How much does a private autism assessment cost in the UK?

Typical fees are around £1,500–£3,000+, varying by region, provider and scope (e.g., number of clinicians, tools, school input and follow‑up).

Do I have an NHS Right to Choose my autism assessment provider?

In England, many GP‑referred mental health services allow a legal Right to Choose the provider for your first appointment, subject to eligibility and contracts. Ask your GP about local arrangements.

Are medical tests required?

No routine medical tests are recommended unless clinically indicated.

Autism assessment

Getting an autism assessment can feel daunting. This guide explains how assessments work in the UK, the tools clinicians use, your NHS vs private options (including Right to Choose in England), typical costs, and what to do next. It applies to adults and children, with notes where pathways differ.

Quick overview: what happens at an autism assessment

An autism assessment is multidisciplinary and holistic—there is no single “test”. Typically it includes: a developmental history; interviews with you and (where possible) someone who knew you in childhood; structured observation; questionnaires; and a written diagnostic report with recommendations. The NHS describes these steps in detail and explains what to do while you wait and how to seek a second opinion.

For adults, NICE recommends offering a comprehensive assessment when clinical suspicion is present or AQ‑10 ≥ 6 on screening, and it lists formal tools (e.g., ADI‑R, ADOS) that may aid more complex diagnostic decisions—as part of, not instead of, a full assessment.

For children and young people, NICE sets out the autism team’s roles, the assessment content, and advises starting the diagnostic assessment within three months of referral when indicated. Routine medical tests are not recommended unless clinically indicated.

Adults vs children: how pathways differ

Adults (18+)

Referral usually via your GP to a specialist adult autism team; screening with AQ‑10 is sometimes used. A positive screen or clinical concern should lead to a comprehensive, team‑based assessment with developmental history, observation and consideration of differentials/co‑occurring conditions.

Children & young people (under 19s)

Assessment is led by a multidisciplinary autism team (e.g., paediatrics/CAMHS, psychology, speech and language therapy), draws on school reports and family interviews, and should begin within 3 months of referral when criteria are met; routine lab/neuroimaging is not advised.

Common ground

Structured tools such as ADI‑R (developmental interview) and ADOS (observational assessment) are often used by specialist teams; they support, but do not replace, clinical judgement.

NHS, Right to Choose and private routes

NHS route

In England, if your GP refers you for a mental health condition, you generally have a legal Right to Choose the provider for your first appointment—this can include independent providers with NHS contracts. Some ICSs and NHS practices explicitly confirm this applies to autism assessments; speak to your GP about local arrangements.

Private route

You can self‑fund a NICE‑aligned multidisciplinary assessment. Private assessments can be faster, but ensure they follow NICE guidance and provide a detailed report you can share with your GP, employer or education setting.

How much does a private autism assessment cost?

Pricing varies by age, location and whether multiple clinicians and school observations are included. Recent UK market round‑ups place typical fees around £1,500–£3,000+, with London often higher. Use these figures as benchmarks and review what each package includes (number of appointments, tools used, follow‑up).

Tip: Ask providers whether the assessment is multidisciplinary, whether ADI‑R/ADOS are available where appropriate, and how many follow‑up sessions and post‑diagnostic supports are included.

How do prepare (adults & parents/carers)

Bring history: school reports, past assessments, EHCP/SEN or workplace adjustments, and any relevant medical letters.
Informant: where possible, invite a family member or someone who knew you in childhood to add developmental detail.
Sensory needs: tell the clinic about sensory sensitivities so they can adjust the environment or pacing of appointments.

After a diagnosis: support and next steps

Post‑diagnostic support may include psychoeducation, help with benefits and community resources, signposting to reasonable adjustments at school/work, and support for co‑existing conditions. The NHS and charities offer practical guidance for people newly diagnosed.

FAQs

Is there a single “autism test”?

No. Diagnosis is based on a comprehensive assessment. Structured tools (e.g., ADI‑R, ADOS) support clinical judgement but are not used in isolation.

What is the AQ‑10 and does it diagnose autism?

The AQ‑10 is a brief screen for adults; a score of 6+ (or clinical concern) should prompt a full assessment. It does not diagnose autism.

How long will an NHS assessment take?

Waiting times vary by region and service capacity. Your GP can advise on local pathways and whether Right to Choose could speed up your first appointment.

Will a private diagnosis be accepted by the NHS, school or employer?

If your private report is NICE‑compliant and produced by appropriately qualified clinicians, it is commonly used for reasonable adjustments and support plans; share it with your GP and education/employer. (Policies vary by organisation.)

Are medical tests (e.g., scans, bloods) required?

NICE advises no routine medical investigations unless indicated by the clinical picture.

What support is available after diagnosis?

NHS pages and charities outline post‑diagnostic support, local services and community resources for adults and families.