Two Pathways to Your Diagnosis
DIAGNOSIS | INDEPENDENCE | WELL-BEING
Acorn Autism Specialists now offer two flexible assessment pathways — both meeting NICE Gold Standard guidelines, both led by our expert multidisciplinary team. Choose the route that works best for you.
Both pathways are fully NICE compliant, use Gold Standard ADOS-2 assessment tools, and include a full multidisciplinary team discussion. The only difference is
how the components are delivered.
OUR ASSESSMENT OPTIONS
Flexible Assessments,
Uncompromising Standards
We understand that every person's circumstances are different. Whether you prefer the reassurance of both clinicians beside you throughout the day, or the added convenience of completing part of your assessment from home, Acorn has a pathway designed for you.
PATHWAY 1
Full Same-Day Assessment
Both components completed together in a single visit to our Kelvedon clinic.
Fully Face to Face
All parts of the assessment take place in person at our clinic in Kelvedon, Essex.
Full MDT present throughout
A Clinical Psychologist and Speech & Language Therapist are both with you for the entire assessment — the ADOS-2 and the developmental interview.
Completed in one day
ADOS-2 observation (approx. 1–1.5 hrs) and ADI-R/ACIA developmental interview (approx. 3 hrs) take place across a full day, progressing entirely at your own pace.
Informant welcome — in the room with you
The developmental interview is best completed with an informant — a family member or close friend who knows you well, ideally from childhood. With both appointments on the same day in clinic, your informant attends with you in person, which can be particularly reassuring and supportive, especially for adults going through the diagnostic process.
Calm, quiet assessment studio
Easy access and parking at our peaceful setting in the Essex countryside — designed to reduce travel anxiety.
Outcome within 24 hours
Following the assessment, the clinical team hold their MDT discussion and you will be informed of the diagnostic outcome within 24 hours.
BEST SUITED FOR
- Children and Young People
- Adults
- Those preferring one visit
- School-age assessments
- Families with childcare on the day
PATHWAY 2 - new
Split Assessment Pathway
Observation in clinic, developmental interview from the comfort of your own home.
ADOS-2 face to face in Kelvedon
The structured observational part of the assessment is always carried out in person at our clinic — as recommended by NICE.
ADI/ACIA interview from home
The developmental history interview is conducted remotely via a secure video call, at a time convenient to you — scheduled as close to your ADOS appointment as possible, and within up to three weeks, depending on your availability and that of your clinician. An informant (a family member or close friend who knows you well, ideally from childhood) is preferred for this interview. Because it takes place online, your informant can join from wherever they are — no travel required, regardless of where they live.
Two appointments, greater flexibility
The clinic visit (approx. 1–1.5 hrs) and the remote interview (approx. 3 hrs) are scheduled separately — particularly helpful where reduced childcare time is needed, travel is a challenge, or you simply prefer shorter individual appointments.
Named clinicians for each part
A named ADOS clinician conducts your clinic visit. A named ADI/ACIA clinician conducts your remote interview. Both contribute fully to the MDT discussion.
MDT discussion within one week of your final appointment
Once both parts of your assessment are complete, the clinical team hold their MDT discussion within that week. You will receive your outcome promptly afterwards, in your preferred way — by email, phone call, or remote video call.
Outcome within 24 hours
Following the assessment, the clinical team hold their MDT discussion and you will be informed of the diagnostic outcome within 24 hours.
BEST SUITED FOR
- Adults
- Children & Young People
- Reduced childcare needed
- Flexible scheduling
- Those preferring shorter visits
- Reduced travel needed
SIDE BY SIDE
At a Glance Comparison
| Pathway 1 Same-Day Assessment | Pathway 2 Split Assessment | |
|---|---|---|
| NICE Gold Standard compliant | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| ADOS-2 face to face in clinic | ✔ Yes — Kelvedon | ✔ Yes — Kelvedon |
| Developmental interview (ADI-R / ACIA) | Face to face in clinic | Remote (secure video call) |
| MDT clinical team discussion | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Both clinicians present throughout | ✔ Yes - same day | Named clinician for each part |
| Informant (family member / friend) | Joins in person — can offer direct support in the room, particularly helpful for adults | Joins online from anywhere — no need for them to travel |
| Number of in-person clinic visits | One full day | One shorter clinic visit |
| Approximate total time to complete | One day (outcome within 24 hrs) | Two appointments within up to 3 weeks |
| Detailed written report | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Feedback appointment offered | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Accepted by Local Authorities & SEN | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
OUR PROMISE to you
What Never Changes,
Regardless of Pathway
Gold Standard Tools
Both pathways use the ADOS-2, ADI-R or ACIA — the same instruments recommended by NICE for children and adults alike.
Expert Clinicians
Your assessment is always conducted by registered, experienced clinicians trained in autism diagnosis — never by a single professional acting alone.
MDT Discussion
Every assessment concludes with a full multidisciplinary team discussion before a diagnostic outcome is reached.
Person-Centred Report
A detailed, person-centred written report with practical recommendations — accepted by schools, Local Authorities and health services.
Ongoing Support
A dedicated key clinician as your primary contact throughout, plus a feedback appointment to go through your report and next steps.
The Acorn Approach
Calm, kind, unhurried. Our gentle, personalised approach to every assessment is something we will never compromise on.
PATHWAY 2 IN DETAIL
How the Split Assessment Works
Opt in & Book
You confirm consent for the split pathway. Admin allocate your ADOS clinician and arrange your in-clinic date in Kelvedon.
ADOS in Clinic
You attend our Kelvedon studio for the face-to-face ADOS-2 observation (approx. 1–1.5 hrs). Easy parking, calm and quiet environment.
ADI/ACIA Online
Your named ADI/ACIA clinician contacts you to arrange a remote interview from home (approx. 3 hrs) — as close to your ADOS date as possible — and within up to three weeks — at a time that suits you and your clinician.
MDT & Outcome
Both clinicians discuss findings at an MDT meeting within one week of your final appointment. You will receive your outcome promptly afterwards — by email, phone call, or remote video call, as you prefer.
"The autism diagnostic assessment is a highly specialised evaluation. Shortcuts are not an option — and with Acorn, they never will be."
— Acorn Autism Specialists.
GET STARTED
Not Sure Which Pathway is Right for You?
Our friendly team are happy to talk you through both options and help you decide. There is no pressure — just an honest conversation about what suits you best.
