16/11/2025
Private Autism or ADHD Assessments...
Choosing a private Autism or ADHD assessment provider can feel overwhelming. Over the past five to seven years I have had the opportunity to work alongside a range of services across South Wales. The points below reflect what I have learnt and what I have built into South Wales Autism Assessments.
The Team
It is important that the team includes at least one clinician who is legally able to diagnose in the UK such as a Clinical Psychologist, Paediatrician, or Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. These clinicians hold the authority to provide an official diagnosis and their presence strengthens the clinical accuracy of the assessment.
The Process
A high quality assessment should be multidisciplinary. This usually means one of the clinicians listed above working alongside professionals such as a Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Educational Psychologist, or Mental Health Nurse. NICE guidelines recommend this approach because it supports a more rounded and accurate understanding of a person’s profile.
The Assessments
For Autism it is helpful to see the ADOS or DISCO used alongside the ADI-R, as well as information gathered from nursery or school.
For ADHD it is helpful to see the Conners 4, alongside an ACE or DIVA interview. Some teams, including ours, also use tools such as the QB Test or QB Check. These tools are widely recognised as gold standard measures.
The Structure
A high quality assessment should include at least one face to face element, a clinical interview with a caregiver, and relevant information from nursery or school. This ensures that differences are understood across settings and that long-standing developmental patterns are considered.
Post Diagnostic Support
It is helpful to choose a team that offers more than a diagnostic conclusion. A feedback session with the family is a minimum expectation. Many people also value a session for the individual themselves so they can explore what their profile means for them. Our service also includes a school meeting to discuss the outcome, consider the impact on learning, and provide practical input around IDPs and interventions such as Speech and Language Therapy or Occupational Therapy.
The Cost
Local services usually charge around the following
Autism £2250
ADHD £1600
Combined Autism and ADHD £2850
These are the fees we charge. Other services may charge slightly more or less. When comparing costs it can be helpful to look at the whole process to make sure you are comparing like for like.
Take care and feel free to ask any questions.
Chris
