Fees & Practicalities

Formal organisations have their own processes for how assessment reports are reviewed and used. This service uses recognised gold-standard assessment methods, a structured and transparent process, and clear documentation. Reports completed in this robust and comprehensive way are widely recognised, and where independent Consultant Psychiatrist sign-off is included, they meet the highest level of clinical documentation expected by organisations such as the NHS, the DWP and local authorities.

For guidance on which option is likely to be accepted in your specific situation, see below: Which assessment option do I need for formal use?

If you need your report to be accepted by the NHS, DWP, or a local authority, the full assessment with an independent Consultant Psychiatrist sign-off is recommended. These settings typically require the highest level of clinical documentation.

For other formal settings, the picture is more varied. Many employers and universities accept an Assessor-confirmed report, particularly where it is being used to inform reasonable adjustments rather than as a formal clinical record. However, policies differ, and it is worth checking with the relevant organisation before proceeding if you are unsure.

If you are uncertain which option is right for your situation, this can be discussed during the initial telephone consultation.

This service focuses on full autism diagnostic assessments. It is designed for people who are seeking a comprehensive autism diagnosis, rather than either a brief screening or a more exploratory, ‘sense-making’ or therapeutic consultation. Follow-on therapeutic support can be discussed separately, if helpful, but is not assumed.

From first contact to receipt of the written report, the process is usually completed within four to five weeks.

The in-person assessment session (Step 4) takes place at a private clinical setting in central Bath. This session cannot be conducted remotely and attendance in person is required. The history interview (Step 3) is usually conducted online via Zoom, but can also be conducted in-person if preferred.

For alternative locations for the in-person session(s), visit our Clinical Associates page.

The assessment is suitable for adults, adolescents and children where there is a clear question about autism and a full diagnostic assessment is required. It may be particularly helpful for individuals who are seeking clarity for personal understanding, education, employment or formal support. At this time, the service does not offer assessments for children below secondary school age.

The assessment uses recognised gold-standard methods within a structured diagnostic process. These include a detailed developmental history interview (ADI-R) and an in-person observational assessment (ADOS-2), alongside clinical evaluation and independent Consultant Psychiatrist involvement in diagnostic decision-making, where the full sign-off option is selected.