Autism assessment • Understanding your options
Private vs NHS autism assessment
Compare access, costs and assessment arrangements so you can make an informed choice for your child.
Consider the whole pathway, including clinical expertise, your child’s comfort, the report and support afterwards.
Start with the funding route
NHS-funded and self-funded assessment
The organisation delivering an assessment and how it is funded are separate questions.
NHS-funded pathway
Assessment is free at the point of use. Ask your GP how referrals work locally; school, a health visitor or another professional may need to be involved.
Check the referral criteria, expected waiting arrangements and what support is available meanwhile.
Self-funded private pathway
Assessment involves fees. Providers may accept direct enquiries, but check their referral requirements and suitability for your child’s age and needs.
Ask for a written explanation of the assessment process, included services and any additional costs.
Look beyond the first appointment
Compare timing and the full cost
Waiting times
Availability varies across NHS services and private providers. Private appointments may be sooner, but this is not guaranteed.
- When is the first appointment?
- How long does the full assessment take?
- When are feedback and the report provided?
- What happens if more information is needed?
Private assessment fees
Ask for an itemised quote rather than comparing headline prices alone.
- Are all planned appointments included?
- Does the fee include the report and feedback?
- What are the costs of additional appointments?
- What follow-up is included?
- What are the cancellation terms?
Choosing a suitable service
Ask the same core questions of every provider
Professional expertise
- Who will assess my child, with what qualifications and registration?
- What experience do they have with children with similar needs?
- How is appropriate multidisciplinary expertise brought together?
- How are other possible explanations and additional needs considered?
Assessment and accessibility
- How are developmental history and school information gathered?
- How will my child take part?
- What communication or sensory adjustments are available?
- What happens if findings are uncertain or autism is not diagnosed?
What both routes should help you understand
Assessment explores whether your child meets diagnostic criteria, alongside their strengths and support needs. Ask how the findings and recommendations will be explained in the written report.
Explore what happens during assessment →Turning findings into support
Using assessment information at school
Share relevant findings and ask how recommendations will inform practical support. Agree what will happen, who is responsible and when it will be reviewed.
If school raises concerns about a report, ask it to explain them and discuss how your child’s needs will be addressed. A report does not automatically determine particular provision.
Already on a waiting list?
Check how the pathways interact
If you are considering a private assessment while awaiting NHS assessment, ask the NHS service what this would mean for the existing referral and future support.
Clarify any requirements for onward referrals or care before relying on a transfer. Keep copies of correspondence and avoid cancelling a referral based on assumptions.
Common questions
Making an informed decision
Is a private assessment better than an NHS assessment?
Funding alone does not tell you whether a service is suitable. Compare clinical expertise, the assessment approach, accessibility and follow-up arrangements.
Can parents request an NHS assessment?
Raise concerns with your GP, health visitor or school and ask about the local referral pathway and criteria.
Will school consider a private report?
Share relevant findings and discuss how they relate to your child’s needs. Ask for an explanation of any concerns about recommendations and agree the next support steps.
Does every assessment lead to an autism diagnosis?
No. Assessment determines whether diagnostic criteria are met. Ask how all possible outcomes, uncertainty and recommendations will be explained.
Is Right to Choose the same as paying privately?
No. An eligible Right to Choose referral in England is NHS-funded, even where the provider also offers private services. Confirm the funding route before booking.
Does a diagnosis automatically lead to an EHCP?
No. In England, an EHCP depends on educational needs and provision, rather than diagnosis alone. Continue discussing current support with school.
Further information: NHS autism assessment guidance, including referral routes and Right to Choose. Check current arrangements with the services involved.
Related guidance
Explore assessment and support
School of Diversity
Need help understanding your options?
Contact us to ask about assessment options or support with your child’s educational needs.