Private Child Autism Assessments in Cornwall
Multidisciplinary ASD Assessment – Online & Face-to-Face in Hayle
If you are exploring an autism assessment for your child, you may have been holding questions for some time.
Perhaps you have noticed differences in social communication, sensory responses, or emotional regulation.
Perhaps school feedback has been mixed.
Perhaps you are trying to understand whether what you are seeing fits within the autism spectrum - or whether something else may be contributing.
Our private child autism assessments in Cornwall are designed to provide careful, clinically robust clarity - grounded in recognised NICE guidance and gold-standard assessment tools.
Delivery options:
Online (developmental interview) and face-to-face in Hayle.
Unsure if a full assessment is needed?
We understand that families may wish to clarify whether a comprehensive assessment is appropriate before committing to the full process.
For this reason, we offer a free paper-based screening review.
You are welcome to submit completed screening questionnaires and relevant background information. We will carefully review the material and advise whether a full multidisciplinary autism assessment would be clinically indicated.
This screening review does not provide a diagnosis. Its purpose is to help families make an informed decision about the next step.
A Multidisciplinary, Gold-Standard Autism Assessment
This is a comprehensive, multiprofessional assessment process.
We follow NICE guidelines for autism assessment and use recognised gold-standard diagnostic tools. The process is structured, developmentally informed, and carefully integrated across clinicians.
We do not rely on a single appointment or a single perspective.
The aim is to build a thoughtful understanding of your child’s developmental history, current presentation, strengths and areas of difficulty - not simply determine whether criteria are met.
What the assessment involves
1. ADI-R Developmental Interview (Online – 3 Hours)
A detailed developmental interview with parents or carers, conducted online.
This structured interview explores:
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Early developmental history
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Communication patterns
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Social relationships
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Restricted or repetitive behaviours
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Sensory sensitivities
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Emotional regulation
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Patterns across time
This interview allows us to understand how your child’s profile has developed over the years, not just what is visible currently.
2. ADOS-2 Play-Based Assessment (Face-to-Face – 1.5 Hours)
Your child will attend a structured, play-based assessment in Hayle using the ADOS-2.
This allows us to observe:
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Social communication
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Interaction style
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Imaginative play
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Non-verbal communication
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Behavioural flexibility
The ADOS is conducted by a different clinician to the developmental interview so that we gather multiple professional perspectives.
3. School Feedback and Existing Reports
We will request structured feedback from your child’s school (where applicable).
We will also carefully review:
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Educational reports
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Speech and language reports
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Occupational therapy reports
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Previous assessments
This ensures we are working with the fullest possible picture.
4. Multidisciplinary Clinical Meeting
Both clinicians involved in your child’s assessment will attend a multidisciplinary meeting.
A local Occupational Therapist is also part of this discussion.
This step ensures:
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Careful triangulation of information
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Consideration of sensory and functional factors
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Balanced diagnostic reasoning
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Clinical robustness
The outcome is reached through structured, multidisciplinary consensus.
Comprehensive Written Report and Personalised Recommendations
Following the assessment, you will receive a detailed written diagnostic report.
This includes:
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Clear explanation of whether autism diagnostic criteria are met (DSM-5)
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Careful psychological formulation
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Strengths and protective factors
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Sensory profile considerations
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Practical, individualised recommendations for home and school
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Guidance regarding reasonable adjustments
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Advice regarding EHCP processes where relevant
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Suggested onward pathways or supports
The report is designed to be clinically robust and usable in educational and healthcare contexts.
Feedback Session
The fee includes a one-hour feedback session with the lead clinician.
During this appointment, we will:
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Explain the outcome clearly
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Answer your questions
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Discuss how recommendations can be implemented
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Help you feel confident about next steps
Our aim is not simply to provide a label.
It is to provide understanding, clarity, and direction.
Why Families Across Cornwall Choose This Service
Parents seeking a private autism assessment in Cornwall often value:
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A multidisciplinary approach
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Gold-standard assessment tools (ADI-R and ADOS-2)
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Clinical Psychologist involvement
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Thoughtful integration of school input
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Practical, personalised recommendations
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Calm, containing process
This assessment pathway is particularly appropriate where:
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There are complex or overlapping presentations
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Masking or subtle presentations are suspected
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There are questions about ADHD and autism together
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Families want depth rather than speed
Locations & Delivery
Autism assessments are delivered:
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Online (parent developmental interview)
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Face-to-face in Hayle, Cornwall
We work with families across:
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West Cornwall
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Mid Cornwall
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Truro and surrounding areas
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East Cornwall
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West Devon (where appropriate)
Investment
A comprehensive ASD assessment: £2050
This includes everything outlined above:
✔ Full clinical assessment (including school observation)
✔ Structured diagnostic process
✔ Objective measures
✔ Detailed written report
✔ One-hour feedback session
✔ Clear next-step guidance
We believe in clarity and transparency. No hidden fees.
FAQs
Do you follow NICE guidelines for autism assessment?
Yes. Our multidisciplinary autism assessments follow recognised NICE guidance and use gold-standard diagnostic tools, including the ADI-R and ADOS-2. The assessment outcome is reached through structured clinical consensus.
Will schools accept a private autism diagnosis?
Yes. Our assessments are conducted by qualified clinicians using recognised diagnostic tools and structured multidisciplinary processes. The written report is suitable for sharing with schools and can support discussions around reasonable adjustments and, where appropriate, EHCP processes.
What is the difference between the ADI-R and ADOS-2?
The ADI-R is a detailed developmental interview conducted with parents or carers, exploring your child’s early history and current patterns.
The ADOS-2 is a structured, play-based assessment conducted directly with your child to observe social communication and interaction.
Using both tools allows us to build a balanced and robust clinical picture.
How long does a private child autism assessment take?
The developmental interview lasts approximately three hours (online).
The ADOS-2 play-based assessment lasts around 1.5 hours (face-to-face in Hayle).
The overall process, including report writing and multidisciplinary discussion, typically takes 6 weeks from first appointment to receiving the report.
What happens if my child doesn't meet criteria for autism?
If diagnostic criteria are not met, we will explain this clearly and provide a thoughtful formulation of your child’s profile. Where appropriate, we will offer recommendations and discuss alternative explanations or next steps.
Is the assessment suitable for girls or high-masking children?
Yes. We are experienced in recognising internalised or high-masking presentations, including those more commonly seen in girls and young people whose difficulties may not be immediately visible.
Enquire about a child autism assessment in Cornwall
If you would like to explore whether a child autism assessment is right for your family, please contact us by email or complete the referral form below: