Do Local Authorities recognise your diagnosis?

Our diagnosis is made on recommended international standards such as Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-5 or ICD-11 which are followed worldwide.

We follow robust assessment guidelines which are NICE (National Institute of clinical Excellence) compliant. There is no reason why our diagnosis would not be accepted not only in UK but also worldwide. 

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We get requests for assessments from all parts of UK. We have undertaken assessments for children resident in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Derbyshire, East Sussex and Lincolnshire in addition to Hertfordshire without any problems. Some of our clinicians have worked across many counties in the UK .

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Which guidelines/diagnostic tools do you use? 

All our assessments are based on recommended standard or national guidelines such as National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines. During the COVID-19 pandemic we are following Public health England Guidelines for face to face assessments. We are following tested online assessment tools as per new protocols in order to provide safe and standardised care. Please refer to our COVID-19  safety policy.

For Autism assessments we may use a combination of assessment tools depending on the presentation of the child or young person. These include use of:

For Autism some of the following assessment tools may be used

• Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ)

• 3-Di

• ADI-R 

• ADOS-2

• Children’s Communication Checklist-2

• Neurodevelopmental School Observation Report by School

• Specialist assessment and observations by clinical psychologist and SALT

For ADHD some of the following assessment tools may be used

• SNAP-IV questionnaire

• Neurodevelopmental School Observation

Do your clinicians have NHS experience? 

Most clinicians working for Autism Doctor have experience of working in the NHS. Our lead clinician Dr Deepshikha Thakur works for the NHS at Peace Children's Centre in Watford. She is the lead doctor for Autism and principal Investigator of KASPAR research project related to interventions in Autism. In addition she is the DesignatedMedical Officer (DMO) In West Hertfordshire and has strategic role in supporting children and young people with Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND).

Do you offer a multi-disciplinary assessment?

Yes we offer assessments by different clinicians such as speech and language therapist, clinical psychologist, education psychologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist etc. as required for the child.

How long is your wait list?

We can offer an appointment fairly quickly and flexibly. Typically initial assessment is offered within two weeks of us accepting the referral.

How many appointments would be needed? How long until diagnosis?

For most children and young people being referred for Autism Assessment, we suggest an initial appointment followed by two more sessions with relevant clinicians. We can undertake certain assessments on phone to save travel time and to fit standardised assessment flexibly in the evening so that both parents can participate. This is also safe during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

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ADOS-2 is a face to face assessment using standardised toys/activities/ questions that are suitable to child’s language levels. For many children all of this assessment may be possible to complete within a week or two provided all relevant information is available. Some assessments such as school visits depend on mutual availability of staff members and our clinicians. 

What information do you need for an assessment?

It is helpful to understand why you have come to us for an assessment. If we understand this we can help you best.

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We need information from other sources for a comprehensive assessment. For most children who are in an educational setting, we will request school information via parents. 

We also request parents to send all relevant assessments and reports e.g. Speech and Language therapist (SALT) or clinical psychologist assessments or Education Psychologist report ideally prior to assessment.

What are your rates/charges?

Following cost applies to self-paying parents/carers

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• Initial Assessment for up to 60 minutes: £350

• Initial Assessment for up to 90 minutes: £400

• Initial Assessment for up to 120 minutes: £500

• Follow up to 30 minutes: £150 to £250 dependent on complexity

Any additional time spent over the set limit for assessment, when available, may incur cost of £100 per 30 minutes or part thereof.

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Please note specialist assessments by other professionals such as Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist and Clinical or Education Psychologist, investigations etc. may incur additional cost. 

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Cost of Autism and ADHD assessment depends on a number of factors including the age of the child and complexity of presentation. We request parents to contact Autism Doctor for specific cost relevant to their child.

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All investigations requested as a part of assessment are not included in the assessment cost. They are payable directly to the concerned third party.

There is a small charge for medication prescriptions outside of consultation appointment for example repeat prescriptions.

Cancellation charges:  Any cancellation without a prior notice of at least 48 hrs may be subject to administrative charge of £100/- to cover admin/ room hire fees etc.

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Can you help in Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP)?

A lot of parents often want support in Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process. At a small additional cost we can also help with completing the medical information on the EHCP form when requested by the local following our assessment.

Can Autism present differently in home and at school?

Yes indeed! A majority of children who have autism present at secondary school age have different behaviours at home and at school. Girls are particularly good at masking symptoms in social settings.

What is the role of Paediatricians in Autism Assessment?

Paediatricians are best suited to establish a good developmental history which is essential for a diagnosis of Autism.

Paediatricians can also consider other possible diagnosis including serious condition like epilepsy, like Developmental Delay, Dyspraxia, Medical Syndromes, and other medical diagnosis.

Paediatricians are specifically trained for medical examination of children and young people. NICE guidelines recommend physical examination as an essential part of diagnostic assessment  of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

I have medical insurance but I am not sure if I am covered?

Our lead clinician is recognised by major insurance providers such as

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• Aetna

• Aviva

• AXA

• BUPA

• Healix

• Vitality Health

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Speak to your insurance provider if you are not sure. Please contact us for individual circumstances.

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