Respectful, NHS recognised autism assessments for adults and children
A comprehensive autism assessment can provide clarity, validation and a deeper understanding of how you or your child experiences the world. At MCTS, we provide private autism assessments that are evidence-based, neuro-affirming and NHS-recognised, delivered by experienced clinicians who take time to understand the whole person – not just diagnostic criteria.
Whether you’re an adult exploring long-standing questions about yourself, or a parent seeking clarity for your child, considering an autism assessment can bring up many emotions. You may have noticed differences in communication, social interaction, sensory experiences or emotional regulation – and felt unsure how to make sense of them. Many people reach this point after years of confusion, misunderstanding or feeling “out of step” with the world around them.
Why choose MCTS?
An autism assessment is not just about reaching a diagnostic conclusion. It’s about being carefully listened to, understood in context, and supported with meaningful recommendations.
We recognise that choosing a private provider can feel daunting. While some assessments are offered at lower cost, reports that do not follow recognised best-practice guidance may not be accepted by the NHS, local authorities or education providers.
At MCTS, quality, integrity and compassion are central to everything we do.
We are a social enterprise, meaning we reinvest our income into improving services for the people we support, rather than maximising profit.
We are also attachment- and trauma-informed. This means we consider how early experiences may shape attention, allowing for a more compassionate, holistic understanding of each person.
Book your free consultationHow the autism assessment works
The assessment process is designed to be supportive, transparent and respectful.
You can expect thoughtful, structured conversations rather than tests to pass or fail. We recognise that many autistic people (particularly adults and girls or women) may mask or adapt their behaviour over time. Our clinicians are experienced in recognising these patterns.
There are no right or wrong answers, and you do not need to present in any particular way to be understood.
1. Book your free initial conversation
The process begins with a free consultation. There is no charge and no obligation to proceed.
This initial discussion gives you space to:
- Talk through your questions or concerns
- Understand the autism assessment pathway
- Decide whether an assessment feels like the right next step
2. Full diagnostic autism assessment
All MCTS autism assessments follow NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidance and recognised best practice, which recommends that an autism assessment includes two key components:
- An observational assessment, where we spend time with the individual to understand how they interact and communicate.
- A developmental history, which involves gathering detailed information about early development, often through a conversation with parents, caregivers or someone who knows you well.
These two parts are carried out by different professionals from different clinical backgrounds (such as psychology, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, or psychiatry). Their findings are then brought together and reviewed by a qualified diagnosing clinician (either a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist), to ensure a thorough and accurate conclusion.
3. Report and feedback
Once the assessment is complete, we arrange a feedback session to:
- Explain the findings clearly and respectfully
- Discuss whether diagnostic criteria are met
- Answer your questions
- Explore recommendations and next steps
- You will then receive a thorough report.
How will the autism assessment help get the support I need?
An autism diagnosis can offer clarity, validation and access to appropriate support.
Understanding yourself or your child
A diagnosis often brings relief and a clearer sense of identity, strengths and needs. It can help explain differences in:
- Communication
- Social interaction
- Sensory processing
- Emotional regulation
Access to appropriate support
A formal diagnosis can support access to:
- Autism-informed psychological therapies
- Occupational therapy (sensory regulation, daily living skills)
- Speech and language therapy
- Mental health support tailored to autistic needs
Education support
For children and adults in education, a diagnosis can help with:
- Reasonable adjustments and learning support plans
- Exam arrangements
- Access to specialist or additional learning services
Workplace adjustments
An autism diagnosis can support:
- Reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act
- Workplace needs assessments
- Clearer communication around strengths and support needs
Validation and self-understanding
Many people describe diagnosis as life-changing. It can:
- Reduce self-blame
- Explain lifelong experiences
- Support self-advocacy
Navigating services
A recognised diagnosis can assist when accessing:
- Local authority or social care services
- Mental health services
- Benefits or additional support where appropriate
What happens after your autism assessment
After the assessment, we will:
- Meet with you to talk through the findings
- Provide a written report explaining what we’ve found
- If a diagnosis is made, offer advice for home, education or work
- If a diagnosis is not made, still offer tailored support recommendations
Options for further support
The report is written with care and can be used to help access support. Whether you receive a diagnosis or not, our aim is to leave you with a better understanding of yourself and what might help.
If helpful, we can offer tailored post-diagnostic support, including:
- Psychological therapy (including trauma-informed approaches)
- Occupational therapy for sensory regulation and daily living
- Speech and language therapy for communication support
- Autism-informed coaching
- Parent support and guidance, where relevant
ADHD, autism, or both? If you’re not sure what type of assessment you need…
That’s okay. MCTS are experienced providers. We work with you to understand your symptoms and help you to understand whether you would benefit from an autism assessment, an ADHD assessment or a combined assessment.
Pricing
£2,160
Autism assessment
£1,080
ADHD Assessment
£2,880
Combined Autism and ADHD Assessment
Bespoke
Complex Needs Autism and/or ADHD Assessment
As part of our social enterprise commitment, we offer an option to spread the cost over several months with Klarna.
Our autism assessments follow full NICE guidance and best-practice standards to ensure reports are robust, ethical and widely accepted.
“MCTS is a great partner - providing high-quality, clearly written, and timely assessments. The team is approachable, helpful and collaborative. Assessments are comprehensive and evidence-based.”
Social Worker
Autism Assessment FAQs
Autism (also called Autism Spectrum Condition) is a different way of thinking, processing, and relating to the world. Some autistic people:
- Prefer routine and predictability
- Experience the world more intensely – sounds, lights, textures
- Feel emotions deeply
- Have strong interests or passions
- May find social rules or communication confusing
Some autistic strengths might include:
- Incredible memory for facts or details
- Strong focus on things that matter to them
- Creativity and deep thinking
- Fairness, honesty, and a unique perspective
Autism is not a problem to be “fixed” – it’s a normal variation of human nature. With understanding and the right support, autistic people can flourish.
Many of the things we explore – like anxiety, emotional overwhelm, attention difficulties, or social challenges – can be caused by many different things.
For example:
- Anxiety or low mood
- Learning differences
- Sensory processing needs
- Stressful life events or trauma
- Giftedness or unmet needs
That’s why we take time and care when making any diagnosis. Giving the wrong label can lead to confusion and inappropriate support.
If autism doesn’t seem to be the best fit for you, we will:
- Still provide clear feedback about what we think is going on
- Offer helpful recommendations to support you
- Signpost to any additional assessment or support services
- Ensure you leave with a clearer understanding of your needs
Our aim is always to offer understanding, not just labels.
After the assessment, we will:
- Meet with you to talk through the findings
- Provide a written report explaining what we’ve found
- If a diagnosis is made, offer advice for home, education or work
- If a diagnosis is not made, still offer tailored support recommendations
- Support you to think about next steps
The report is written with care and can be used to help access support. Whether you receive a diagnosis or not, our aim is to leave you with a better understanding of yourself and what might help.
The price of a private autism assessment for a child may vary, however it is important to choose the right provider. Receiving the right diagnosis, done properly, matters. It can be the key to accessing appropriate support, reasonable adjustments, and effective treatment.
Our fee of £2,160 includes diagnosis based on NICE guidance and best-practice standards to ensure reports are robust, ethical and widely accepted.
We understand there are many private providers, and it can be difficult to know who to trust. While some services offer lower-cost assessments, reports that do not follow NICE guidance may not be accepted by the NHS, local authorities, or employers.
Our autism and ADHD Assessment Service operates across the South of England and we are expanding across England with a wide range of affiliates in different locations. Our assessments are comprehensive and evidence-based, ensuring the highest safe and effective care standards.
Who we work with
MCTS works with many organisations throughout England
