Frequently asked questions
We’ve collected all our questions and answers on this page.
What areas do you assess?
We offer private assessments for Autism and or ADHD and we can also offer other assessments that may be warranted such as cognitive assessments, speech and language assessment and dyspraxia.
What is the private autism assessment process?
You can read about our process in detail on this page.
The steps include: booking a triage call, having the triage call, making a decision on suitability for assessment, submission of paperwork and payment, assessment, feedback, and formal report.
Does Bupa cover autism assessments?
Private health insurers such as Axa, Bupa and Vitality do not cover private autism or adhd assessments. You will need to pay us for the assessment by card at the time of booking. If you do have medical aid that does cover/contribute towards the assessment, you need to process this directly with them. We will provide you with the necessary support documents if needed.
Do I need a GP referral for a private autism assessment?
No, we operate an open referral system which means anyone can refer a child for an initial triage phone call – parents and carers, professionals, schools and local authorities.
How much does a private autism assessment cost?
Our initial 30-minute initial consultation is free. From this conversation, we will confirm whether you need an assessment and recommend which pathway we would suggest. You can find our more information on our fees page.
How long is the waiting list for an autism assessment?
We do not have a waiting list. If there are appointments available to book an initial consultation call, you can do so straight away through our website. If no appointments are available, you can sign up to receive an email when slots become available. If the outcome of the triage phone call is to continue with an assessment, you should be able to book an appointment within the next 6 – 8 weeks. If the outcome of the triage phone call is to continue with an assessment, you should be able to book an appointment within the next 6 – 8 weeks.
How old do you have to be for an autism assessment?
We assess children and young people from four to 25 years old.
What’s the difference between a local authority and a private autism assessment?
There’s no difference between a local authority assessment and a private assessment in terms of the status or validity of the reports. Both assessments, diagnoses and reports carry the same weight when seeking support for your child. You can read more here.
Will the local authority accept the private autism assessment?
The local authority should accept private assessments but may also require you to have an NHS assessment.
Will you advise whether I should apply for an EHCP for my child?
Yes, we will advise this in the report. We also include further recommendations, such as other support your child will benefit from.
Will you help me apply for an EHCP for my child?
Currently, we do not offer this service. We will advise which professionals to contact to take forward your application for an EHCP, and we will signpost you to organisations who can support your application.
Do you offer private autism assessments at my child’s school?
No, all our assessments take place at one of our centres in Pinner or Elstree. If this is a recommendation from your assessment, we can advise which professionals and organisations can support your conversations with your school.
How can I book an initial consultation call?
How quickly will my child be seen for a private autism assessment?
After your triage phone call, should we feel you would benefit from a private autism assessment, we aim to see you face-to-face within six to eight weeks.
Who conducts the telephone consultation?
You’ll speak to an expert from our assessment team to talk through your child’s needs and your concerns. Our experts are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and have a deep knowledge of special education needs (SEN).
Who takes part in the telephone consultation from the family?
We welcome mums, dads and caregivers to take part. We are aiming to understand your child’s needs, so the more information we can gather, the better.
How long does the telephone consultation last?
We set aside 30-45 minutes for the phone conversation. After your triage session, we’ll advise whether we think you need an assessment at this stage. After your triage session, we’ll advise whether we think you need an assessment at this stage.
What happens if we don’t need a private autism or adhd assessment?
Our clinician will advise of alternative avenues to follow for your child; this may include considering different therapies, consulting with your GP or other medical professionals to rule out any other concerns, or in some cases, we may need more information before a final decision is made on the suitability for assessment. We might recommend that you contact us again in the future once other concerns are dealt with.
How to prepare my child or young person for the assessment?
We will send you a social story you can read with your child and pictures of the clinicians you will be seeing on the day. A guidance document will also be attached with helpful language to use when preparing your child or young person for the upcoming assessment.
Can siblings or other children come along to the autism assessment?
Only the child who is being assessed and his/her parents and or caregiver are allowed to join the assessment. Please make alternative childcare arrangements for siblings or other children who may be with you.
What happens in the autism assessment?
You can read about the assessment process on this page.
Who conducts the private autism assessment?
Assessments will be conducted by two of our clinicians which can include a psychologist, an occupational therapist and or a speech and language therapist.
Who attends the autism assessment from the family?
We invite parents, carers and the child or young person to attend the assessment.
How long does the autism assessment last?
The session with the child is approximately 45 to 60 minutes. If a child or young person needs additional support to regulate before they can participate in the assessment, it may take slightly longer than the time stipulated above. The parent interview is approximately 2 hours.
What happens after the autism assessment?
After the assessment and scoring, parents will attend a feedback session. The feedback session will be booked at the time when you book the assessment. For younger children, we advise that they are not present for the feedback session. We will follow up our sessions with a full report shortly after your assessment and you are welcome to have a further conversation to discuss the report and ask any questions.
What should I bring with me on the day of the autism assessment?
Please ensure your child or young person is dressed comfortably as part of the assessment may be conducted through play on the floor (especially for younger children). Equally, for older children or adolescents, feeling comfortable in their clothes when meeting new people may help to reduce their stress and anxiety. If you bring any food/snacks onto the property, please adhere to Kosher rules if you are booked in at Pinner.
What areas of the UK do you cover?
Our private autism and ADHD assessment centres are in North London and Hertfordshire
What age range do you cover?
We offer autism and ADHD assessments for children, teenagers and adults up to the age of 25.
What about medication?
We will gather information from you during the triage phone call and during the face-to-face assessment about any medication that is being taken.
You should continue with the advice of your medical professional. We are unable to recommend or prescribe medication. If your child takes chronic/prescribed medication, please ensure he/she takes it on the day of assessment as per instructions from your medical doctor.
Find out more
Find out more about the Gesher Assessment Centre process, or find the answer to your question on our FAQ page.