Private Autism Assessments

At Assessing Neurodivergence UK, we provide private autism assessments for children and adults, led by a Chartered Practitioner Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), with over 16 years’ professional experience across the NHS and independent practice. Our work focuses on delivering high-quality, compassionate private autism assessments, offering clarity, understanding, and meaningful outcomes for individuals and families.

Our private autism assessment process is evidence-based and person-centred, following recognised clinical frameworks for autism assessment across the lifespan. We support adults seeking a clearer understanding of their social communication, sensory processing, and thinking styles, as well as children and families who want insight, validation, and practical guidance.

Each assessment is individually tailored and considers developmental history, current presentation, and the impact of autistic traits on everyday life. Assessments lead to clear, thoughtful recommendations that support learning, emotional well-being, relationships, and longer-term support needs.

Private Autism Assessment Options:

We offer structured private autism assessments for both adults and children, with each assessment pathway designed to reflect the individual’s developmental stage, communication style, and needs.

Child Autism Assessments

Our private autism assessments for children focus on understanding social communication, interactional styles, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and behavioural patterns. We explore how these may be affecting home life, education, friendships, and everyday experiences. Assessments are carried out in a sensitive, child-centred way and include clear, practical guidance to support both children and their families.

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Adult Autism Assessments

Our private autism assessments for adults are designed to explore lifelong patterns of social understanding, communication, sensory experiences, and thinking styles, including how autism may affect work, relationships, and daily life. Each assessment provides clear diagnostic conclusions and thoughtful recommendations to support ongoing well-being, self-understanding, and day-to-day functioning.

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Trusted Autism Standards

Our autism assessments are delivered in line with recognised professional and regulatory standards, supporting ethical practice, clinical credibility, and responsible handling of personal information.

Clinical Leadership for Private Autism Assessments

Private autism assessments at Assessing Neurodivergence UK are led by Dr Sara Dowsett, a Chartered Practitioner Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). All private autism assessments and diagnostic conclusions are delivered in line with recognised clinical, professional, and ethical standards.

Dr Dowsett holds a Doctorate in Psychology (PsychD), alongside an MSc, BSc (Hons), and Advanced Diploma, and has extensive experience assessing autism in both adults and children. Her approach to private autism assessment is evidence-based and person-centred, taking time to understand social communication, interaction styles, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and patterns of thinking, alongside the wider impact of autism across home, education, and work.

Each private autism assessment follows established clinical frameworks and uses recognised assessment tools. Reports are written to a high clinical standard and provide clear diagnostic outcomes, together with practical, individualised recommendations to support learning, wellbeing, daily functioning, and longer-term outcomes.

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What Our Clients Say

Feedback from adults, parents, and families who have completed a neurodivergent assessment with us.

Autism Assessment Feedback

I found the whole assessment process to be handled with great care and sensitivity. From the start, you created a safe and supportive space, which helped me feel at ease talking about quite personal and sometimes difficult experiences. The assessment itself felt thorough and well-structured, but also flexible enough that I didn’t feel rushed or boxed in. I really appreciated the way you explained things clearly as we went along, and how you showed genuine warmth and empathy. It also meant a lot that you included my sister in the process and valued her perspective. Overall, the service felt not only professional but very human.

Aimée, Bournemouth.

Autism Assessment Feedback

I was really nervous about the assessment going into it, but Sara created a very calming and supportive environment and was so kind about my experiences, I found it really easy to speak to her. I was also really pleasantly surprised at how quickly I was able to have my assessment and how quickly I received the report back. Sara explained every step of the assessment process really clearly and I found that so helpful, and hearing the outcome at the end of the in-person assessment was really great as I didn’t then have to anxiously wait to know. Thank you again, Sara!

Caitlin, Bournemouth.

Autism Assessments FAQ

Answers to common questions about private autism assessments, including the process, timescales, and what to expect for adults and children.

How much is a private autism assessment

The initial assessment costs £150. This fee is deducted from the total cost if you proceed to a full assessment.

For children, a full autism assessment costs £1950.

For adults, a full autism assessment costs £1200.

If a combined ADHD and autism assessment is recommended, the full child assessment costs £2800. The combined adult assessment costs £1950.

The initial £150 appointment is always deducted from the final fee.

How to get an assessment for autism

Getting assessed for autism follows a clear, structured process. The route depends on whether you choose the NHS or a private assessment, and whether it is for a child or an adult.

The first step through the NHS is usually to speak to your GP and request a referral. Waiting times can vary. Some areas offer Right to Choose pathways.

If you are seeking a private autism assessment, the process begins with an initial appointment lasting up to one hour. During this session, Dr Sara Dowsett will explore your concerns in detail.

This includes discussing strengths, differences, developmental history, and how traits may be affecting daily life. Information is considered carefully against recognised diagnostic criteria.

At the end of the appointment, a clear recommendation is given. You may be advised to proceed to a full assessment, or alternative explanations and next steps may be discussed.

How long does an autism assessment take

Autism assessments involve several stages. The initial assessment lasts up to one hour for both children and adults.

For children, the full process includes an informant interview (ADI-R), which can take up to three hours and is usually held online. A child observation session (ADOS-2) then takes place and lasts up to one hour. This is usually in person, although online options may be available depending on the child’s age.

For adults, the informant interview (ADI-R) can also take up to three hours and is completed online. The full adult autism assessment session lasts up to one hour and can be conducted either online or in person.

The time between the initial appointment and the full assessment depends on how quickly questionnaires and forms are returned by family members, schools, or other informants. A full assessment date can be arranged once all required information has been received.

What happens in an autism assessment

An autism assessment begins with an initial appointment to explore concerns, developmental history, and current experiences. If a full assessment is recommended, further information is gathered through structured questionnaires and an informant interview with someone who knows the individual well.

For children, an observation session is completed to understand communication and social interaction. For adults, a structured clinical interview explores lifelong patterns and current functioning.

All information is reviewed carefully against recognised diagnostic criteria. A feedback session follows, along with a detailed written report.

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Get in touch to arrange a private autism assessment and move forward with greater clarity and understanding.

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