Autism Assessment & Diagnosis for children & teenagers

Quick summary

  • Multi-disciplinary, NICE and NHS compliant assessment
  • Suitable for children and teenagers usually from age 6 and up
  • Experienced clinicians (including NHS backgrounds)
  • Clear diagnosis, detailed report, and personalised recommendations
  • Ongoing support available​

On this page

What is Autism (ASC)?

Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition affecting:

  • Social communication
  • Social interaction
  • Behaviour and interests

Key Points

  • Signs are usually present from early childhood
  • Diagnosis may happen later
  • It affects boys and girls differently

Why Choose a Multi-Disciplinary Assessment?

Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend that autism assessments for young people are carried out by a team of specialists.

This ensures:

  • Greater diagnostic accuracy
  • Different professional perspectives
  • A thorough and reliable outcome​

Will Schools Accept a Private Diagnosis?

Short Answer: Yes — if it meets standards.
Schools and colleges look for:

  • Qualified and experienced clinicians
  • Assessments that follow National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines

Our team meets both criteria (and we carry out diagnostic assessments for the NHS) so our reports are widely accepted and trusted.

What Might I Notice?

1. Social Communication

  • Limited eye contact or facial expression
  • Difficulty understanding others’ feelings
  • Less interest in peers

2. Communication & Play

  • Repeating words or phrases
  • Limited or repetitive imaginative play

3. Behaviour & Routine

  • Strong need for routines
  • Distress with small changes
  • Repetitive movements
  • Intense interests

4. Sensory Differences

  • Over/under sensitivity to:
    • Noise
    • Textures
    • Smells
    • Temperature

May lead to overwhelm, anxiety, or behavioural challenges

Important to Know

Not all children with these traits are autistic.

Similar behaviours can also be linked to:

  • Anxiety
  • Learning difficulties
  • Trauma or life experiences

👉 A professional assessment helps clarify the cause and identify appropriate support

Benefits of getting a diagnosis

For your child

  • Understand their experiences
  • Access the right support
  • Improve confidence and wellbeing

For You & Your Family

  • Make sense of behaviours
  • Access services and funding
  • Advocate more effectively

For School

  • Provide appropriate support
  • Make reasonable adjustments
  • Improve educational outcomes

Assessment Process (Overview)

  • Parent discussion with clinician
  • Questionnaires (home + school)
  • Screens for autism and related conditions (e.g. ADHD)

  • In-depth parent interview
  • Uses gold-standard tools (e.g. ADI-R)
  • Covers early development to present

Child not required to attend

  • Structured observation session
  • Assesses communication, interaction, and play

Child attends this stage

  • Multi-disciplinary team reviews all information
  • Diagnostic decision made
  • Full report written

  • Results explained clearly
  • Opportunity to ask questions
  • Tailored recommendations provided

  • Follow-up sessions available
  • Guidance for home and school
  • Therapy and support options

Key Takeaways

  • Autism is lifelong—but support can make a big difference
  • Early understanding leads to better outcomes
  • A proper assessment gives clarity, not just a label
  • You are not alone—support is available

Next Step

If you’re unsure whether your child may be autistic, the best place to start is a professional screening initial consultation.

We’re here to guide you through every step—clearly, sensitively, and without pressure.

READY WHEN YOU ARE

Find out more

Book an initial screening consultation, or ask us anything first – there’s no pressure, and no jargon. Our referrals team gets back to you within a working day.

“We can usually help – and if we can’t we’ll do our best to point you towards someone who can”
Questa Team

NHS experienced clinicians

Online UK-wide

NICE aligned assessments