Private Autism Assessments & Diagnosis

Private Autism Assessments and Diagnosis

Available nationwide for adults and children aged six and above. Each assessment is delivered by experienced clinicians using a gold-standard and person-centred approach, helping every individual feel understood and supported throughout the process.

Start your assessment within 24 hours of booking

Dedicated Patient Support Coordinator – a single point of contact throughout your journey

Online or in-person appointments available

Adheres to NICE guidelines and NHS standards

Clear recommendations for next steps, support, and treatment options

Book an assessment

Expert Autism Assessments You Can Trust

Autism assessments are available online across the UK or in person at our Kent and Cheltenham clinics, adhering to NHS and NICE guidelines. Our clinicians receive ongoing training to understand how autism presents across different genders, ages, and cultural backgrounds. Combining specialist knowledge, evidence-based tools, and a person-centred approach, we deliver clear, comprehensive assessments that reflect each individual’s unique profile.

Common Signs of Autism

Autism presents differently in every individual. While many autistic children and adults share common traits, these experiences vary widely and are often shaped by environment, gender, and life stage. Recognising these patterns can help people better understand themselves and access the right support.

Adult Autism Signs

Unique communication style or preference for direct, honest conversation

Strong need for routine or predictability

Passion for special interests

Heightened sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, or smells

Feeling socially drained or misunderstood in certain settings

Tendency to take language literally or miss the implied meaning

Using strategies (often called masking) to manage social expectations

Child Autism Signs

May use limited eye contact or facial expressions in communication

Develop speech or language skills later than peers, or communicate in unique ways

Repeat words or phrases they find comforting or interesting

Prefer predictable routines and may find sudden changes challenging

Enjoy focusing deeply on specific topics, toys, or activities

Engage in repetitive movements such as rocking or hand-flapping

Experience heightened sensitivity to sounds, textures, lights, or smells

Prefer solitary play or side-by-side play and find groups overwhelming

Express emotions intensely or find it hard to regulate them at times

May interpret language literally or miss subtle social cues

Find comfort in familiar environments and clear expectations

What Happens in a Private Autism Assessment?

Our autism assessments for children and adults are designed to provide clarity, understanding, and tailored recommendations for ongoing support. Each stage is led by experts and adheres to NHS and NICE guidelines.

1

Pre-assessment & triage

We collect background information to confirm whether an autism assessment is appropriate and to ensure the process is tailored to your individual needs.

2

Questionnaires

You and a chosen informant (such as a parent, partner, or teacher) will complete questionnaires covering developmental history, traits, and day-to-day behaviours.

3

Supporting information

Additional documents, such as school reports, previous assessments, or medical notes, may be requested to help build a complete clinical picture.

4

Diagnostic interviews

Structured diagnostic interviews are conducted online or in person:

For adults: a single 1½-hour interview with a qualified assessor.
For children: two sessions—an ADI-R (approx. 3 hours) with the parent or guardian only, and an ADOS (approx. 1 hour) with the child, where the parent or guardian should remain present.

These sessions explore communication, social interaction, sensory preferences, and behavioural patterns.

5

Diagnostic report

A detailed report is prepared by our team and finalised by a Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience and training in autism and ADHD.

6

Post-diagnostic feedback

You’ll be invited to a follow-up session to review your results, understand the findings, and receive practical guidance on next steps, such as therapy, workplace or educational adjustments, and ongoing support.

Who We Help

Many children and adults with autism experience differences in communication, social interaction, and sensory processing, which can impact daily life. We offer understanding, diagnosis, and tailored support to help them thrive with confidence and independence.

Adults

We support adults seeking clarity, understanding, and guidance through comprehensive autism assessments and personalised recommendations for future care.

Adult Autism Assessments

Children

We help children aged six and over with early, accurate autism assessments and tailored support to promote learning, communication, and emotional development.

Child Autism Assessments

Support for Autism

RTN Mental Health provides tailored ongoing support for adults with autism, including talking therapies, social communication coaching, and sensory regulation strategies. Our team helps clients manage anxiety, improve daily functioning, and build meaningful connections promoting confidence, wellbeing, and long-term independence.

CBT for autism

Why Choose RTN Mental Health for Your Private Assessment?

Fast Assessments

Complete Autism diagnosis with assessments starting within 24 hours, online or in person.

Nationwide Coverage

Access our experts anywhere in the UK.

Adheres to NICE Guidelines

Adheres to NHS and NICE diagnostic standards.

Ongoing Personalised Care

Ongoing support through therapy and coaching.

Autism Assessment FAQ

Who can have an autism assessment with RTN?

Our autism assessments are designed for individuals aged 6 and over who may experience traits of autism and want clarity, understanding, or formal diagnosis. You can self-refer for a private assessment.

Are assessments available online?

Private assessments can be completed either online or in person at our Kent and Cheltenham clinics.

What happens during an autism assessment?

Your assessment is led by experienced Neurodevelopmental Assessors who use gold-standard diagnostic tools, such as the ADOS-2 and ADI-R, alongside a detailed clinical interview. The process is collaborative and person-centred, designed to help you feel comfortable and understood throughout.

How long will it take?

We don’t commit to fixed timeframes, as each person’s journey depends on completing pre-assessment forms and appointments. However, once you book a private assessment, your process can begin within 24 hours.

What does “adheres to NICE guidelines” mean?

It means our assessments follow the standards and clinical procedures recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for autism diagnosis in adults. This ensures your assessment meets the same quality and safety standards as those used in NHS settings.

Do you understand how autism presents differently across genders?

Yes. Our team receives ongoing professional development in recognising how autism presents across genders, ages, and cultural backgrounds. Many traditional diagnostic criteria were developed around male presentations, which means the signs of autism in women and girls can often be missed. RTN’s clinicians are trained to look beyond the “standard tick boxes” to ensure everyone receives a fair and accurate assessment.

What support is available after diagnosis?

You’ll receive clear recommendations and signposting within your report. You can also access ongoing support through RTN Therapies, which provides tailored Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and emotional regulation work for neurodivergent adults.

Can I pay for my assessment in installments?

Yes. Flexible payment options are available, allowing you to spread the cost of your assessment.

Contact Us

We help create a world where every unique mind is understood, so everyone can thrive.

Enquiries:

0333 772 1164

enquiries@rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com

For feedback, complaints and SAR requests:

feedback@rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com

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