The assessment journey
What happens in an autism assessment
step by step
An autism assessment at Oakwell has 10 steps, from a first conversation to a follow-up call after your report. Below is what happens at each one, how long it takes, who is there and what you need to do. The £1,999 fee covers every step, with no VAT payable.
Who this page is for: families and adults who want to know exactly what to expect before they book.
What happens at each step?
Step 01
Get in touch
Call, email or use the form, whichever suits you. No GP or school referral is needed, and professional referrals are welcome. If you’d like to talk it through first, you can book a free 15-minute call.
- Format
- Phone, email or the enquiry form
- What you’ll need
- Nothing: just tell us a little about what’s on your mind
Step 02
Initial consultation
We talk through what’s been happening and agree together whether an assessment is the right next step. If it isn’t, we’ll say so and suggest what might help instead.
- How long
- CHECK: length of the initial consultation (§1)
- Format
- CHECK: video or phone?
- What you’ll need
- Any earlier reports you’d like us to read, if you have them
Step 03
Questionnaires
We email you a questionnaire pack. For a child, a parent or carer fills in a developmental history questionnaire, and a short questionnaire goes to school for the SENCO, class teacher or teaching assistant. Adults complete a self-report questionnaire.
- Format
- By email
- Who’s there
- Parent or carer and school (children); you (adults)
- What you’ll need
- CHECK: how long families usually have to return them
Step 04
Developmental history (ADI-R)
A structured conversation about development from early childhood onwards, using the ADI-R. For a child, a parent or carer takes part. For an adult, it’s ideally someone who knew you well growing up, and optionally a partner. If nobody is available, we agree other ways to gather the same information.
- How long
- Up to 2 hours
- Format
- Online
- Who’s there
- A clinician from the team, with a parent, carer or family member
- What you’ll need
- A quiet space where you can talk freely
Step 05Observation
Observation session (ADOS-2)
A structured observation session using the ADOS-2, usually by secure video, or face to face at home where that suits your child better. We choose the approach with you, for your child’s comfort and so they can take part easily. The pace is adjusted and breaks are offered.
CHECK: are observation sessions recorded, who can view recordings and how long are they kept? (D2.4)
- How long
- About 45 minutes to an hour
- Format
- Usually by secure video, or face to face at home
- Who’s there
- CHECK: which clinician usually leads the observation
- What you’ll need
- For a video session, a quiet room and a laptop or tablet
Step 06Team review
Team review
The whole team reviews each case together against the DSM-5 criteria, and may ask you for more information. The whole team reviews each case together; the clinician who led the assessment signs the report.
- Who’s there
- Hans Naicker, an HCPC-registered clinical psychologist and an HCPC-registered speech and language therapist
- What you’ll need
- Nothing, unless we ask you for more information
Step 07Feedback
Feedback appointment
We explain what we found in plain language, including your strengths as well as any challenges, and you have time to ask questions.
- How long
- CHECK: length of the feedback appointment (§1)
- Format
- Usually online
Step 08Report
Written report
Your written report follows, usually within 4 weeks of the feedback appointment, and is signed by the clinician who led your assessment. CHECK: can Hans sign a child’s report, or is it always the psychologist or paediatrician? (D2.8)
The report is written to be shared with your child’s school, GP and, if relevant, the local authority as part of an EHCP needs assessment. Each organisation decides how it uses private reports.
Step 09
Signposting
Whatever the outcome, we point you to the local support most likely to help, from school and SEN support to adult services and community groups.
Step 10Included
Follow-up call
A 30 to 45-minute video or phone call within 6 weeks of your report, included in the fee. It’s a chance to ask anything that has come up since, and to talk about next steps.
- How long
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Format
- Video or phone
Want this on paper, or to read later? Print it or save it as a PDF.
What’s in the report?
A comprehensive, detailed report with clear recommendations and signposting, signed by the clinician who led your assessment.
CHECK: Hans to approve a plain list of the report’s section headings for this page (D1: no sample report)
The report is written to be shared with your child’s school, GP and, if relevant, the local authority as part of an EHCP needs assessment. Each organisation decides how it uses private reports. Adults may choose to share their report with an employer or university to support conversations about reasonable adjustments.
What if my child finds it hard to take part?
We adjust the pace, offer breaks, and help your child take part in a way that suits them. If home isn’t the right place, a session can be arranged at school. Feedback is always in plain language.
For adults, the same applies: tell us what helps, and we’ll build it in. CHECK: reminders and written summaries offered? (§1)
Questions about the assessment journey
How long does the assessment process take?
The developmental history session (ADI-R) takes up to 2 hours, and the observation session about 45 minutes to an hour. Your written report usually follows within 4 weeks of the feedback appointment, and a follow-up call within 6 weeks of the report. CHECK: typical overall time from first contact to report, only if Hans can always meet it (D2.7)
Can sessions be in Gujarati?
Yes, for the speech and language part of the assessment. Sessions with our speech and language therapist can be in Gujarati if that helps your family. Just let us know when you first get in touch, so we can plan for it.
What happens if the assessment doesn’t lead to a diagnosis?
You’ll still leave with clear, honest feedback. Whatever the outcome, we’ll talk through what we’ve noticed, and provide recommendations and signposting towards whatever support is likely to be genuinely helpful next — an assessment is never a dead end.
Is there a follow-up after the report?
Yes. A 30 to 45-minute video or phone call within 6 weeks of your report is included in the autism assessment fee, to answer your questions and help with next steps. It’s a chance to ask about anything that has come up since you read the report.
Will a parent be there at a home visit for a young person?
For children under 16, a parent or carer is always present. Young people aged 16 and 17 are offered the choice. This is part of our safeguarding approach, which Hans Naicker leads as our safeguarding lead.
Autism assessment
Who the assessment is forFees
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