The Assessment Process
Reach Autism Assessment Services was created to support the nationwide issue of extensive waiting times faced by people who suspect they or somebody within their family, may be an autistic individual or recognises and identifies as neurodivergent.
We can both be the first point of contact for families and adults seeking to explore a diagnosis, and also where children and adults have been previously identified and placed on an assessment pathway within their local area; we will aim to work in collaboration and partnership with both the NHS and Education sectors to gather the necessary information to provide you a seamless assessment service and diagnostic outcome, in a timely way.
Making contact to self refer for an autism assessment
Enquiries about assessment services are welcome both by telephone and using the online contact form.
- A referral and information pack will be sent by email and returned to a secure email address.
- Following receipt of your instruction to undertake an assessment, a member of the team will contact you regarding arranging a suitable time and date for the assessment appointments.
- We will ensure we have discussed any reasonable adjustments with you to support you adequately through the assessment process.
The assessment sessions
The assessment includes two main components. The first is to gather a detailed history about yours or your child's developmental history; using the ADIR (Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised).
ADOS Module 1 and 2 are play based assessments that are completed in person. A clinician with suitable experience and professional background will visit your home to complete an interaction and observation that takes place over 40-60 minutes.
ADOS Modules 3 and 4 are suitable for children and adults with fluent language abilities. A clinician will meet with you either face to face or remotely to complete a direct observation , exploring patterns of interaction in more detail using a standardised measure.
The clinical team have a sound understanding of possible compensation and masking that may have developed over time, as can incorporate additional assessment tools such as the CAT-Q into the Observational component of the assessment or complete this as a standalone additional session, where required.
In addition, information is also gathered from schools, colleges and universities and for adult assessments, through self report, informants questionnaires and screening tools that are available.
The information gathered is combined and considered using a diagnostic framework known as the DSM 5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual- Edition 5), which is the standard reference for healthcare providers when diagnosing autism.
Following this step, you will receive a thorough and comprehensive diagnostic report with advice and recommendations. There is also an opportunity to discuss the outcome of your/your child's assessment with the lead clinician and discuss the next steps at a feedback meeting.
Useful links relating to the assessment process:
National Autistic Society - Diagnostic Tools https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/diagnostic-tools/all-audiences
Autism Speaks - DSM 5 https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/diagnostic-tools/all-audiences
Paying for your assessment
You can either pay for your assessment upfront or choose to split the assessment and pay in 2 halves over a period of 3 months, and the assessment will commence upon receipt of full payment.
Payment can be made either by Bank Transfer or via Stripe which incurs a 1.5% charge; you will be sent a link via email with this information.
We accept all major debit and credit cards.
At the moment we are NOT a Right To Choose provider but are looking into this with local NHS Trusts. However please be assured that the assessments offered are fully compliant with NICE guidelines and will be accepted to both the Health and Education sector.
Pricing scale for assessment packages
Children and young people's in person Assessment
Pre Assessment questionnaires
Review of pre-existing documentation and reports
Gathering of school/college feedback through Teacher Interview and questionnaire.
ADIR Interview - up to three hours (Remote)
ADOS-2 Observational session in your home, school or designated clinic space - 50/80 minutes
Diagnostic report with recommendations
Liaison where appropriate with other professionals.
£1900
Adult Fully Remote Assessment
Pre Assessment questionnaires
Review of pre-existing documentation and reports
Gathering of school/college feedback for pediatric clients.
ADIR Interview - up to three hours
ADOS-2 Observational session - 50/80 minutes
A CAT Q assessment where required for clients over 14 years of age
Diagnostic report with recommendations
Liaison where appropriate with other professionals.
£1700
Combined ADHD and Autism Assessments
The combined neurodevelopmental assessments comprise of the ADIR, ADOS, Young DIVA, Qb test, questionnaires and review of school information.
A thorough assessment detailing a range of standardised assessments and consideration of the presence of two seperate developmental conditions is undertaken in a rigorous assessment. The child/young person is asked to attend the clinic for two seperate appointments (2 hr 30 mins in total) and the clinical interview process is completed with the parent in a remote appointment over two sessions (5 hours in total).
The Connor's questionnaires and a request for school information is also sent out to the family and relevant professionals and the assessment findings are provided in a full comprehensive report and fedback to the family in a detailed review session.
Total cost £2550
©Copyright. All rights reserved.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.