Child Autism Assessments & Diagnosis

Private Child Autism Assessments and Diagnosis

Child autism assessments are available for children aged six and over, combining clinical expertise with a compassionate, family-centred approach.

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 NHS and NICE guidelines with gold-standard assessment methods
Personalised recommendations for next steps and ongoing support

Book an Assessment

Expert Child Autism Assessments You Can Trust

Our child autism assessments are available online across the UK or in person at our Kent and Cheltenham clinics, adhering to NHS and NICE guidelines. Our assessors are experienced in recognising how autism presents across different ages and developmental stages, ensuring assessments are sensitive, thorough, and supportive. Combining specialist knowledge, evidence-based tools, and a compassionate approach, we provide clear, comprehensive assessments that help families understand and support their child’s unique needs.

Common Signs of Autism in Children

Autism presents differently in every individual. While many autistic children 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.

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, hand-flapping, or hair twirling

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

Prefer solitary play or side-by-side play, often finding group play 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 predictability

What Happens in a Child Autism Assessment?

Our child autism assessments are designed to help families gain clarity, confidence, and practical guidance. Every stage is delivered by experienced Neurodevelopmental Assessors, following NHS standards and NICE guidelines.

1

Pre-assessment & triage

We begin by gathering background information to confirm whether an autism assessment is appropriate and to ensure the process is adapted to your child’s needs.

2

Questionnaires

You and a chosen informant (such as a teacher or caregiver) will complete questionnaires exploring your child’s developmental history, traits, and everyday behaviours.

3

Supporting information

Additional documents, such as school reports, previous assessments, or medical notes, may be requested to provide a full picture of your child’s strengths and challenges.

4

Diagnostic interviews

Two structured interviews are conducted, either online or in person:

ADI-R session (approx. 3 hours): completed with the parent or guardian only.
ADOS session (approx. 1 hour): completed with your child, with the parent or guardian present.

These sessions help our clinicians understand your child’s communication, social interaction, and behavioural patterns in different contexts.

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 dedicated feedback session to review the results, understand the findings, and receive personalised recommendations for next steps, including educational adjustments or additional family support.

Why Choose RTN Mental Health for Your Private Assessment?

Fast Assessments

Complete your child’s Autism diagnosis with assessments starting within 24 hours, online or in person.

Nationwide Coverage

Access autism specialists anywhere in the UK.

NHS-Standard Assessments

Meets NHS and NICE diagnostic standards.

Ongoing Personalised Care

Support and recommendations to help your child thrive.

What Our Patients Say

See what our patients have to say about their experience with RTN Mental Health. We’re proud to provide trusted, compassionate, and effective care that makes a real difference.

Child Autism Assessment FAQs

Who are child autism assessments for?

Our assessments are suitable for children aged six and above who may show signs of autism, such as differences in communication, social interaction, or behaviour. Assessments are designed to provide clarity for families seeking understanding and support.

Are appointments available online or in person?

Private assessments can take place online or in person at our Kent and Cheltenham clinics, depending on what works best for your family.

What happens during a child autism assessment?

Assessments are carried out by experienced Neurodevelopmental Assessors using gold-standard tools, including structured observations and interviews with parents or caregivers. The process is child-centred, ensuring each child feels comfortable, supported, and understood.

How do you adapt assessments for girls and children who mask their traits?

Our experts receive ongoing training to recognise the full spectrum of autism presentations. We understand that autistic girls and children who mask may show subtler traits or use coping strategies that differ from traditional diagnostic patterns. RTN’s approach looks beyond surface behaviours to understand each child’s strengths, challenges, and support needs.

How long does the assessment process take?

We don’t commit to exact timeframes, as every family’s journey is unique. However, once a private assessment is booked, your process can begin within 24 hours.

What does it mean that RTN adheres to NICE guidelines?

It means our experts follow the standards recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for autism diagnosis in children. This ensures your child’s assessment meets nationally recognised standards of quality and care.

What happens after my child’s assessment?

You’ll receive a detailed report with recommendations for next steps, including support strategies at home, in school, or through therapy.

Can I pay for my child’s assessment in installments?

Yes. Flexible payment options are available to help spread the cost.

Have A Question?

If you have a question about our Child Autism Assessments please complete the form and we’ll get back to you.

Enquiries:

0333 772 1164

enquiries@rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com

For feedback, complaints and SAR requests:

feedback@rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com

For more details about how we look after your data please see our Privacy Policy

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Autism Assessments for Children