Private Autism Assessments – Fast, Compassionate, Expert-Led

Equally Different have extensive experience with the assessment process, and we understand how stressful it can be, especially for children. Our team is dedicated to making the assessment experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We adopt a multi-disciplinary approach that includes Clinical Psychology, Occupational Therapy, and Speech and Language Therapy to conduct a comprehensive assessment that meets NICE guidelines. We use “gold standard” assessment tools such as the ADOS 2 and ADI-R to ensure the highest quality of care.

Packages start from £1,600 for adults and £1,795 for children

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Having an Autism diagnosis can be life changing…

For Children and Young People

Benefits for the child:

Understanding themselves better – helps them make sense of why they think, feel, and react the way they do.
Reducing self-blame – shifts the narrative from “something is wrong with me” to “my brain works differently.”
Access to support in school – eligibility for reasonable adjustments, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and targeted learning support.
Tailored therapeutic strategies – interventions that match their sensory, communication, and learning style.
Improved self-esteem – being able to identify strengths as well as challenges.

Benefits for parents:

Clarity and direction – understanding their child’s needs without the guesswork.
Better communication with professionals – a formal diagnosis carries weight with schools, CAMHS, and local authorities.
Access to resources – courses, funding, respite care, and support networks that may require diagnosis.
Reduced family stress – knowing what helps and what doesn’t can ease daily life.

For Adults

Personal benefits:

Self-understanding – making sense of life experiences, relationships, and challenges.
Improved mental health – reducing anxiety, depression, or burnout linked to masking and misunderstanding.
Empowerment – having the language to advocate for yourself and request adjustments at work, education, or healthcare.
Connection to community – meeting others with shared experiences, reducing isolation.

Practical benefits:

Workplace adjustments – legal rights under the Equality Act to reasonable accommodations.
Access to benefits/support – where applicable (e.g., PIP, Access to Work).
Tailored therapeutic or coaching approaches – strategies that fit the autistic way of processing.

Across All Ages

Validation – knowing your experiences are real and recognised.
Improved relationships – helping family, friends, teachers, or colleagues understand and adapt.
Future planning – guidance on education, career, independence, and daily living.
Better mental health outcomes – because the right support can be accessed earlier and more effectively.

What to expect from Autism Assessment

An initial consultation will take place to confirm whether an autism assessment is the right choice.

A detailed developmental history will be gathered from a parent/carer or a person who knows the individual best. The ADI-R assessment tool will be used.

A clinical assessment will be carried out using the ADOS 2, which is an informal and relaxed interaction between the clinician and the person being assessed.

A multi-disciplinary team meeting will be held to discuss the findings and reach a conclusion.

We will call parents or the client to discuss the outcome and provide feedback.

Shortly after the assessment, a comprehensive report and recommendations will be provided.

You can choose to receive recommendations for where to access information about autism (included in all reports) or opt for two or six online sessions that explore what autism is and how it might affect you or your child in detail.

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Woman on video call with laptop on their lap

Children opening a box of colourful crayons

Why Autism Assessment might be right for you

We understand that financing an independent autism assessment is a substantial undertaking for families. To determine if this is the best course of action for you, your child or young adult, we recommend an initial consultation call. This will help us to address any concerns and explore alternative types of assessments and support if necessary.

We’re dedicated to providing you with the best possible insight into yourself or your child, whether you receive a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or confirmation that you or your child do not meet the diagnostic criteria for ASD. Our goal is to help you gain a deeper understanding of your situation.

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Who can benefit from Autism Assessment?

Understanding the reasons behind certain challenges or differeces can benefit you or your child, your family, partner, employer, colleagues, teachers and friends.

Employers, colleges, or universities may need to make reasonable adjustments for you. School will be able to understand the different needs your child has and better understand how they learn.

Accessing appropriate services and benefits may become easier.

While self-belief doesn’t require a diagnosis, some autistic individuals find comfort in the diagnosis to understand their life experiences and connect with others who are autistic.

Prices

Package 1

Full Autism assessment for adult or child.

Comprehensive report following assessment.

Post support pack (if diagnosis made).

£1,600 (adults) £1795 (child)

Package 2

Full Autism assessment for adult or child.

Comprehensive report following assessment.

2 bespoke post-diagnosis sessions (held online or in person if within area) covering what autism is and some strategies to manage difficulties.

£1770 (adult) £1965 (child)

Package 3

Full Autism assessment for adult or child.

Comprehensive report following assessment.

6 bespoke post-diagnosis sessions (held online or in person if within area) covering what autism is and skills to manage difficulties.

£2110 (adult) £2,305 (child)

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F.A.Q.

Discover answers to common questions below. Should you have any other inquiries, please feel free to connect with us.

Can you provide formal and recognised diagnosis?

Yes, we are trained to assess using clinical questioning and observations and psychometric tools to be able to effectively assess and diagnose specific mental health conditions and recommend appropriate treatment. We do not prescribe medication but would recommend a course of appropriate therapy or interventions to support your needs. This is much evidence to support therapy/interventions as a first line of support.

How do I make a referral, do I need to be referred by my GP?

No, you do not need a referral from a GP. Anyone can make a referral. Common referrals we receive include self-referrals, referrals from friends, families and case managers / solicitors. If you would like to make a referral please use the contact us button.

Will the assessment be accepted by local authorities, CAMHS and school?

This is a common query we receive regarding child and adolescent assessments, as parents understandably want assurance that a privately conducted assessment will be acknowledged and used to access necessary support.
An assessment cannot be refused solely because it was done privately, as long as it aligns with NICE guidelines and is conducted by appropriately trained professionals. Our psychologists at Equally Different are members of the British Psychological Society to maintain high standards of practice and our Speech and Language therapists and Occupational therapists are registered with the HCPC . Our team has extensive experience in both child and adult NHS services.

How do you conduct online sessions?

Our online sessions are held in Microsoft Teams. You will receive a dedicated meeting invitation and link to join the call. You do not need to have a Microsoft account to join our sessions and can attend as a guest user. Online sessions and assessments are becoming much the norm since Covid and lots of people prefer this way of interacting, however, if it is not for you, we are happy to discuss alternative methods such as in a clinic setting or at times, in your own home.

How long do appointments last?

The length of an appointment will vary for each individual and will depend on the type of appointment they need. Generally,initial assessments last between one to one and a half hours long. Treatment sessions generally last between half an hour and one hour long. Sessions can be longer or shorter and will be tailored to meet the needs and preferences of the patient.

How many sessions will I need?

This varies between people considerably. People are often seen for between 12- 36 sessions but some have also benefited from just a few sessions.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept payment via Bank Transfer, PayPal or in cash.

Can you prescribe medication?

We do not prescribe medication, we offer therapy as a first step for support. Therapy has much evidence in it’s effectiveness in treatment for various mental health difficulties.

Can you support outside of Dorset?

Many sessions are held online which means we can reach across the UK and further. We are also able to travel with additional costs for the time and mileage.