Private Autism Assessment in Bristol
Spectrum Assessments is a private autism assessment clinic in Bristol, with experienced clinicians offering a clearer path to a diagnosis
Spectrum Assessments in Bristol
Spectrum Assessments is a private autism assessment clinic in Bristol, providing autism (ASD) assessments for children, young people and adults. Our assessments follow NICE guidelines, use gold standard assessment tools, and take place both online and in person at our Bristol clinic. Our clinicians have over ten years of experience in autism assessment across both NHS and private settings and are registered with regulatory bodies such as the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and professional bodies such as the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
We understand that arranging an autism assessment is an important step, whether for yourself or your child. From your first enquiry through to receiving your written report, our team offers a clear, supportive and professional process. We also provide a private ADHD assessment in Bristol for those exploring attention and concentration difficulties.
What is an autism (ASD) assessment?
An autism assessment, sometimes called an ASD assessment, is a structured clinical evaluation that looks at how a person communicates, interacts with others and experiences the world around them. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference rather than an illness, and it affects each person differently.
A formal assessment compares a person's developmental history and current presentation against internationally recognised diagnostic criteria, set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). A diagnosis can bring clarity, help people understand their strengths and needs, and open the door to appropriate support at home, in education and at work.
Who are our autism assessments for?
We assess children, young people and adults. Autism can present differently across ages and genders, and there is growing recognition that many people, particularly women and girls, learn to camouflage or mask their differences. This can mean some people are missed because they do not fit older, narrower ideas of how autism looks. Our clinicians are experienced in recognising these varied presentations. If you are arranging an assessment for a child, you can read more about our child autism assessment.
The autism assessment process at our Bristol clinic
Our private autism assessment process is designed to be thorough and to follow best practice. The autism assessment process at our Bristol clinic typically involves the following stages:
Enquiry.
Once you enquire, we will usually be in touch within 24 hours, and within one week at the latest.
Free telephone consultation.
We hold a free telephone consultation to answer your questions, gather some initial background information, and help determine whether an assessment is appropriate. Should you wish to proceed, we will ask you to read and sign our terms and conditions.
Developmental history session.
We complete a developmental history using the Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised (ADI-R), carried out via an online meeting. This gathers detailed information about early development, language and communication, social and play development, interests, behaviours, thought processes and any sensory differences.
Observation assessment.
We carry out an observation using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), a semi-structured assessment of communication, social interaction and the imaginative use of materials, designed to draw out behaviours relevant to a diagnosis of autism. Where someone can describe their own experiences, we also gather self-report information. This takes place at our Bristol clinic.
School observation, where applicable.
For children, a school observation may be required, and information may be requested from key members of school staff.
Multi-disciplinary team diagnostic meeting.
Our clinicians hold a multi-disciplinary team meeting to review all of the information gathered against the recognised diagnostic criteria for autism. You then receive clear feedback and a comprehensive written report.
The specific tools used may vary depending on the age of the person being assessed, their needs and their presentation.
Gold standard assessment tools
We use gold standard, evidence-based tools that are recognised within both NHS and private services. For autism, this includes the Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised (ADI-R) for the developmental history and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) for the observation assessment. Using validated tools in this way is a core part of a robust, NICE-aligned assessment and helps to ensure that a diagnosis is accurate and reliable.
Online and in-clinic autism assessments
We offer flexibility in how your assessment is carried out. Many stages can be completed online, which can help if travel is difficult or if you would feel more comfortable at home. Where an in-person appointment is needed, this takes place at our clinic in Bristol. If you have been searching for a private autism assessment near you in the Bristol area, we are happy to discuss the most suitable arrangement during your free consultation.
Is a private autism diagnosis valid?
A private autism diagnosis from Spectrum Assessments is as credible as an NHS diagnosis. Our assessments follow NICE guidelines and use gold standard tools, and our clinicians are subject to the same standards of care and professional conduct as clinicians working within the NHS. Every clinician in our team has previously worked in NHS settings. The NHS generally accepts private autism diagnoses that meet the same standard as its own and that have been carried out by qualified, registered professionals. If you are ever told that a private autism diagnosis cannot be accepted, this is incorrect advice.
Why choose Spectrum Assessments?
At Spectrum Assessments, our clinicians have over ten years of experience in autism assessment across both NHS and private settings, and are registered with regulatory bodies such as the HCPC and professional bodies such as the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. Every assessment follows NICE guidelines and uses gold standard tools, with a multi-disciplinary team approach to each diagnosis. And with the choice of online or in-clinic appointments in Bristol, you can be assessed in the way that suits you best.
Autism assessment costs
The cost of a private autism assessment depends on the type of assessment and the individual needs of the person being assessed. We believe in being transparent, so we discuss all fees with you clearly during your free telephone consultation, with no hidden charges. This means you can make an informed decision before going ahead.
Where to find us
Our clinic is based in Bristol, where in-person appointments such as the observation assessment take place. The setting is calm and comfortable, and easy to reach for families and adults across Bristol and the surrounding areas. Where it helps, the earlier stages of your assessment can be completed online, so you only need to travel for the appointments that must be done in person. We are happy to talk through the arrangements during your free telephone consultation.
Autism Assessment FAQs
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Autism is diagnosed in children and adults using a series of assessments. This includes a developmental history session designed to gather information about a patient’s early development, communication styles, interests, thought processes and behaviours. An observation assessment is then carried out using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2 (ADOS-2). This is a semi-structured assessment of communication, social interaction and imaginative use of materials designed to elicit behaviour relevant to an autism diagnosis. The gathered information is then reviewed alongside diagnostic criteria to determine the outcome.
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The timescale depends on the stages involved and the availability of any required information, such as input from a school. We will give you a clear idea of timings during your consultation.
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The NHS generally accepts private autism diagnoses that meet the same standard of diagnosis as the NHS and have been carried out by a qualified professional and registered provider. Spectrum Assessments follow NICE guidelines, use ‘gold standard’ assessment tools and are carried out by registered professionals with over 10 years experience in both NHS and private autism and ADHD diagnosis.
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Costs vary according to the type of assessment and the person's needs. We explain all fees during your free telephone consultation so there are no surprises.