The full client journey
From first contact through to support following assessment. Some people access every phase, while others come to a specific part of the process. Both are equally valid.
Phase One · Before you commit
Initial Support
Not everyone is ready to book a full assessment, and that's okay.
Some families aren't sure whether an assessment is the right next step — but they know things feel difficult at home or school. Our Initial Support sessions create a safe, non-clinical space to explore your concerns with a qualified clinician. We help you understand what's happening and equip you with practical strategies you can use straight away.
Many families find that Initial Support is exactly what they need; others use it as a stepping stone to assessment. Either way, there's no pressure and no commitment.
Phase Two · The assessment pathway
Assessments
Once you book, here's exactly what happens. We've kept the language plain and the timings honest.
Sent immediately on booking
ideally returned within 4 days
Information gathering
You'll receive a thoughtful pre-assessment questionnaire pack to complete online at your own pace. This is reviewed by a clinician, who matches you with the most appropriate clinician for your situation.
- Complete questionnaires online at your own pace
- We gather background information to help our clinicians
- A clinician is assigned to meet your needs
Within 48 hours of questionnaires returned
30-60 minutes
Initial consultation
Once we've received your completed questionnaires, your assigned clinician arranges a consultation within 48 hours. This is a chance to talk through your situation, ask any questions, and decide together if assessment is the right next step.
- Discuss your concerns and what you’ve noticed
- Talk through how the assessment will work
- Decide together whether to proceed to assessment
Within 48 hours of your consultation
Confirm your appointment
Once you've had your consultation, we book your assessment room and confirm your date with all the details you need. On average, our clients are seen within 10 days of first appointment, at one of our calm, autism-friendly venues — or online.
- Select an appointment time that works for you
- Receive clear preparation guidance
- Email confirmation with venue details
Assessment day
2-4 hours
Your first assessment session
A thorough but flexible session in a calm, supportive environment. Take breaks whenever you need to. For children, the parent/carer interview is included on the day.
- Meet your clinician in a calm, welcoming space
- Complete standardised assessments (e.g., ADOS-2)
- Take breaks whenever needed
2-3 hours
A second session (where required)
A second session is usually included for child autism assessments. For adult, ADHD and cognitive assessments, the assessment is often completed in a single session. Where a second session is used, it allows the clinician to build a fuller picture and follow up on areas that need further understanding.
- Child autism assessments typically include a second session
- Adult, ADHD and cognitive assessments are often completed in one session
- Where used, it allows further exploration and clarification
For other services, your clinician may also decide after session 1 that they already have everything they need — in which case the case proceeds straight to panel.
1-2 weeks after your last session
Multi-disciplinary panel review
All information is reviewed within a clinical panel, chaired by a Clinical Psychologist, in line with NICE guidelines. Different perspectives are brought together to support a well-informed outcome.
- All assessment data carefully analysed
- School information considered (for children)
- A thorough, evidence-based diagnostic decision
Up to 7 days after panel
30 minutes
Feedback and next steps
Receive a clear report and meet with your clinician to go through it together. We discuss the outcome, answer questions, and consider next steps and support options.
- Detailed report in plain English
- Practical recommendations for support
- Useful regardless of the outcome
Phase Three · After your diagnosis
Post-Diagnostic Support
A diagnosis is one part of the process. We offer a range of support options to help you understand your experiences and consider next steps following assessment.
1:1 Identity Programme
£800 · 6 sessions
A personalised programme to help you make sense of your autistic identity at your own pace.
Identity Group
£600 · small cohort
Connect with others on the same journey in a small, facilitated group setting.
Flexible Sessions
£150 · pay-as-you-go
Book a session whenever you need guidance — no programme structure, no commitment.
Clinical terms explained
Plain English explanations of the assessments and standards we use
ADOS-2
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (Second Edition)
A structured observational assessment involving interaction and conversation, used as part of a wider clinical assessment.
ADI-R
Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised
A detailed interview with parents or carers about the person's developmental history and current behaviour. It helps clinicians understand patterns of development from early childhood.
NICE Guidelines
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
The official UK clinical guidelines that set out how autism assessments should be conducted. We follow these guidelines to ensure our assessments meet the highest standards and are recognised by GPs, schools, and other services.
Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT)
A team of different specialists
NICE guidelines recommend that autism diagnoses are made by a team of professionals, not just one person. Our MDT includes psychologists and incorporates input from other professionals as appropriate, in line with NICE guidelines.
Ready to learn more?
If you're considering an assessment, we're here to help you understand your options and decide if it's the right step for you.