Spectrum Assessments
Private autism assessments and ADHD assessments in Bristol for children, young people and adults.
About Spectrum Private Autism Assessments & ADHD Assessments in Bristol
Spectrum Assessments provides private autism assessments and ADHD assessments for children, young people and adults. Our assessments follow NICE guidelines, use ‘gold standard’ assessment tools, and take place both online and at our clinic in Bristol.
Our clinicians have over 10 years experience in autism assessment, both in the NHS and private sectors, and are registered by regulatory bodies such as Healthcare Professionals Council, and professional bodies such as The Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists.
A private autism or ADHD diagnosis from Spectrum Assessments is as credible as an NHS diagnosis.
How It Works
ENQUIRY
Once an enquiry is made, contact will be made usually within 24 hours and in no more than 1 week.
FREE TELEPHONE CONSULTATION
A free telephone consultation will be held to answer any questions, gain some initial background information and determine whether an assessment is appropriate. Should you wish to proceed with the assessment, we will ask you to read and sign our terms and conditions.
DEVELOPMENTAL HISTORY SESSION (ONLINE MEETING)
A developmental history (using the Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised, ADIr) is completed, via online meeting. This is to gather more extensive information about a child, young person or adult’s background, their early development, their current language skills, their communication style, their social and play development and their interests, behaviours, thought process and any sensory differences. This appointment can last up to 3 hours. This is completed with parents/ carers without the child or young person. Adults wishing to be assessed where there is no information, please contact us for further information.
OBSERVATION ASSESSMENT
An observation assessment using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2 (ADOS-2) is completed. The ADOS-2 is a semi-structured assessment of communication, social interaction and imaginative use of materials designed to elicit behaviours that are directly relevant to a diagnosis of autism. Where a client is able to report on their own lived experience, questions to gather self reports will also be asked. This is conducted in a clinic in Bristol. Please note that further assessment may be required, depending on the needs and presentation of person being assessed.
DIAGNOSTIC MEETING
Following these assessments, a Multi-Disciplinary Team meeting is held where information gathered is reviewed alongside the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (Diagnostic Statistical Manual V, DSM V) to determine whether the person’s needs meet the criteria for a diagnosis. Please note that a diagnosis of autism is not guaranteed.
FEEDBACK MEETING
Once the outcome of the assessment has been decided this will be shared with you and a feedback meeting arranged to review the findings of the assessment and to address any unanswered questions. A report is shared containing a description of the information received, the diagnostic outcome and recommendations for support.
FAQs
How do you get officially diagnosed with autism?
Autism is diagnosed in children and adults using a series of assessments. This includes a developmental history session designed to gather information about a patient’s early development, communication styles, interests, thought processes and behaviours. An observation assessment is then carried out using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2 (ADOS-2). This is a semi-structured assessment of communication, social interaction and imaginative use of materials designed to elicit behaviour relevant to an autism diagnosis. The gathered information is then reviewed alongside diagnostic criteria to determine the outcome.
Does the NHS accept private autism diagnosis?
The NHS generally accepts private autism diagnoses that meet the same standard of diagnosis as the NHS and have been carried out by a qualified professional and registered provider. Spectrum Assessments follow NICE guidelines, use ‘gold standard’ assessment tools and are carried out by registered professionals with over 10 years experience in both NHS and private autism and ADHD diagnosis.
How much is a private autism assessment UK?
A private autism assessment at Spectrum Assessments costs £2150.