Child and Adolescent Autism Assessments

Understanding Autism Assessment

Autism assessments for children and adolescents (ages 8–16) provide a detailed understanding of a child’s neurodevelopment and offer guidance for next steps in support and intervention.

Autism, sometimes referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental variation that affects social communication, behaviour, and sensory processing. It is part of the wider category of neurodiversity, which recognises and celebrates natural differences in brain functioning.

Children with autism may experience challenges in social interaction, communication, learning, and everyday routines. With the right understanding and support, these differences can be effectively managed, helping children thrive at school, at home, and in the community.

Assessment Process

Assessments are conducted by a Chartered Psychologist and include the following steps:

Pre-Assessment Screening
Before the assessment, online questionnaires are completed by the child (if age-appropriate), parents, and sometimes teachers. This information helps guide the assessment and highlights areas for further exploration.

First Session: Intake Interview AND ADI-R (Online, 3 hours)
Parents will discuss the child’s developmental history, current behaviours, and any previous assessments (e.g., speech and language, occupational therapy, educational reports).

The ADI-R interview (Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised) focuses on both current functioning and behaviour during early childhood, with particular attention to development around ages 4–5, which is a key period for this measure. There are no right or wrong answers. The purpose is to better understand your child’s development so we can make the most accurate diagnostic decisions and recommendations. The interview typically takes 2.5–3 hours.

To prepare, it may be helpful to think in advance about your child’s early milestones, social interactions, play skills, language development, reactions to change, and any repetitive behaviours or strong interests. Specific examples are helpful, but it is okay if you do not remember every detail.

Second Session: Direct Assessment with the Child

  • Part 1: Cognitive Assessment – Evaluates the child’s learning, memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities (45 mins–1.5 hours).

  • Part 2: Autism-Specific Assessment – The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) is administered with the child, and the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised) is conducted with parents to explore developmental history and current behaviours.

Other Professionals
When relevant, brief discussions with the child’s school or other healthcare professionals may be included to provide a broader perspective on the child’s functioning.

Feedback Session (45–60 minutes)
A follow-up session, in person or online, will review the assessment findings. The psychologist will explain whether an autism diagnosis is indicated and provide tailored recommendations to support the child’s development, learning, and well-being. Additional one-to-one support sessions can be arranged if needed.

 

Adult Autism Assessment

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental variation that affects social communication, behaviour, and sensory processing. It is part of the broader concept of neurodiversity, which recognizes and values natural differences in brain functioning.

Adults with autism may experience challenges in social interaction, communication, learning, and everyday routines. In some cases—particularly in women—these challenges may be subtle in early life and only emerge later, often during periods of hormonal change such as puberty, pregnancy, or peri-menopause, which can affect sensory processing and social coping strategies.

Assessment Process

Assessments are conducted by a Chartered Psychologist and typically include the following stages:

1. Pre-Assessment Screening
Before the first session, adults complete online questionnaires about current functioning and developmental history. This information guides the assessment and highlights areas for deeper exploration.

2. First Session: Intake Interview
The psychologist will discuss the adult’s developmental history, current challenges, strengths, and any previous assessments (e.g., psychological, occupational, or educational reports). For those who can provide it, parental or early childhood information may be helpful, but it is not always required.

3. Developmental History Interview (ADI-R)
The Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised (ADI-R) is conducted with available historical information to explore early childhood development, with attention to social interaction, communication, play, and routines around ages 4–5—a critical period for ASD traits. There are no right or wrong answers; the goal is to understand patterns over time and inform accurate diagnostic decisions. It is extremely helpful to have a parent/carer/partner or someone who has known you for a long time do this interview with you.

Preparation Tips:

  • Reflect on early developmental milestones, social interactions, learning experiences, interests, routines, and sensory sensitivities.

  • Consider any periods when difficulties may have intensified, such as during adolescence or hormonal transitions.

  • Provide specific examples when possible, but it’s okay if you don’t remember every detail.

4. Direct Assessment

  • Autism-Specific Assessment: Tools such as the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) used to observe social communication, behaviours, and interests in a structured setting.

5. Consultation with Other Professionals (if relevant)
With consent, brief discussions may occur with healthcare providers or support staff to provide additional perspectives on functioning and challenges.

6. Feedback Session (45–60 minutes)
The psychologist reviews the findings, explains whether an autism diagnosis is indicated, and provides tailored recommendations for support, strategies, and accommodations. Additional one-to-one support or follow-up sessions can be arranged as needed.

Special Considerations for Adults, Particularly Women

  • Women may present differently than men, often masking or camouflaging social challenges.

  • Some difficulties may not become obvious until adulthood or during hormonal changes that affect sensory processing and social coping.

  • Assessment focuses not only on observable behaviours but also on subtler patterns of social communication and coping strategies over the lifespan.

Child and Adolescent ADHD Assessments

  • Understanding the ADHD Assessment

    ADHD assessments for people (8-16) provide a clear diagnosis and offer feedback and guidance on the next steps.

    ADHD is a neurodevelopmental variation that affects about 5-7 % of children. It falls under the category of ‘neurodiversity’, which celebrates natural differences in brain functioning. The core characteristics of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can influence various areas of life.

    Children with ADHD may experience or have experienced challenges in education, friendships, and daily organisation. With the right understanding and support, these differences can be managed effectively, enhancing overall well-being.

    Assessment Process

    ADHD assessments are conducted by Chartered Psychologist and include the following steps:

    • Pre-Assessment Screening: Complete online questionnaires before the assessment. Depending on the age of the child some will be self-report, others will be for parents, and others will be for their teacher.

    • First Session: Clinical interview with parents (online). Typically 1-1.5 hours. You will be asked to share school reports and any previous assessment reports (e.g. Speech and Language; Occupational Therapy, Educational Assessments).

    • Second Session:

      • Part 1: Cognitive assessment with the child (45mins-1.5 hours)

      • Part 2: DIVA-5 interview conducted with both the child and parents.

    • Other Professionals: As part of the assessment process a brief meeting will be arranged with the school and other healthcare professionals that have worked with your child.

    • Feedback Session: A 45-60 minute follow-up feedback session, either in person or virtually.

    What to Expect

    After the assessment, you will have a one-on-one feedback session with the psychologist to review the ADHD Assessment report. This report will confirm or rule out an ADHD diagnosis. It will also provide personalised suggestions to enhance your well-being, focusing on your strengths and offering additional resources and services. Follow on 1:1 sessions are available if needed.

    What’s Not Included?

    Please note that psychiatric medication is not prescribed as part of this assessment but signposting to psychiatry services can be provided.

Adult ADHD Assessments

  • Understanding the ADHD Assessment

    ADHD assessments for people (17+) provide a clear diagnosis and offer feedback and guidance on the next steps.

    ADHD is a neurodevelopmental variation that affects about 3.4% of adults. It falls under the category of ‘neurodiversity’, which celebrates natural differences in brain functioning. The core characteristics of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can influence various areas of life.

    Adults with ADHD may experience or have experienced challenges in education, relationships, workplace responsibilities, finances, and daily organisation. With the right understanding and support, these differences can be managed effectively, enhancing overall well-being.

    Who Should Attend?

    Each ADHD assessment requires the attendance of an 'informant', someone who knows the adult well. This can be a partner, parent, family member, or lifelong friend. The informant provides valuable insights and additional information.

    Assessment Process

    ADHD assessments are conducted by Chartered Psychologist and include the following steps:

    • Pre-Assessment Screening: Complete online questionnaires before the assessment.

    • First Session: A 2.5-hour in-person assessment session with your chosen informant (they can attend remotely).

    • Feedback Session: A 30-minute follow-up feedback session, either in person or virtually.

    What to Expect

    After the assessment, you will have a one-on-one feedback session with the psychologist to review the ADHD Assessment report. This report will confirm or rule out an ADHD diagnosis. It will also provide personalised suggestions to enhance your well-being, focusing on your strengths and offering additional resources and services. Follow on 1:1 sessions are available if needed.

    What’s Not Included?

    Please note that psychiatric medication is not prescribed as part of this assessment.