After you fill out our contact form below, a member of our team will get in touch with you to gather more information. This helps us understand your concerns and determine whether an autism assessment is appropriate for your child or young person. If an assessment is warranted, we will add their name to our client list.

To begin the process, you will be asked to complete some online forms. If your child attends a preschool or school, we will also request their input.

As part of the assessment process, you will be offered two key appointments- the Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule–Second Edition (ADOS-2):

(1) The ADI-R is a structured interview carried out with parents or carers, and does not involve your child or young person directly. It is designed to gather an in-depth developmental history and includes a strong focus on behaviours typically observed around the ages of 4–5.

• Format: Usually conducted online or in-person

• Duration: Approximately 90-120 minutes

• Purpose: To provide detailed background information on your child’s early development, communication, behaviour, and social interactions

You will receive preparation guidelines in advance to help you get the most from this appointment. Many families find this interview helpful, regardless of whether it leads to an autism diagnosis or not, as it often provides a clearer picture of their child’s developmental profile and support needs.

​

(2) The ADOS-2 is a structured, play- and activity-based assessment that involves direct interaction between a trained clinician and your child or young person.

• Format: Conducted in person

• Duration: Approximately 60-90 minutes (age-dependent)

• Activities: Includes interactive tasks using toys, pictures, or conversation, depending on your child’s age

If your child is younger, you may be asked to remain in the room during the session. Your role will be mainly observational, though the clinician may invite you to join in at certain points. For older children and adolescents, the assessment is typically carried out individually with the clinicians.

​

All ADOS-2 sessions are observed by a second clinician as part of our multidisciplinary (MDT) assessment process to ensure thorough, collaborative evaluation.

Once both the ADI-R and ADOS-2 appointments have been completed, the MDT meets to carefully review all of the information gathered during the assessment process. This includes:

• Results from the ADI-R and ADOS-2

• Input from parents/carers and educational staff

• Any forms or questionnaires completed

• Observations and clinical impressions

The team works together to determine whether the available evidence is sufficient to complete the assessment or if further assessment is needed. This might include:

• A preschool or school observation

• A cognitive or developmental assessment

If additional assessment is required, a member of our team will contact you to discuss next steps and answer any questions.

​

​

5  |  Feedback Session

If no further assessment is needed, you will be invited to a dedicated feedback session with the Lead Clinician from the MDT. During this session:

• The clinician will clearly explain the outcome of the assessment, including whether or not an autism diagnosis has been made.

• You will receive detailed recommendations tailored to your child or young person’s unique needs. These may relate to support at home, in school, or in accessing additional services.

This session is designed to ensure that you leave with a clear understanding of the findings and next steps, and that you feel supported in moving forward.

​

6  |  Final Assessment Report

​

After your assessment, you will receive a full assessment report within 8–12 weeks from your first appointment date.

We understand how important the information is in this report for you and your family. Using a supportive approach, our goal is to ensure that every family receives a clear plan of action and the support they need to help their child thrive.

What to Expect in Your Report:

• Comprehensive Summary:
  A detailed summary of the assessment process and findings from the ADI-R, ADOS-2, and all other evidence gathered.

• Personalised Recommendations:
  Regardless of the outcome, the report will include specific recommendations tailored to your child or young person’s unique needs. These recommendations may cover areas such as:

  • Educational recommendations- Home and school support strategies

  • Full health recommendations - Access to services or therapies

• Next Steps:
  Clear guidance on how to move forward with supports and interventions for your child. We aim to empower you with the knowledge to advocate for the best possible outcomes.