Frequently asked questions
We’ve collected all our frequently asked questions and answers on this page.
What assessments do you offer?
We offer private assessments for autism and/or ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions such as dyspraxia. We can also offer add on assessments that may be warranted such as cognitive assessments, mental health, speech and language, and occupational therapy.
What is the private autism assessment process?
You can read about our process in detail on this page.
The steps include: booking a free initial consultation, 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 usually 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 insurance that covers or contributes towards the assessment cost you will need to process this claim directly with the insurer. We will provide you with the necessary receipts and supporting documents.
Do I need a GP referral for a private autism assessment?
No, we operate an open referral system which means anyone can refer for a free initial consultation – parents and carers, individuals, 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 a free 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 free initial consultation 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 4 to 18 years old. We also assess for ADHD up to the age of 25.
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.
Will the local authority accept the private autism assessment?
The local authority/NHS should accept private assessments if the assessment follows NICE guidelines. Each local authority/NHS Trust will have their own internal policies and guidelines to follow, we advise you check with your GP to see if there is anything specific they may require.
Will you advise whether I should apply for an EHCP for my child?
We will provide advice around the needs of your child in their school setting which in some instances may include applying for an EHCP.
Will you help me apply for an EHCP for my child?
We work closely with SEN lawyers and parent advocates who we can refer you to.
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.
How quickly will my child be seen for a private autism assessment?
After your initial consultation, should we feel your child would benefit from a private autism or ADHD assessment, we aim to see you face-to-face within six to eight weeks.
Who conducts the free initial 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 initial consultation from the family?
We welcome mums, dads and caregivers to take part.
How long does the initial consultation last?
We set aside 30 minutes for the phone conversation.
How should we prepare our 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. It is helpful to have an age appropriate conversation with your child before the 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.
What happens in the autism or ADHD assessment?
You can read about the assessment process on this page. We also have a blog which outlines more detail about what happens in an autism assessment.
Who conducts the private autism or ADHD assessment?
Assessments will be conducted by two of our clinicians which can include a clinical psychologist, an occupational therapist and or a speech and language therapist. All clinicians are available to contribute to all case discussions.
Who attends the autism or ADHD assessment from the family?
We strongly encourage parents, carers and the child or young person to attend the assessment.
How long does the autism or ADHD assessment last?
This will vary depending on the assessment pathway booked and whether any additional assessemnts are required. In general assessments will last between 2 and 5 hours and we can advise you further at booking. We always give breaks as needed throughout the assessment.
What happens after the autism or ADHD 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.
What should I bring with me on the day of the autism or ADHD 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. It is advisable that you bring some water and snacks for your child especially if you book in for a dual assessment. It is also useful to bring a quiet activity for the child to engage in if their assessment finishes before the parent interview.
What areas of the UK do you cover?
We do not have a catchment area so our clients come from across the UK. Our private autism and ADHD assessments take place in Pinner, North London and Esltree, Hertfordshire.
What should we do about medication?
If you child has been prescribed medication please ensure it is taken as normal on the day of the assessment. Although we do not have a prescriber as part of our team, we do work closely with clinicians at Centennial Medical Care who can provide medication support, should this be needed after the assessment.
Where do your private autism assessments take place?
The Gesher Assessment Centre has two centres, one in North London in Pinner, and the other in Elstree in Hertfordshire. Our clients come from local areas in North London such as Harrow, Hillingdon, Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Bushey, Watford, Elstree, Edgware, Borehamwood, Barnet, as well as from further afield including Herfordshire, Berkshire, Essex and Wiltshire. We do not have a catchment area and welcome clients from across the UK.
Where do your private ADHD assessments take place?
We have two centres, one in Pinner in North London, and the other in Elstree in Hertfordshire. We do not have a catchment area and our clients come from areas in North London including Hillingdon, Harrow, Brent, Barnet, Bushey, Ealing, Watford, Elstree, Borehamwood, Edgware, as well as from further afield including Surrey, Hertfordshire, Essex and Wiltshire.
Do you accept ‘Right to Choose’ referrals?
In England, patients have a legal ‘Right to Choose’ who provides their healthcare, including who carries out an autism or ADHD assessment.
To be eligible for the ‘Right to Choose’ the following apply:
• You should be registered with a GP in England. ‘Right to Choose’ is not available in Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland.
• You must not be a serving member of the armed forces/prisoner/detained under the Mental Health Act/needing a test urgently/have been admitted to hospital.
• The provider must offer NHS services in England.
As with many other private autism and ADHD assessment providers, we are not in a position to accept ‘Right to Choose’ referrals. This is because we do not provide any NHS services in England which is mandatory in order to accept these referrals.
We hope to be in a position to accept ‘Right to Choose’ referrals later in 2025 and will update the website with further information when this is possible.
Find out more
Find out more about the Gesher Assessment Centre process, or find the answer to your question on our FAQ page.