Online and Face to Face Assessments

A question we are often asked is, “How can autism be diagnosed from an online interaction?”

Many of our clinicians have a history of delivering face-to-face and online assessments, and find that during online assessments, the individual often presents as relaxed, and displays less signs of anxiety. The observation session is designed with tasks that help an individual “unmask”, and what better setting to do that than in your home environment where you feel safe and relaxed.

For some clients, a face to face assessment may be better suited. We have clinics in cities across the UK including London, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Cardiff, and Newcastle. Please contact us for more details.

Below you can find answers to some common questions our clients ask:

Can I have an consultaion before I book an assessment?

Yes! We offer a free 45 minute welcome appointment where the clinician will discuss your symptoms and hopes for the assessment. A medical history will be taken to ensure an autism assessment is suitable for you at this time.

What is the difference between a face-to-face and online assessment?

There are many similarities between the two. Whilst a face-to-face assessment uses an ADOS assessment tool, we uses an adapted ADOS online version. Results from both assessments are valid.

What is your waiting time to start an assessment?

We can arrange your assessment to start in as little as the next day once the session is paid in full, or BNPL is selected.

How long does the assessment process take?

We aim to schedule the observation and developmental history interview in the same week. We aim to give you the clinical outcome the following week.

Do you assess for other conditions during the autism assessment?

Our team are able to identify traits of other conditions. This will be documented in your report and discussed during your feedback appointment should you wish to pursue additional assessments.

Do I need a GP referral?

No, we are a private autism assessment service and we accept self-referrals.

Do you offer NHS Right to Choose assessments?

At this time, we only offer private assessments. Many companies that offer NHS Right to Choose now have waiting lists over 9 months. At Primrose Autism Specialists, our mission is to offer timely autism assessments so you can get the support you deserve sooner.

Will my diagnosis be accepted by the NHS?

Our assessments are conducted following NICE guidance using Gold Standard assessment tools. All of our clinicians have extensive experience diagnosing autism, and are regulated by their professional bodies. Should there be any concerns from an agency following your diagnosis, we will be happy to address any pushback. Due to our exceptional and robust assessment pathway, we are confident that our assessments will not be disputed.

Do you offer aftercare following a diagnosis?

Yes! You will have a 1 hour feedback appointment with a clinician to discuss recommendations to help you in daily life.

Do you offer ADHD assessments?

At this time, we are an autism assessment only service.

Do you offer discounts?

Yes! We are pleased to offer 10% discount for Blue Light Card holders, and 10% discount for any additional assessments booked up to 16 weeks after the first assessment feedback appointment.

Do you need to see my child in school?

NICE guidance recommends gathering evidence from a variety of sources during the assessment process. Usually, we send a Neurodevelopmental School Feedback Questionnaire to your child's school for a teacher who knows your child well to complete. This can give us additional evidence during the formulation meeting. However, we understand that many children present differently in school as they do in other settings, so we use school evidence alongside all other collected evidence.

My child is selectively mute, can they have an assessment?

The ADOS observation assessment tool states children need to be able to speak in full sentences and to engage with the clinician so they are able to assess your child's communication style. We recognise many children may be nervous speaking to an unfamiliar adult, so we often start the session with warm up games/ activities to help your child relax. We may ask you to leave the room, and try other strategies to engage your child.