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Navigating Autism Assessments in the UK: Private Options vs. NHS

Navigating Autism Assessments in the UK: Private Options vs. NHS

Seeking an autism assessment in the UK can feel like a significant step, especially when searching for the best options near you. Whether you're an adult wondering if you may be on the autism spectrum or a parent pursuing a pediatric autism evaluation, you have two main options in the UK: the National Health Service (NHS) or a private autism assessment provider like Advanced Assessments Ltd. This guide covers everything you need to know about these paths, so you can make the best choice for your needs, whether you're seeking an adult autism assessment near me or a pediatric autism evaluation near me.

Why Get Tested for Autism?

An official autism diagnosis can be transformative, providing insights and access to essential resources and support. Here’s a look at some key benefits:

  • For Adults: Many adults seeking an adult autism diagnosis report feeling validated upon receiving a diagnosis, along with gaining access to workplace accommodations and support. Understanding why you might want an adult autism assessment can also clarify next steps for personal growth and self-understanding.
  • For Children: For parents, an autism diagnosis is often the key to unlocking effective support in school, at home, and in social settings. Early diagnosis can facilitate access to interventions, educational support, and tools for a child’s long-term success.

Regardless of age, an autism diagnosis in the UK opens the door to specialized support and services that make life easier.

NHS Autism Assessment vs. Private Autism Assessment in the UK

When searching for an autism specialist near me or exploring options for autism testing for adults near me, it’s helpful to understand the key differences between NHS and private services.

NHS Pathway

The NHS provides autism assessments across the UK free of charge, although some factors are worth considering:

  • Waiting Times: The NHS experiences high demand, resulting in long waiting times for autism assessments, especially in areas like London, UK. It’s not uncommon for waiting times to exceed a year.
  • The Process: Most NHS assessments require a GP referral and may involve multiple appointments with clinical professionals. For those seeking an autism diagnosis near me quickly, the NHS pathway might not be ideal.

While NHS services are free and accessible, some individuals prefer the timeliness and flexibility of a private autism diagnosis.

Private Pathway with Advanced Assessments Ltd

Private providers, such as Advanced Assessments Ltd, offer unique benefits for those seeking private autism assessment options:

  • Faster Access: Private autism assessments generally have shorter wait times than the NHS, allowing individuals to move forward promptly.
  • Specialized Evaluations: Advanced Assessments Ltd provides a comprehensive range of services, including adult autism evaluations near me and specialized pediatric autism evaluations near me. Each assessment is tailored to the individual, ensuring that both children and adults receive the focused attention they deserve.
  • Flexible Options: In addition to in-person consultations, we offer autism assessment online options, allowing those with busy schedules or mobility limitations to proceed comfortably from home.

With Advanced Assessments Ltd, you’re assured of receiving a compassionate, thorough evaluation designed to answer your questions and provide guidance tailored to your needs.

What to Expect During an Autism Assessment

Whether you're pursuing an adult autism assessment UK or an ASD assessment for a child, knowing what to expect can ease the process.

Key Steps

  1. Initial Consultation: The process starts with an intake session, where a specialist gathers background information, family history, and a summary of behaviors or concerns.
  2. Comprehensive Evaluation: Evaluations may include standardized tests, questionnaires, and behavioral observations, allowing specialists to understand specific traits and strengths.
  3. Feedback Session: Once the assessment is complete, you’ll receive detailed feedback, including guidance on resources and next steps.

Types of Testing

Both adults and children may undergo various assessments that look at social interaction, cognitive strengths, sensory sensitivities, and behavior. Evaluations for ASD assessments provide essential insights that clarify areas of support and accommodation.

After the Diagnosis

Post-diagnosis, many individuals benefit from further support services like behavioral therapy, coaching, or accommodations. Advanced Assessments Ltd offers follow-up consultations and resources to help you or your family make the most of an ASC assessment and enjoy the support needed to thrive.

Finding the Right Autism Specialist Near You

If you’re looking for an autism specialist near me or a private ASD assessment provider, choosing the right professional is key to a comfortable experience.

  • Look for Experience: Choose a specialist with experience in adult autism evaluations near me or pediatric assessments.
  • Consider Accessibility: If convenience is a priority, Advanced Assessments Ltd offers an autism assessment online, along with in-person options. This flexibility ensures you can access the support you need, no matter where you’re located.

Advanced Assessments Ltd combines experience with flexibility, providing high-quality autism evaluations both online and in person, helping people across the UK obtain the support they need.

Frequently Asked Questions About Autism Assessment in the UK

  • How long does a private autism assessment take? Private assessments through Advanced Assessments Ltd are usually completed within weeks, making them ideal for those seeking a faster autism assessment near me than the NHS.
  • Can I access an autism diagnosis online? Yes, we provide an autism diagnosis online, conducted by experienced professionals who ensure a secure, comprehensive evaluation.
  • What should I bring to the initial consultation? Prepare any relevant medical records, educational assessments, or observations that might help your specialist understand your needs better.

Take the Next Step with Advanced Assessments Ltd

If you’re ready to get tested for autism or have questions about the autism assessment process, contact Advanced Assessments Ltd. Our expert team is dedicated to providing timely, compassionate care for both adults and children. With options for both in-person and online autism assessments, we’re here to support you on your journey toward understanding and support.

Contact us today to schedule your private autism assessment and take the first step toward a clearer path forward.

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Autism Evaluations and Autism Diagnostic Assessments

Our expert psychologists carry out autism diagnostic assessments for both adults and children across the uk and internationally online and in person in London, Birmingham, and Nottinghamshire.

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Private Autism Diagnosis and Assessment | Adult and Child ASD Assessment | Autism Assessment UK

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ASD Assessment Process, Different Levels of Assessment and Fees



We use the best possible gold standard tests for our autism assessments.



The cost of our Level 1 autism assessment and report is £1,200; you will receive the report within four weeks of your assessment. The person who is assessed will be assessed by observing them using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (Second Edition) (ADOS-2).


Alternatively, we will carry out a two-hour Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R) with the person to be assessed by parents. If you need a report within seven days from the date of our assessment, the cost of the assessment is £2,500. If you require a face-to-face assessment, please add £200 per for the first hour and then £200 for each additional hour to hour to these fees, online assessments are just as valid and reliable as face-to-face assessments.


Our Level 2 autism assessment includes any two of the following the ADI-R, ADOS-2 or an Interview with someone that knows the person well using the Social Responsiveness Questionnaire (SRS-2). A Level 2 assessments provide more information they are more robust. It costs £1,900 for a report within four weeks and £3,800 for a report within seven days. If you require a face-to-face assessment, please also add the face-to-face fee of £200 per hour of assessment.


Level 3 assessments include the same assessments as our Level 2 assessments and an assessment of intellectual ability/learning disability and adaptive functioning using an IQ test and the Adaptive Assessment Behaviour System (Third Edition). A Level 3 autism assessment and report within four weeks is £2,400, and an assessment within seven days costs £4,800. If you would like to be assessed face-to-face, there is an additional £200 per hour of face-to-face assessment in addition to the core fee.


We work with the person assessed to produce a developmental history in all assessments. We also ask examinees or people who know them well to complete the Behavioural Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-2 or BRIEF-A). For young people under 18, their parents or someone who has known them for at least six months also complete the Autism Symptoms Rating Scales (ASRS). Additional BRIEF-2, BRIEF-A or ASRS can be provided for an additional fee. If available, we will consider evidence from professionals such as teachers, GPs, psychiatrists, paediatricians, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists. Hence, a multidisciplinary team can contribute to the assessment.


If you require a multidisciplinary autism psychological assessment, the fee for each of our additional psychologists is £200 per hour.


How To Find the Next Available Date and Pay By Credit or Debit Card

If you want to find a date to book and pay the fee by credit or debit card, you can do so for most assessments by completing the following payment links:



Many clients use the above payment links to pay by PayPal who may offer you a buy now pay later over instalment service for our assessments. If you have private health insurance some private health providers will refund the fees for our assessments.


We only carry out autism assessments that are not being used in legal proceedings at weekends. Please complete the online booking form with your preferred date if you would like to pay by bank transfer.


You cannot pay for a face-to-face assessment by credit or debit for face-to-face assessments, they will incur an additional fee of £200 per hour.


Please note that these assessments are not certified for use in legal proceedings if you require a report to be used in a court or tribunal, you will need to book an expert witness assessment. Assessments for use in employment will also incur a higher fee than our educational assessments.


ASD Report

At the end of the process, a detailed report is produced;We produce robust and comprehensive high-quality ASD reports.



Find Out More About Autism and Autism Assessments



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Diagnosing Autism In Children



Autism Diagnostic Assessments

Find Out More About Autism:

Autism Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of Autism?

People with autism generally have impairments in their social interaction, which are identified early in their childhood. They cannot perceive others which embodies itself in their non-verbal communications with others, affecting their ability to make friends and can cause them to suffer from isolation and depression if they cannot have a few to improve their quality of life.

Verbal communication is also a daily struggle with a third of autistic people being unable to develop natural speech, including delayed onset babbling, less responsiveness and gestures which do not follow the flow of their speech. They also show problems with imaginative play, developing symbols into language.

The third characteristic which defines this disorder is repetitive and restricted behaviours which fall under the categories of stereotyped behaviour, compulsive behaviours, sameness, ritualistic behaviour and self-injury. Find out more about Autism Symptoms.

Autism Spectrum

What is the Autism Spectrum?

As previously mentioned, autism is a spectrum which means that there is a range of severity to the extent that some people may have a slight disability in social interaction or may need a carer to help with everyday tasks because of the difficulty to function normally. The range of disorders fall under the title Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) for mental health disorders but referred as Autism Spectrum Disorders, and all bring issues with behaviour and social communication.

What is High Functioning Autism?

This term is an informal diagnosis used for people who can do the typical day to day tasks such as speaking, read and write, eating and getting dressed. These people can live independently and are usually indistinguishable from everyone else.

People with high functioning disposition struggle with social interaction, much like the other types. They might get anxious in social situations primarily because of their inability to read social cues to the point where they will shut down. Therefore, these people struggle to make friends. High functioning autistic people like to follow a routine to the extent where their repetitive habits may seem weird of eccentric to others. Their performance in academia and a profession can vary. They can be high achievers or underachievers, but their social skills still prove as a disadvantage.

What is Asperger’s Syndrome?

Asperger’s syndrome is characterised by a pattern of symptoms rather than a single symptom. As is it a milder form, these people usually have close if not normal levels of intelligence and language skills, but their unique obsession around one topic defines their disorder and the behaviours which they engage in are linear and repetitive. The symptoms for this disorder include impairments in social interaction such as a lack of emotional reciprocity, poor non-verbal communication (eye contact, gestures, body language) and selective mutism which is not speaking to most people but speaking to a few intensely on a topic which they enjoy.

What is Rett’s Syndrome?

Rett's is a rare and severe neurological disorder, mainly affecting girls between 6 to 18 months of age. The leading cause for this disorder is a genetic mutation on the MECP2 gene. The symptoms vary in severity through stages, but they include: slowed growth because the brain does not grow properly resulting in a smaller head, loss of hand movement so they rub or wring their hands together, loss of language skills so they can develop social anxiety, poor muscle control and coordination and respiratory problems which can cause seizures and hyperventilation. Find out more on Rett’s Syndrome

What is Pervasive Developmental Disorder?

PDD is often confused with PDD-NOS which stands for Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, as PDD is a separate disorder. People with PDD have the set of symptoms someone on the spectrum would have such as avoiding eye contact, inability to express themselves through language, a high or flat-pitched tone of voice, repetitive behaviour patterns like tapping, hair twirling or foot tapping and struggle with regulating emotion leading to emotional breakdowns, anxiety or aggressive tantrums.

What is Childhood Disintegrative Disorder?

CCD, also referred to Regressive autism, Heller’s syndrome or disintegrative psychosis, is a rare condition with only 1.7 out of 100,000 cases affected. It is a severe or sudden reversal in language, social function and motor skills. Children between the ages of 2 to 10, who had shown healthy development lose skills such as self-care, receptive and expressive language skills, play skills, motor skills and control over their bowel and bladder. This condition also shows repetitive behaviour and interest patterns.

Find A Psychologist Near Me

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Advanced Assessments - Psychologists for Legal, Education and Employment
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We work throughout the UK
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Advanced Assessments - Expert Witnesses & Psychologists, 4th Floor, 49 St. James's Street, London, SW1A 1JT
180 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9ER
Also at: Westhill House, Highgate Consulting Rooms, 9 Swain's Lane, London N6 6QS
Please do not attend our office if you do not have an appointment

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