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AUTISM ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSIS
for Children and Teenagers
Quick Summary
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Multi-disciplinary, NICE and NHS compliant assessment
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Suitable for children and teenagers usually from age 6 and up
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Experienced clinicians (including NHS backgrounds)
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Clear diagnosis, detailed report, and personalised recommendations
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Ongoing support available
What is Autism? (ASC)
Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition affecting:
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Social communication
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Social interaction
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Behaviour and interests
Key Points
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Signs are usually present from early childhood
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Diagnosis may happen later
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It affects boys and girls differently
Why Choose a Multi-Disciplinary Assessment?
Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend that autism assessments for young people are carried out by a team of specialists.
This ensures:
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Greater diagnostic accuracy
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Different professional perspectives
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A thorough and reliable outcome
What Might I Notice?
1. Social Communication
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Limited eye contact or facial expression
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Difficulty understanding others’ feelings
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Less interest in peers
2. Communication & Play
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Repeating words or phrases
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Limited or repetitive imaginative play
3. Behaviour & Routine
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Strong need for routines
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Distress with small changes
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Repetitive movements
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Intense interests
4. Sensory Differences
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Over/under sensitivity to:
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Noise
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Textures
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Smells
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Temperature
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➡️ May lead to overwhelm, anxiety, or behavioural challenges
Important to Know
Not all children with these traits are autistic.
Similar behaviours can also be linked to:
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Anxiety
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Learning difficulties
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Trauma or life experiences
👉 A professional assessment helps clarify the cause and identify appropriate support
Will Schools Accept a Private Diagnosis?
Short Answer: Yes — if it meets standards
Schools and colleges look for:
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Qualified, experienced clinicians
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Assessments following National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines
Our team meets both criteria (and we carry out diagnostic assessments for the NHS) so our reports are widely accepted and trusted.
Benefits of Getting a Diagnosis
A diagnosis can help:
For Your Child
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Understand their experiences
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Access the right support
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Improve confidence and wellbeing
For You & Your Family
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Make sense of behaviours
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Access services and funding
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Advocate more effectively
For School
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Provide appropriate support
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Make reasonable adjustments
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Improve educational outcomes
Assessment Process ( Overview)
Step 1: Initial Screening
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Parent discussion with clinician
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Questionnaires (home + school)
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Screens for autism and related conditions (e.g. ADHD)
Step 2: Developmental History
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In-depth parent interview
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Uses gold-standard tools (e.g. ADI-R)
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Covers early development to present
Child not required to attend
Step 3: Child Assessment (ADOS-2)
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Structured observation session
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Assesses communication, interaction, and play
Child attends this stage
Step 4: Team Review
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Multi-disciplinary team reviews all information
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Diagnostic decision made
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Full report written
Step 5: Feedback Session
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Results explained clearly
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Opportunity to ask questions
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Tailored recommendations provided
Step 6: Ongoing Support
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Follow-up sessions available
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Guidance for home and school
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Therapy and support options
Key Takeaways
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Autism is lifelong—but support can make a big difference
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Early understanding leads to better outcomes
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A proper assessment gives clarity, not just a label
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You are not alone—support is available
Next Step
If you're unsure whether your child may be autistic, the best place to start is a professional screening initial consultation.
We’re here to guide you through every step—clearly, sensitively, and without pressure.