Assessment process
What happens in an autism assessment?
A private autism assessment with Jo Condon Autism Assessments follows six stages, is carried out by two different clinicians, and usually takes around 4 to 6 weeks from booking to receiving your report. The two assessment appointments last 40 to 60 minutes and 2 to 3 hours.
Starting an autism assessment can feel like a big step. Whether the assessment is for you or your child, we make the process as clear, structured and supportive as possible, and your assessment coordinator will explain what happens next at every stage.
Start your assessmentStarting an autism assessment can feel like a big step. Whether the assessment is for you or your child, we make the process as clear, structured and supportive as possible, and your assessment coordinator will explain what happens next at every stage.
Our NICE-compliant autism assessment process
Our private autism assessments follow the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines, ensuring that every assessment is thorough, evidence-based and completed to nationally recognised standards.
1
Onboarding
When a client decides to proceed with an assessment with us, they are allocated an assessment coordinator who will act as their first point of contact throughout the assessment process. Our friendly coordinators will gather background information, liaise with schools and informants (where appropriate) and arrange the assessment sessions. They will act as a conduit of information between clients and the clinical team, and will arrange direct contact with a clinician if needed.
2
Background information gathering
The next step in our autism assessment process is gathering background information. This not only provides us with information needed as part of the assessment but allows us to plan the most appropriate assessment. For example, we need to understand a child’s language level to determine what ADOS-2 module to use and to plan an adult assessment we need to consider whether there is an informant who can report on childhood or not.
At this stage, we will also ask our clients to complete some autism screening tools. These provide us with information about the autism characteristics experienced. For children, the forms are usually completed by parents and for adults some forms are completed by the client and others by someone who knows the client.
The screening tools we use are selected based on circumstances and include the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-50) and Empathy Quotient (EQ50).
Our background information forms can easily be completed on a phone, tablet or computer at our clients’ convenience.
If the assessment is for a child or young person who attends an educational setting, we will ask for consent to contact the setting. When consent is obtained, we will contact the educational setting to gather information from them also.
At this stage, we will also ask our clients to complete some autism screening tools. These provide us with information about the autism characteristics experienced. For children, the forms are usually completed by parents and for adults some forms are completed by the client and others by someone who knows the client.
The screening tools we use are selected based on circumstances and include the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-50) and Empathy Quotient (EQ50).
Our background information forms can easily be completed on a phone, tablet or computer at our clients’ convenience.
If the assessment is for a child or young person who attends an educational setting, we will ask for consent to contact the setting. When consent is obtained, we will contact the educational setting to gather information from them also.
3
Observation session
In order to complete the observation of current social communication and interaction, behaviours and characteristics, our team uses the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2).
The ADOS-2 is a gold standard, internationally recognised autism assessment tool. The ADOS-2 has 5 modules which are selected based on the client’s age and level of language.
For younger children the ADOS-2 involves fun interactive activities and play, and there are lots of toys for children to explore. For older children and adults, the session involves some set light-hearted tasks, questions and conversation.
When clinicians complete the ADOS-2 they observe the way in which the client communicates and interacts along with looking for behaviours associated with autism. These observations are recorded qualitatively and also scored using the ADOS-2 scoring system. The scores are then interpreted using the ADOS-2 algorithm and utilised within the multidisciplinary review of information gathered during the assessment.
The ADOS-2 is a gold standard, internationally recognised autism assessment tool. The ADOS-2 has 5 modules which are selected based on the client’s age and level of language.
For younger children the ADOS-2 involves fun interactive activities and play, and there are lots of toys for children to explore. For older children and adults, the session involves some set light-hearted tasks, questions and conversation.
When clinicians complete the ADOS-2 they observe the way in which the client communicates and interacts along with looking for behaviours associated with autism. These observations are recorded qualitatively and also scored using the ADOS-2 scoring system. The scores are then interpreted using the ADOS-2 algorithm and utilised within the multidisciplinary review of information gathered during the assessment.
4
Diagnostic history interview
The way in which we gather information about the presence of autistic characteristics in a broader context and historically varies depending on the client’s specific circumstances.
For the majority of child clients, the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R) is conducted with the child’s parent(s) or caregiver(s). The ADI-R is a semi-structured interview which probes for behaviours associated with autism both currently and in early childhood. The clinician will gently question parents around behaviours such as how the client responded to certain situations, got their needs met or spent their free time when younger and/or currently. In a similar way to the ADOS-2, information gathered during the interview is recorded both qualitatively and using the ADI-R scoring algorithm.
Where a child is in specific circumstances and may not have someone who can report directly about their experiences in earlier childhood, we take a bespoke approach to gathering the information we require to complete the assessment.
The way in which we gather information about autistic characteristics for adult assessments depends on whether the client has a reliable informant that can take part in the assessment, and who that informant is.
If an adult has an informant who knew them when they were aged 4 – 5 and can reliably report on the client’s behaviours at this age, our preference is to complete the ADI-R with that informant in the same way as when we complete a child assessment.
However, if the adult client does not have an informant who knew them in childhood or if the client does not think that an informant can reliably provide information about them when younger, we will conduct an interview with the client themselves to gather this information.
When completing the interview with the adult client themselves we use either the Autism Clinical Interview for Adults (ACIA) or Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale–Revised (RAADS–R), depending on which is more appropriate. Both tools are designed to gather information about social interaction, communication and behaviour currently and in childhood.
For the majority of child clients, the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R) is conducted with the child’s parent(s) or caregiver(s). The ADI-R is a semi-structured interview which probes for behaviours associated with autism both currently and in early childhood. The clinician will gently question parents around behaviours such as how the client responded to certain situations, got their needs met or spent their free time when younger and/or currently. In a similar way to the ADOS-2, information gathered during the interview is recorded both qualitatively and using the ADI-R scoring algorithm.
Where a child is in specific circumstances and may not have someone who can report directly about their experiences in earlier childhood, we take a bespoke approach to gathering the information we require to complete the assessment.
The way in which we gather information about autistic characteristics for adult assessments depends on whether the client has a reliable informant that can take part in the assessment, and who that informant is.
If an adult has an informant who knew them when they were aged 4 – 5 and can reliably report on the client’s behaviours at this age, our preference is to complete the ADI-R with that informant in the same way as when we complete a child assessment.
However, if the adult client does not have an informant who knew them in childhood or if the client does not think that an informant can reliably provide information about them when younger, we will conduct an interview with the client themselves to gather this information.
When completing the interview with the adult client themselves we use either the Autism Clinical Interview for Adults (ACIA) or Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale–Revised (RAADS–R), depending on which is more appropriate. Both tools are designed to gather information about social interaction, communication and behaviour currently and in childhood.
5
Multidisciplinary review
After we have gathered the range of information we require, the clinicians who have been directly involved in the assessment and at least one other clinician come together as a multidisciplinary team to review the information gathered.
If at this point, the team feel that they need more clarity on some of the information, they may request an additional meeting with the client or may request additional information using tools such as the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q).
The clinical team then review all information and consider the evidence we have that supports the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder as set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition (DSM-5).
We then complete the report, including all the information gathered, reasons for the outcome and recommendations for next steps and issue it to the client.
If at this point, the team feel that they need more clarity on some of the information, they may request an additional meeting with the client or may request additional information using tools such as the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q).
The clinical team then review all information and consider the evidence we have that supports the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder as set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition (DSM-5).
We then complete the report, including all the information gathered, reasons for the outcome and recommendations for next steps and issue it to the client.
6
Feedback meeting
Following the assessment conclusion, clients are offered an optional feedback meeting. This meeting is not structured in any way and can be used in the way that the client finds most useful. The meeting can be used to review the report, discuss specific findings in detail, consider the recommendations or ask for advice around specific issues or needs.
How long does an autism assessment take?
For most people, the whole process takes 4 to 6 weeks, from booking with us to receiving your report. We usually offer a first appointment within 2 to 3 weeks. As a rough guide:
Every assessment is a little different, and timings can depend on your availability. Your coordinator will talk you through your dates as soon as you book. You can find our fees on our cost and waiting times page, and if you would like to know more about NHS waiting times, our guide to how long it takes to get an autism diagnosis explains the different routes.
Who carries out your autism assessment?
How do adult and child autism assessments differ?
Our assessments for adults and children follow the same stages, but the way we gather information is a little different. For children, parents, carers and school play a big part. Adults usually tell us about their own experiences, and where possible we also speak to someone who knows them well.
Children and young people
Adults
You can find out more about our private adult autism assessment and private child autism assessment. If you are also wondering about ADHD, we offer combined assessments for adults and children.
Can an autism assessment be completed online?
How to prepare for your autism assessment
There is nothing you need to study or practise before your assessment. The most helpful thing you can do is gather anything that helps us understand early childhood.
After your assessment: your report and next steps
Is an autism assessment the right step?
If you are noticing several signs of autism consistently over time, and these differences are affecting your or your child's daily life, relationships or wellbeing, an assessment may help.
An assessment can bring clarity, understanding and access to the right support, whether or not a diagnosis is given.
An assessment can bring clarity, understanding and access to the right support, whether or not a diagnosis is given.
Unsure what to do next?
We offer a free initial screening to help you decide whether a full autism assessment is right for you or your child. There is no obligation, and many families find this first step reassuring.
Learn more about our autism assessments for children and adults.
Or get in touch today for a free initial screening.
Get in touchLearn more about our autism assessments for children and adults.
Or get in touch today for a free initial screening.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to do before the first appointment?
Adults: You will have already completed your background information form and screening questionnaires before we arrange your first appointment. You do not need to bring any further information to your appointments. If you are completing the history session yourself, you may find it helpful to look back at childhood photographs or read old school reports, if you have them; this is not essential. If you have an informant who is completing the history session for you, they may find it helpful to do this.
Children: You will have already completed your child’s background information form and screening questionnaires before we arrange your first appointment. You do not need to bring any further information to your appointments. If your child is aged 6 or over, you may find it useful to look at photographs or read school reports from when they were aged 4, as we will be asking you lots of questions about this time period.
How long is each appointment?
The observation appointment usually takes around 40 to 60 minutes, and the developmental history interview around 2 to 3 hours. Your coordinator will confirm timings when booking.
How do I prepare my child for the observation?
Most children find the ADOS-2 an enjoyable experience. The session involves play-based activities, short tasks and general questions. There are no right or wrong responses or answers, and the clinician will adapt the session as required to ensure that your child is comfortable.
You do not need to tell your child they are having an assessment; you can explain that they are going to see somebody who wants to get to know them. If your child is young or particularly anxious, you will be able to stay in the session with them.
Can someone come with me to my appointments?
We can discuss this with you and make any adjustments you need. Please let your coordinator know in advance so we can plan the session.
What will my report include?
Your report sets out the information we gathered during the assessment process, what we observed, which DSM-5 diagnostic criteria are met, a summary of the MDT discussion and rationale for the outcome. It also includes practical recommendations and links to further sources of support or information.
Do I have to attend the feedback meeting?
No, it is optional, but most people find it helpful. It is a chance to go through the outcome and recommendations with a clinician and ask any questions you may have about next steps.