Questions and answers
Questions about autism and mental health assessment
Answers to common questions about Oakwell’s autism assessment, mental health assessment and Goal Coaching Mentorship Programme: referrals, ages, what happens in the sessions, reports, fees, privacy and safety. Each answer links to the page that covers it in more depth.
52 questions in 9 groups. Choose a group to jump to it, or open any question to read the answer.
Who this page is for: parents, adults, young people and professionals with a question before getting in touch.
Before you book
Do I need a referral from my GP or school?
No — you can get in touch directly as a parent, or as an adult seeking assessment for yourself. Referrals from GPs, schools and other professionals are also very welcome, but they’re not a requirement to start the process.
Do you assess ADHD?
Not at present. ADHD traits may be noted as part of an autism assessment, but we don’t diagnose ADHD or prescribe. If an ADHD assessment might help, we’ll say so and suggest where to turn, such as your GP or another provider. CHECK: wording with Hans (rule 1)
Can I use NHS Right to Choose with Oakwell?
No. Oakwell is a private service and isn’t an NHS Right to Choose provider. Your GP can tell you about Right to Choose options. If you’d like a private assessment, we’re happy to talk it through.
Is Oakwell an NHS service?
No. Oakwell is a private, self-funded service run by Hanson Care Group Ltd. You don’t need a referral, and you can still ask your GP about NHS services at the same time. After a mental health assessment, with your consent, we write to your GP so your care stays joined up.
How do I know if an assessment is right for me or my child?
You don’t need to be sure before you get in touch. You can start with a free 15-minute call, then the initial consultation, where we talk through what’s been happening and agree together whether an autism assessment, a mental health assessment, mentorship or something else is the right next step. If an assessment isn’t right, we’ll say so and suggest what might help instead.
How old does my child need to be for an autism assessment?
Six or over. Our autism assessment is for children aged 6 and over, teenagers and adults. If your child is younger, your GP or health visitor can talk to you about an NHS assessment. Our mental health assessment is for ages 16 and over, and the Goal Coaching Mentorship Programme is for 16 to 21-year-olds.
Can I be assessed for autism if I’m over 40?
Yes. Our adult autism assessment is for adults, and you don’t need to have been assessed as a child. Some people first wonder whether they’re autistic in midlife or later, for example after burnout, or after a child or relative has been assessed. If nobody who knew you as a child can take part, we agree other ways to gather your early history. CHECK: confirm there is no upper age limit
Which areas do you cover?
Ruislip, Uxbridge, Northwood, Harrow, Pinner, Stanmore, Rickmansworth, Gerrards Cross, Chalfont St Peter, Chalfont St Giles, Denham and surrounding areas. The developmental history for an autism assessment is online, and the observation session is usually by secure video, so travel is rarely needed. Home visits for the mental health assessment are across these areas. CHECK: is the online autism assessment offered UK-wide? (§1)
Are assessments online or in person?
It depends on the service. For an autism assessment, the developmental history session is online, and the observation session is usually by secure video, or face to face at home where that suits a child better. The mental health assessment can include a home visit, because coming to meet face to face can be difficult. We choose the approach with you.
Do you still diagnose Asperger’s syndrome?
No one does now: Asperger’s syndrome is no longer diagnosed as a separate condition. Since DSM-5 (2013), and in ICD-11, it has been part of autism, so an assessment today looks at autism as a whole. If you were diagnosed with Asperger’s in the past, you can keep using the term if it feels right to you.
What’s the difference between autism, ASD and ASC?
They describe the same thing. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the clinical term used in DSM-5 and ICD-11, and some UK services say autism spectrum condition (ASC) instead. We say “autism” and “autistic”, which many autistic people prefer. Some people prefer “person with autism”, and that’s fine too: we’ll use the words you’re comfortable with.
Why don’t you use terms like “high-functioning”?
Because labels like that don’t describe a person’s real strengths or support needs, which can vary from day to day and from one situation to another. Someone described as “high-functioning” may still need a lot of support, and the label can hide that. Instead, we describe a person’s strengths, the challenges they face and the support that would help.
The assessment
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.
Is there an autism test?
There’s no single test for autism. An autism assessment brings together a developmental history (the ADI-R), a structured observation session using the ADOS-2, questionnaires from you and, for children, school, and the team’s clinical judgement against the DSM-5 criteria. That’s why it takes several sessions rather than one test, and why the whole team reviews each case together.
What are the ADI-R and the ADOS-2?
They’re the two structured tools at the heart of our assessment. The ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised) is an interview with a parent or carer about development, focusing on early childhood. The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) is a structured observation session with the person being assessed. Our team is trained in both. CHECK: certificates seen for the claims register (D1)
Who is involved in the assessment?
Hans Naicker, our Clinical Lead and an NMC-registered mental health nurse, works with an HCPC-registered clinical psychologist and an HCPC-registered speech and language therapist. The whole team reviews each case together, and the clinician who led the assessment signs the report. All clinicians hold enhanced DBS checks. CHECK: can Hans sign a child’s report, or is it always the psychologist or paediatrician? (D2.8)
What if my child won’t engage on screen?
That’s fine, and it’s something we plan for. We adjust the pace, offer breaks and fit the session around your child. If video doesn’t suit them, the observation session can be face to face at home, or arranged at school if home isn’t possible. Tell us what helps your child feel settled, and we’ll build it in.
Can school be involved, or the assessment take place at school?
Yes. For children, a short questionnaire goes to school, for the SENCO, class teacher or teaching assistant, so we understand how your child is at school as well as at home. If a session at home isn’t possible, it can be arranged at school instead. CHECK: who sends the school questionnaire, and how parental consent is recorded (D2.4)
What if there’s no one who knew me as a child?
You can still be assessed. Where possible, someone who knew you well growing up takes part in the developmental history, and a partner can join too. If nobody is available, we agree other ways to gather the same information with you, so a gap in your early history doesn’t stop you being assessed. CHECK: which other ways, for example school reports or your own recollections (§1)
Reports and outcomes
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.
What’s in the report?
Your written report explains the outcome of the assessment and how the team reached it, and sets out clear recommendations for next steps. It’s signed by the clinician who led your assessment, and usually follows within 4 weeks of the feedback appointment. Report amendments and extra letters are included. CHECK: Hans to approve a plain list of the report’s section headings (D1)
Will school, the NHS or the council accept a private report?
Each organisation decides how it uses a private report, so we can’t promise how yours will be used. 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. Our guide explains what schools, the NHS and local authorities say about private assessments, including Buckinghamshire’s published position.
Who gets the report?
The report is sent to you, or for a child, to their parent or carer. You decide who else sees it, such as school, your GP or an employer, and we won’t share it with an employer, school or university without your consent. CHECK: does Oakwell send a copy to the GP or the referrer, with consent? (§6.8)
What if I don’t agree with the outcome?
Tell us. The feedback appointment and the follow-up call within 6 weeks of your report are there for your questions, and you can contact us at any time. You’re also free to seek another assessment elsewhere, including through the NHS. If you’re unhappy with our service, our complaints page explains what to do. CHECK: does Oakwell offer a review if a family disagrees with the outcome?
After the assessment
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.
Does my child need a diagnosis to ask for an EHC needs assessment?
No. You can ask your local authority for an education, health and care (EHC) needs assessment without a diagnosis. What matters is whether your child has or may have special educational needs, and may need support through an EHC plan. Your local SENDIASS and the charity IPSEA explain how to ask. Our guide covers how a private report fits in.
How do I talk to my child about their assessment?
In a way that fits their age and how they like to take in information. At the feedback appointment, we can talk with you about how to explain the outcome to your child, starting with their strengths. The National Autistic Society also has practical guidance for parents. CHECK: how Hans explains the outcome to a child, and whether he can join that conversation (§6.2)
Do I have to tell my employer?
No. Whether you share your assessment with an employer, university or anyone else is your choice. Some people share their report to support a conversation about reasonable adjustments at work or in study, and some don’t share it at all. GOV.UK explains reasonable adjustments and the Access to Work scheme, if you decide to look into them.
What support is available after an autism assessment?
It depends on your age and where you live. For children, that can include SEN support at school, your council’s SEND Local Offer and the local SENDIASS. For adults, it can include reasonable adjustments at work or in study, peer support and autistic-led groups. Whatever the outcome, we signpost you to local support, and our area pages list local services.
Fees and payment
Can I pay in instalments or with a deposit?
No. The full fee is paid at booking. We don’t offer payment plans or deposits. If an assessment can’t be completed, stages not yet delivered are refunded and completed stages are charged. CHECK: the price of each stage (D2.3)
Can I reschedule an appointment?
Yes, once and free of charge, with at least 24 hours' notice. Call or email us as early as you can, and we’ll find another time. CHECK: missed-appointment charge and cancellation terms, with the solicitor (D2.3)
Is VAT added to your fees?
No. Our fees are the total you pay. No VAT is payable. The autism assessment costs £1,999 and the mental health assessment costs £200, including the initial consultation. Report amendments and extra letters are included, so nothing is added later.
Are there extra costs, for example for report changes or letters?
No. Report amendments and extra letters are included, and no extras cost more. The autism assessment fee covers every stage, from the initial consultation to the follow-up call within 6 weeks of your report, whatever the outcome.
How much does a private autism assessment cost at Oakwell?
£1,999, with no VAT payable. That covers the initial consultation, the questionnaires, the developmental history (ADI-R), the ADOS-2 observation session, the team review, the feedback appointment, the written report, a follow-up call within 6 weeks, report amendments and extra letters, and signposting, whatever the outcome. CHECK: one fee for children and adults: will child fees differ? (§1)
Can I use private health insurance?
Oakwell is a private, self-funded service, and the full fee is paid at booking. If you have health insurance, it’s worth asking your insurer what they cover before you book. CHECK: whether any private health insurers are accepted (questionnaire 6.9)
What if I need to cancel?
You can reschedule once, free of charge, with at least 24 hours' notice. If an assessment can’t be completed, stages not yet delivered are refunded and completed stages are charged. Your legal cancellation rights are set out in our terms. CHECK: 14-day cancellation rights, the model form and the 'start within 14 days' wording: solicitor (D2.3)
Mental health assessment
Will I get a diagnosis from the mental health assessment?
No. This assessment gives you our clinical impression of the concerns you’re facing and what we recommend as next steps. It isn’t a diagnosis. If a formal diagnosis would be helpful, we’ll tell you who can provide one.
Can you see my 14-year-old for a mental health assessment?
Our mental health assessment is for people aged 16 and over. For a younger child, your GP can refer to CAMHS, or you could look for a psychiatrist who sees under-16s. If you’re wondering about autism, our autism assessment starts at age 6.
Can the mental health assessment happen at home?
Yes, where needed. We know that coming to meet face to face can be difficult, so Hans can see you at home, across the areas we cover, somewhere comfortable and familiar. Young people aged 16 and 17 are offered the choice of having a parent or carer there. Just mention it when you get in touch.
What happens after the mental health assessment?
You get our clinical impression and clear recommendations for next steps. We then point you to the services most likely to help and help you make the connection: that might be support through your GP, talking therapy, NHS community mental health services or an autism assessment. With your consent, we write to your GP, so you don’t have to explain everything again.
Is the mental health assessment therapy?
No. It’s an assessment and triage, not ongoing therapy or treatment, and Oakwell doesn’t prescribe medication. Hans takes the time to understand what’s going on, gives you his clinical impression, and helps you reach the right support, which might include talking therapy elsewhere. If ongoing goal-focused support would help a young person, mentorship can be part of the plan.
Mentorship
Is the mentorship programme therapy?
No. This is coaching, not therapy or medical treatment. The young person sets the goals, and Hans helps them build and work through a realistic plan. If clinical needs come up, we’ll talk about the right support, including a mental health assessment.
Does a young person need a diagnosis to start mentorship?
No. No diagnosis is needed to begin. The programme starts from the young person’s own goals and what’s getting in the way of them. It can follow an autism or mental health assessment, but it doesn’t have to.
Can family be involved in mentorship?
Yes, if the young person wants that. Family can be kept involved on the young person’s terms: some young people like a parent to join the first conversation or a review, and others prefer to work on their own. CHECK: Hans to confirm how family involvement usually works
Who is the mentorship programme for?
Young people aged 16 to 21 who want to work towards their own goals and feel something is getting in the way. No diagnosis is needed to begin. The programme is delivered one to one by Hans Naicker, and family can be involved if the young person wants that. CHECK: other ages considered: which ages, given safeguarding for under-16s? (D2.6)
How long does the mentorship programme last?
The programme is goal-focused rather than open-ended: together, we agree a realistic plan and review progress along the way, so the young person can see what’s changing. CHECK: length, session pattern and fee are published once D2.6 is answered (§22.11)
Consent and young people
Can my 16 or 17-year-old agree to their own assessment?
Generally, yes. Young people aged 16 and 17 are presumed able to consent to their own assessment. We encourage family involvement, and we record consent. For children under 16, consent comes from a parent or someone else with parental responsibility.
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.
Privacy and safety
How is my personal and clinical information kept secure?
We handle personal and clinical information in line with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. CHECK: full answer from the whole-service privacy notice: records platform, video platform and recordings, sharing within the team, GP letters and safeguarding (D2.4)
Is Oakwell an emergency service?
No. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. For urgent mental health help in England, call NHS 111 and choose option 2. You can call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time. Our urgent help page lists more numbers.
How do you keep children and young people safe?
Hans Naicker is our safeguarding lead, and all clinicians hold enhanced DBS checks. For children under 16, a parent or carer is present at home visits. If we’re ever worried that a child or young person may be at risk of harm, we follow our safeguarding policy, which can mean sharing information to keep them safe. CHECK: do all staff working with children hold an enhanced DBS check including the children’s barred list? (§22.6, D2.6)
Didn’t find your answer?
Email us at info@oakwellmentalhealth.co.uk, call 07496 159 590, or use the enquiry form. Prefer not to phone? Email or use the form. That’s completely fine.
Our guides go into more depth on the observation session, the ADI-R, private reports and EHCPs, and adult assessment.
If you need help urgently, our urgent help page lists who to contact. Oakwell is not an emergency service.
Still not sure? Talk it through with us.
No referral needed. Prefer not to phone? Email or use the form. That’s completely fine.