assess communication and social behaviours.
   • For younger children, we may arrange for this observation to take place in person at school or in an office setting.
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3. Developmental History Interview (approximately 120 minutes):
   • A clinician will conduct a thorough interview with you, focusing on your child’s developmental history from early childhood to the present.
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4. Multi-Clinician Review:
   • Two clinicians will analyse the information collected from the observation, interviews, and questionnaires, collaborating to reach a diagnostic conclusion.
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5. Feedback Session (about 30 minutes):
   • You will receive feedback on whether your child meets the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions about the diagnosis or next steps.
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6. Outcome Letter and Final Report:
   • You will receive an outcome letter within 48 working hours of the feedback session.
   • A full, detailed report will be provided within 4 weeks of the initial assessment, outlining the diagnostic results and recommendations to support your child moving forward.

Flexible Remote and In-Person Assessments

We conduct most assessments remotely through our secure online platform, allowing your child to be assessed from the comfort and safety of your home. However, for younger children, we may arrange an in-person session for the ADOS observation, either at their school or in an office setting. We cover London, Kent, Surrey, Hampshire, and surrounding counties, providing flexibility to meet your needs.

Quick Turnaround and Ongoing Support

We understand how important it is to receive timely answers and support. That’s why we aim to complete and deliver your child’s final assessment report within 4 weeks of the initial session. Our team is available to provide ongoing advice and recommendations to ensure your child receives the necessary support following the diagnosis.

Fees and Payment Options

The total cost of the Child Autism Assessment is £1,950. This includes all steps of the assessment process, from initial questionnaires to the final report.

If you're ready to schedule your child's autism assessment or have any questions, please get in touch with us. We are here to support you and your family every step of the way.