Private autism assessments: understanding cost and quality
If you're considering a private autism assessment, for yourself or your child, cost is usually one of the first questions. It's also hard to compare. Fees vary widely, and two assessments at a similar price can include quite different things. This guide explains what drives the cost and how to judge whether an assessment is thorough.
What do private assessments cost?
Published fees for full private autism assessments in the UK commonly range from around £1,500 to £3,500. Adult assessments often cost more than those for children, because they can involve a longer history and more complex questions, such as masking or identification later in life. Price on its own tells you little. What matters is what the fee covers.
What a careful assessment involves
NICE guidance for adults (CG142) and for children and young people (CG128) sets out the elements of a good autism assessment. In practice, these usually include:
A developmental history, covering early childhood to the present. For children, this is gathered from parents or carers. For adults, it may include someone who knew them as a child, though this isn't always possible, and a good service will adapt.
Structured clinical assessment using standardised tools, carried out by trained clinicians.
Information from other settings where relevant, such as school or work.
Consideration of other explanations, including ADHD, anxiety, trauma, learning differences and language difficulties, which can overlap with autism or resemble it.
Feedback, where the findings are explained clearly and there's time for questions.
A written report that explains how the conclusion was reached and what support may help.
An assessment is an open question, not a confirmation. The outcome may or may not be a diagnosis, and a careful report should be useful either way.
Why fees differ
Who carries out the assessment. Diagnostic assessments should be led by suitably qualified, registered professionals, such as HCPC-registered psychologists, psychiatrists or paediatricians.
Time spent with you. Fewer or shorter appointments usually cost less but gather less information.
The report. A short diagnostic letter and a detailed report are very different documents. A detailed report is generally more useful for schools, employers, GPs and Education, Health and Care Plans.
Additional charges. Some services charge separately for screening calls, reports, school questionnaires or follow-up. It's worth asking for the total cost in writing.
NHS, Right to Choose and private routes
NHS assessments are free but often involve long waits, which vary considerably by area. A GP referral is usually needed.
Right to Choose (England only) allows some people to choose an NHS-funded provider that holds the relevant contract, sometimes with a shorter wait. A GP referral is needed.
Private assessments are paid for directly, usually start sooner, and often accept self-referral.
Will a private diagnosis be accepted?
Private reports are widely used by GPs, schools, employers and NHS services. However, acceptance is always a decision for the organisation receiving the report, and some may carry out their own review. A detailed report from a registered clinician, following recognised guidance, is the most likely to be accepted. No one can guarantee acceptance on another service's behalf.
Health insurance
Most individual health insurance policies exclude autism assessments. Some employer-provided policies include neurodevelopmental assessment, usually through a named provider and with approval needed in advance. If you have cover through work, check the policy and get written authorisation before booking.
Questions to ask any service
Who will carry out the assessment, and how are they qualified and registered?
How many appointments are involved, and how long are they?
Is a full written report included?
Are there any additional costs?
When would the assessment start, and when would I receive the report?
Can the assessment be done online, with in-person appointments if needed?
If you'd like to talk about an autism assessment for yourself or your child, you can get in touch with us.
Dr Uzaina, Practitioner Counselling Psychologist (HCPC-registered), CPsychol, AFBPsS
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