Autism Assessments

Multidisciplinary Gold Standard Autism Assessments

If you believe that you, or your child, may be on the Autism Spectrum, it may be helpful to complete our online screening questionnaires and share the results with your GP if you wish. Please note that the screens are questionnaires that highlight the presence or absence of certain characteristics — they are not a diagnosis, but they can be a useful guide for your next steps.

Whilst the NHS offers free autism assessments, waiting lists are often lengthy. Many families and individuals choose to access a timely private assessment instead. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) sets out what a "Gold Standard" comprehensive autism assessment should include, for both children and adults :

• Be team-based, drawing on at least two different professions (eg. Clinical Psychologist and/or Speech and Language Therapist) each registered, trained and competent in autism diagnosis
• Where possible involve a family member, partner, carer or another informant
• Use documentary evidence (such as school reports) of current and past behaviour and early development
• Not rely on any single diagnostic tool alone
• Include a detailed developmental history, using an autism-specific tool such as the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), Adult Asperger Assessment (AAA) or Autism Clinical Interview for Adults (ACIA)
• Include an assessment through face to face observation of the person's social and communication skills and behaviours, using an autism-specific tool such as the ADOS-2
• Include a multidisciplinary clinical team discussion to consider the differential diagnosis
• NICE does not recommend autism assessments to be conducted solely via an online or video approach — in particular the ADOS-2 must always be conducted face to face
  

OUR ASSESSMENT OPTIONS

Two pathways, one gold standard

At Acorn, we offer two assessment pathways — both fully NICE compliant, both led by our specialist clinicians, and both concluding with a full multidisciplinary team discussion before any outcome is reached. The difference is simply how the components are delivered.

CHOOSE THE PATHWAY THAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU

OUR PROMISE TO YOU

Our Approach at Acorn Autism Specialists

Whichever pathway you choose, our promise to you is a thorough, robust and person-centred assessment. Every Acorn assessment includes:

• A thorough, person-centred "Gold Standard" diagnostic assessment — no shortcuts, no compromises
• A highly qualified, experienced multidisciplinary team (Clinical Psychologist and Speech and Language Therapist) involved throughout your assessment
• An initial discussion with your key clinician, who will be your main point of contact throughout the diagnostic process
• "Gold Standard" assessment tools (ADOS-2 and ADI-R, ACIA or AAA) as recommended by NICE for children and adults
• Liaison with teaching staff for child assessments, including potential for school or nursery observations
• Review of available professional reports
• A multidisciplinary clinical discussion to consider comorbidity and differential diagnosis
• A highly detailed, person-centred written report with informed recommendations — accepted by Local Authorities and SEN services
• Outcome communicated in your preferred way — within 24 hours for same-day assessments, or promptly after the MDT discussion for split assessments
• A feedback appointment to go through your report and recommendations

Acorn assessments are based on UK best practice models and exceed the criteria standards of the SEN and Disability Code of Practice (2015). Our diagnostic assessments are accepted by Local Authorities and meet or exceed the requirements for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)..

A note on quality: The autism diagnostic assessment is a highly specialised evaluation. Shortcuts are not an option. Assessments conducted by a single professional, or those relying solely on online tools, carry a greater risk of misdiagnosis. At Acorn, this will never be our approach — regardless of which pathway you choose.