Child Autism Diagnostic Assessment

Autism diagnostic assessments aim to build a clear, evidence-based understanding of a child or young person’s developmental profile, strengths, and needs. Our assessments are delivered with sensitivity and respect, helping families make informed decisions and access the right support.

What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting social communication, interaction, and behaviour. It is described as a spectrum because the type and intensity of characteristics vary widely between individuals. Autism is not caused by parenting or environmental factors.

Who Are Assessments For

An autism assessment may be helpful for children who:

  • Find it difficult to make or maintain friendships, or prefer to play alongside rather than with others

  • Experience challenges with school attendance, classroom demands, or coping with changes in routine

  • Seem overwhelmed by noise, busy environments, clothing, or other sensory experiences

  • Communicate differently, such as finding conversations hard to navigate or preferring predictable topics

  • Appear anxious, distressed, or exhausted by everyday social or environmental demands

When an Assessment May Be Helpful

An autism assessment may be helpful when:

  • A child or young person expresses that they feel different from others, or struggles to explain why certain situations feel harder for them

  • Differences are becoming more noticeable as social, academic, or environmental demands increase

  • Challenges are affecting confidence, emotional wellbeing, friendships, or school attendance

  • Families or schools are unsure how best to understand or support a child’s needs

  • There are ongoing questions despite previous support or strategies being in place

What the Assessment Involves

  • Step 01

    Initial enquiry and screening begins with an initial enquiry and completion of screening questionnaires to help us understand the concerns and consider whether a full diagnostic assessment is likely to be appropriate.

  • Step 02

    Review and planning involves careful consideration of all available information so that the assessment approach is tailored to the child or young person, and in some cases guidance or consultation may be recommended instead of a full assessment.

  • Step 03

    Developmental history with caregivers explores early development and how the child or young person’s profile has changed over time, sometimes using a structured informant interview such as the ADI-R.

  • Step 04

    Direct assessment and clinical observation involves seeing the child or young person for one or more appointments using observation, interaction, and structured activities, with standardised tools such as the ADOS-2 used where clinically appropriate.

  • Step 05

    Multidisciplinary clinical integration brings together information from across the assessment through an experienced multidisciplinary team to develop a clear clinical formulation.

  • Step 06

    Written report and feedback involves sharing a comprehensive written report with families, followed by a feedback appointment to discuss conclusions, answer questions, and consider next steps.

For some families, assessment provides a framework for understanding long-standing differences and advocating for appropriate support.