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Autism in children: diagnosis and assessment options

Find the right starting point for your child

If you think your child may be autistic, you can refer them for a private autism assessment without a GP or school referral. We assess children from age two in person at our clinics across England and Wales, children aged 10 and over can be assessed online, and a combined autism and ADHD assessment is available from age six. Assessments cost £2,095 in clinic or £1,995 online, and most families receive their report 4 to 6 weeks after booking.

Every child develops differently. This page brings together clear information about autism in children, how it can show at different ages, the assessment options available and practical guidance for parents and carers.

Autism in Children: Parent and daughter talking with a clinician

Where would you like to start?

Choose the option that most closely reflects the questions you have now.
Young woman with pink hair writing in a notebook on a park bench

I’m wondering if my child could be autistic

Explore common autistic characteristics in children and how they may appear at different ages.
Explore the signs of autism in children
Child playing a block-stacking game with his father and grandfather

I’m considering an autism assessment

Understand what a private child autism assessment involves and what to expect from the process.
Explore private child autism assessments
Mother and grandmother hugging a smiling young girl on a sofa

I’m exploring autism and ADHD

If your child shows characteristics of both autism and ADHD, a combined assessment may offer a fuller understanding.
Explore combined autism and ADHD assessments
Woman reading her phone at a desk with a laptop

I need an online option for an older child

Children aged 10 and over may be able to complete the autism assessment process online from home.
Explore online assessments for teenagers
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I want to understand the cost

View current child assessment fees, what is included and the payment options available.
View child assessment costs
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Understanding autism in children

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that can affect how a child communicates, interacts with others and experiences the world. Autism in children can look very different from one child to the next, and strengths and support needs may change over time.

Parents and carers may notice differences relating to:

  • Social communication and interaction
  • Play, interests and attention
  • Routines and managing change
  • Sensory and emotional experiences

Recognising one characteristic does not confirm that a child is autistic. A formal assessment considers their development and overall pattern of experiences rather than relying on a single sign or screening score.

Read about the signs of autism in children

Recognising autism in children at different ages

Autistic characteristics can become more or less noticeable as expectations change. Some differences are recognised in the early years, while others become clearer at school or during adolescence.

Early years

Differences may be noticed in communication, shared play, routines or sensory responses.

Primary school

Friendships, classroom demands, change and emotional regulation may bring new differences into view.

Pre-teens and teenagers

Increasing social and independence demands can make coping harder or reveal previously hidden needs.

Girls and high-masking children

Some children copy others or hide difficulties, so their experiences may be overlooked or misunderstood.
Explore signs of autism by age

assessment options for autism in children

The most appropriate pathway will depend on your child’s age, experiences and whether ADHD is also being considered.

Young man meeting a clinician at a table

In-person private child autism assessment

NICE-compliant autism assessments for children aged two and over, with free screening before you commit to the full assessment.
View the child autism assessment process
Young boy concentrating on a wooden peg-and-ring toy at a table

Combined autism and ADHD assessment

For children aged six and over where there are meaningful characteristics of both autism and ADHD.
View the combined assessment options
Teenage boy lying on his bed using a laptop and phone

Fully online assessment for older children

Children aged 10 and over can complete the autism assessment process online where this is clinically appropriate. Children under 10 are assessed in person.
Learn about online assessments for teens

What does a child autism assessment consider?

A thorough assessment looks at the whole child rather than one behaviour or concern. Depending on your child’s circumstances, clinicians may consider:

  • Their developmental history and current experiences
  • Information from parents or carers
  • Clinical observation and age-appropriate assessment activities
  • Information from school or nursery, where available

The information is reviewed by the multidisciplinary team before the outcome is discussed with you and a detailed report is provided.

See how a child autism assessment works
Toddler playing in a sandpit at a playground
Woman talking with a man across a table in a meeting room

Why choose Jo Condon Autism Assessments?

We provide ethical, evidence-based and neuro-affirming autism assessments for children and families across the UK.

  • NICE-compliant child autism assessments
  • Experienced and appropriately registered clinicians
  • A multidisciplinary assessment process
  • Free screening before you commit to an assessment
  • No GP or school referral required
  • A dedicated coordinator throughout the process
  • Detailed reports with personalised recommendations
  • In-person assessments from age two and online options from age 10

Our aim is to ensure that your family feels informed, respected and supported. If the screening information does not indicate that an autism assessment is appropriate, we will explain this before you pay for an assessment.

Learn about our approach

What clients say about us

Families and adults often come to us at an important point in their lives. Our clients regularly highlight the clarity of our reports, the responsiveness of our team and the care shown throughout the assessment process.

Jo and the team have been amazing. Helping to answer any question with such empathy and precision. The journey through the assessment was timely, with a less than a week between each stage. Our dedicated coordinator (Leoni) really was an exceptional person with handling both correspondence and appointments. Using Jo Condon assessments was truly exceptional. The report received at the end included such detail, that only somebody with vast experience and understanding would be able to provide.

Abigail D

I am an autism specialist with over 20 years experience. I chose to have my own children diagnosed by Jo’s team. I made the right decision. The clinicians are amazing and the reports were excellent too. I’ve since recommended this service to close family and friends. I would not recommend any other service.
Worth every penny.

Clare W

Highly recommend Jo Condon Autism Assessments. We decided to use them after recommendations from our school as they are NHS & Local Authority approved. Fantastic team of professionals. So understanding & caring. They supported us all really well during the process. This has given our 14 year old daughter the validation and a better understanding of why she struggles and feels different to her peers. We thank everyone at Jo Condon for the beginning part of our daughter’s new journey in her life.

Sarah W
You can read more about our clients’ experiences on our review platforms.

Not sure which assessment is right for your child?

You do not need to choose the right pathway alone. Our free screening process allows you to tell us about your child before making a financial commitment. A member of our clinical team will review the information and advise whether an autism assessment, combined autism and ADHD assessment or another next step appears most appropriate.

If an assessment is not indicated, we will tell you openly and honestly.

Helpful autism resources for parents and carers

Explore practical guidance on autism in children, including support at home, at school and following diagnosis.
Autism in Children: Parent and daughter talking with a clinician

What should parents do following their child’s autism diagnosis? A practical guide

Receiving an autism diagnosis for your child can be an emotional experience. Some parents feel relief that they finally have answers. Others experience uncertainty, worry,…
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Young girl in a yellow top covering her face with her hands

Emotional dysregulation in autistic children and teenagers: understanding the signs and how to respond

Emotional dysregulation is one of the most common yet misunderstood experiences for autistic children and young people. Although it is not part of the formal…
Learn more
Teacher handing work to a pupil in a classroom

Difficulties with change in autistic children: understanding why they happen and how to help

For many autistic children, change can be one of the most challenging aspects of daily life. A cancelled trip to the park, a different route…
Learn more
Group of young children planting seeds in pots together

Sensory differences in autistic preschool children: a guide for parents

Sensory differences affect how a child experiences and responds to sensory information. Some autistic children are highly sensitive to sounds, lights, textures or smells, while…
Learn more
Two school children walking with their arms around each other

Sensory differences in autistic school-aged children: a guide for parents

Sensory differences in autism affect how a person experiences and responds to sensory information. Some autistic children may be highly sensitive to sounds, lights or…
Learn more
Pupils sitting in a busy classroom

Supporting autistic children to transition to secondary school

The move from primary to secondary school can be especially hard for autistic children. Learn why, and how schools and parents can work together to…
Learn more
View all resources

Frequently asked questions

Ready to take the next step?

Whether you are beginning to explore autism in children or feel ready to pursue an assessment for your child, our team can help you understand the options.

Complete the free online screening or contact us to discuss the most appropriate next step.