Private autism assessments and diagnosis
Get fast, expert-led autism assessments with no referral delays.
- Diagnosis in 4–6 weeks
- Autism assessment available from £2,150
- No GP referral needed
- Recognised NICE-standard reports
Priory offers private autism assessments for children and adults who are showing signs of autism, with waiting times that are significantly shorter than the national average.
Our autism assessments are conducted by either a qualified psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist, all of whom are experts, and specifically trained in the field of autism diagnosis and support.
Following the autism assessment, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive outcome report, based on NHS and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) standards. The entire end-to-end process for our private autism assessment usually takes between 4 to 6 weeks.
What happens in an autism assessment?
Our autism assessment process is the same for both adults and children. It’s made up of a number of elements, including:
- A screening process, using the autism spectrum quotient test (AQ-10), to help us determine whether our full autism assessment is an appropriate step for you. This consists of us asking you a brief set of questions to determine whether you’re showing some of the signs of autism. This can be done at the initial enquiry stage. Alternatively, if you’re receiving treatment for other mental health concerns, this step may be conducted by your mental health treatment team, as part of your treatment pathway
- A specific autism diagnostic tool, such as the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO), the developmental, dimensional and diagnostic interview (3Di) or the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R). This step can take place without you present. It’s a chance for our specialists to speak to key people in your life, which may include parents/guardians (if nominated), in order to explore your developmental history. For children, this stage will often need input from schools too. We'll ask you for the contact details for these people, and contact them directly
- An Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), observing and assessing for any autism traits. This is conducted and carried out by two specialists, and focuses on your behaviour and/or reactions during the session
- A multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting, to agree on and formalise your diagnosis
- A detailed outcome report
- A feedback meeting to talk about the outcomes of your assessment and provide any recommendations for further support
"A diagnosis provides a psychological map of understanding of where a person struggles and what they might now be able to do about it. It also improves their sense of identity, something that improves their sense of who they are, and this alone improves their mental health.
Having a formal autism assessment and diagnosis also gives them something they can take to their employer/school to ask for support.”
Read more about the importance of diagnosis here.
Take our free autism screening quiz
We offer a free online screening test for autism, known as the AQ-10. The AQ-10 is a quick questionnaire that you can complete on behalf of yourself or a child. It’s a simple screening tool that indicates whether you/your child might benefit from receiving a full diagnostic assessment for autism.
The AQ-10 has three versions. You can click on the relevant link below to take the test for yourself or your child:
FAQs
How much is an autism assessment?
The cost of a private autism assessment at Priory starts from £2,150 when conducted by a psychologist or therapist. If the assessment is consultant psychiatrist-led, the cost is typically around £2,500, though this may vary depending on individual consultant fees. These prices include all core assessment stages but exclude any initial mental health assessment.
What does the autism assessment involve?
The autism assessment process includes:
An initial screening (e.g. AQ-10 questionnaire)
Use of a recognised diagnostic tool (such as ADI-R, DISCO or 3Di)
An Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), conducted by two specialists
A multidisciplinary team (MDT) review to confirm the diagnosis
A comprehensive outcome report
A feedback session with recommendations and next steps
This applies to both adults and children.
How long will it take to get a diagnosis?
The full process usually takes 4 to 6 weeks from start to finish, depending on availability and the complexity of the case. Appointments may be available in as little as 2 weeks.
Do I need a GP referral to access the private autism assessment?
No, you don’t need a formal GP referral to be able to access our autism assessment process. The exception to this is when a person needs to see a psychiatrist before entering the process.
Will this help with support at school/work?
Yes. A formal diagnosis can help you or your child access reasonable adjustments and tailored support at school, college or in the workplace. The outcome report can be shared with educational or occupational settings to aid understanding and secure the right support.
What is the minimum age for a child to receive an autism assessment?
We can offer autism assessments for children from the age of 4 years.
How are parents/guardians involved in their child’s autism assessment?
Depending on the age of the young person, parents/guardians can be involved in all stages of the assessment process. This can be discussed and agreed upon during the initial screening session.
During the ADI-R stage of the autism assessment process, we need to gather information on the person’s developmental history from as many people as possible. Therefore, parents/guardians and other key people in the person’s life will need to be involved. This is the case for both adults and children.
What kind of specialist will I see?
Your autism assessment can be conducted by either a therapist, psychologist or a psychiatrist. The type of specialist you’ll see can depend on a number of factors. These include:
- Whether you have any additional mental health concerns
- Whether you have been advised to see a psychiatrist
- If you would like to discuss psychiatric medication
- Location and specialist availability
We can guide you through the options and help to determine which would be the most appropriate for you. If you start on the therapist or psychologist route, but it becomes clear that you’d benefit from a psychiatric assessment, then we can refer you to one of our psychiatrists quickly and easily.
For more information on the end-to-end process for our autism assessment, please download our detailed information sheet, available in the 'downloads' section below. This document provides an insight into each step of the process, helping you to determine if our assessment service is suitable for your needs, and ensuring you're fully informed and prepared.
Priory psychiatrist recognised for creating vital healthcare pathways for autistic patients
Dr Asif Mehdi Bachlani, a consultant psychiatrist at Priory, has been named ‘Psychiatrist of the Year’ by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Dr Bachlani leads Priory Hospital Woking’s autism pathway and has played a pivotal role in establishing the first diagnostic pathway for autism within Priory’s private healthcare services.
This assessment model is being introduced across all Priory hospitals and wellbeing centres, improving access to timely autism diagnosis and personalised support.
Dr Bachlani has also created a 12-week programme for newly diagnosed individuals, offering psychological support, guidance, and ongoing care.
