Private Autism Assessments Hertfordshire
NHS waiting times for neurodevelopmental assessments in Hertfordshire can exceed 36 months, with almost 1,000 children in east and north Hertfordshire alone waiting over two years for an initial community paediatric appointment. At Bloom Clinical, we offer comprehensive private autism assessments for both adults and children from our clinic in St Albans, with results typically delivered within 8 weeks.
Our children’s assessments are led by a Consultant Paediatrician with a specialist interest in neurodevelopment and delivered by a specialist multidisciplinary team using the ADOS-2, the internationally recognised gold-standard diagnostic tool for autism. Our reports are recognised by the NHS, schools, employers, local authorities, and EHCP panels across Hertfordshire and the wider UK.
- NICE-Guideline Assessments
- ADOS-2 Gold-Standard Diagnostic Tool
- Results Typically Within 8 Weeks
- NHS Recognised Reports
Could You or Your Child Be Autistic?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person perceives, communicates, and interacts with the world around them. It is not an illness or a deficit; it’s a difference in how the brain processes information. But without a formal diagnosis, many autistic people go through life without understanding why certain situations feel overwhelming, why social interactions feel effortful, or why they experience the world differently from those around them.
A diagnosis provides clarity, access to support, and, for many people, a profound sense of relief.
Signs of Autism in Children
You might consider an autism assessment for your child if you regularly notice:
- Difficulty reading social cues, such as facial expressions, tone of voice, or body language
- Preferring to play alone or struggling to maintain friendships with peers
- Intense, focused interests in specific topics or activities
- A strong need for routine and significant distress when routines are disrupted
- Delayed or unusual speech patterns, or advanced vocabulary but difficulty with conversational back-and-forth
- Sensory sensitivities, such as distress around loud noises, certain textures, bright lights, or busy environments
- Repetitive movements or behaviours (stimming), such as hand-flapping, rocking, or lining up objects
- Difficulty with imaginative or pretend play
- Taking language very literally and struggling with sarcasm, idioms, or implied meaning
- Meltdowns or shutdowns that seem disproportionate to the triggering event
Autism in girls is often underdiagnosed because it can present differently; girls may mask their difficulties more effectively, mimic social behaviours, or internalise their distress rather than displaying outward behavioural signs. Our team is experienced in identifying autism across all presentations, including those who have learned to camouflage their differences.
Signs of Autism in Adults
Many adults reach their 30s, 40s, or beyond before recognising that they may be autistic, particularly women and those who have developed effective masking strategies. You might be living with undiagnosed autism if you regularly experience:
- Feeling exhausted after social situations, even ones you enjoy
- A strong preference for routine and difficulty adapting to unexpected changes
- Sensory overload in busy or noisy environments, needing to withdraw or decompress afterwards
- Finding small talk draining but being able to talk at length about topics that interest you
- Difficulty understanding unwritten social rules, office politics, or what people “really mean”
- A history of being told you are “too sensitive,” “too intense,” or “hard to read”
- Experiencing anxiety, depression, or burnout that hasn’t responded well to standard treatments
- Feeling fundamentally different from those around you, without being able to explain why
- Difficulty maintaining friendships or relationships, despite wanting connection
If several of these resonate, a diagnostic assessment can provide answers and open the door to tailored support.
What happens at an Autism assessment?
Our assessment process is thorough, compassionate, and built around you. The process differs slightly for children and adults, but both follow the same rigorous clinical standards.
Children’s Autism Assessment (Ages 1–18)
Our comprehensive autism assessment process involves several key stages:
- Pre-assessment screening: You will complete psychometric questionnaires that screen for autistic traits and highlight your child’s skills and strengths. These may include the Autism Quotient (AQ), Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST), SDQ (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) depending on your child’s age. With your permission, we also send standardised measures to your child’s school or education setting, including the ASD School Functioning assessment tool
- Clinical interview with parents/caregivers: A detailed online conversation with one of our specialist clinicians, exploring your child’s developmental history, social communication, sensory experiences, and day-to-day functioning. Your child is not typically required for this session.
- In-clinic diagnostic assessment: Your child attends our St Albans clinic for a face-to-face assessment using the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule), the internationally recognised gold-standard observational tool for autism. This involves structured and semi-structured activities designed to observe social interaction, communication, and play. Every child’s assessment also includes a full sensory integration evaluation conducted by our certified Sensory Integration Practitioners.
- Multidisciplinary clinical review: Our full team, led by a Consultant Paediatrician with a specialist interest in neurodevelopment, meets to analyse all findings collectively. The information is considered alongside DSM-5 diagnostic criteria to ensure a clinically robust outcome.
- Detailed written report: You receive a comprehensive report with your child’s diagnosis (where criteria are met), clinical observations, and specific recommendations for home, school, and any further support or intervention. The report includes supporting letters for your GP and your child’s school at no additional cost and can be used towards an EHCP application.
Adult Autism Assessment (Ages 18+)
- Pre-assessment screening: You will complete a short online form and psychometric questionnaires sent by email, designed to explore autistic traits and your current experiences, as well as some developmental history.
- Clinical interview: A structured conversation with one of our specialist clinicians covering your developmental history, social communication patterns, sensory experiences, daily routines, and any previous mental health diagnoses or assessments. Where possible, we also gather information from someone who knew you as a child (a parent or close family member), though this is not always essential.
- Diagnostic assessment: Using validated, gold-standard tools in line with NICE guidelines. Adult assessments can be conducted face-to-face at our St Albans clinic or fully online, depending on your preference.
- Multidisciplinary clinical review: Our team of specialists meets to analyse all findings together, ensuring your assessment is as accurate and thorough as possible.
- Detailed written report: A comprehensive report with your diagnosis, clinical observations, and specific recommendations including workplace accommodations, strategies for daily life, and guidance on accessing further support.
The Bloom Model
Explore beneath the roots
Discover the hidden layers that nurture understanding and growth.
Gain the individualised knowledge to tailor support to allow for optimum growth
Cultivate a foundation of insight, carefully crafted to help strengths thrive.
Bloom and Flourish
Embrace your potential and grow into your fullest, most vibrant self.
Gold-Standard Diagnostic Tools
We use clinically validated, NICE-guideline-compliant tools to ensure the most accurate and fair assessment possible. These include:
- ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule), the internationally recognised gold-standard observational assessment for autism, involves structured and semi-structured social interaction tasks. Used for all children’s assessments and, where clinically indicated, for adult assessments.
- Autism-specific psychometric questionnaires
- Sensory Processing Measure (SPM), assessing sensory integration and interoceptive awareness across different environments.
- Clinical interviews, detailed, structured conversations with an experienced autism specialist, covering developmental history, social communication, and daily functioning.
- Informant rating scales, completed by parents, teachers, partners, or other key observers, build a complete picture across multiple settings.
- DASI (Diagnostic Autism Spectrum Interview)
How long does the process take?
The full assessment process typically takes around 8 weeks from initial contact to report delivery. Each clinical session lasts approximately 1–2 hours.
Where are assessments held?
Our assessments take place at our clinic at St Paul’s Church, Blandford Road, St Albans, AL1 4JP, with a small car park on-site and on-street parking available nearby.
Adult assessments can also be conducted fully online if you prefer. Children’s assessments require an in-person appointment.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can contact us directly; no GP referral is needed. Simply complete our short form or call us on 01727 530247 to begin
Why Choose Bloom Clinical for Your Autism Assessment in Hertfordshire?
Consultant Paediatrician-Led (Children’s Assessments)
Every children’s autism assessment at Bloom Clinical is medically led by a Consultant Paediatrician with a specialist interest in neurodevelopment. This ensures alignment with NICE guidelines and national standards for formal diagnosis, the same clinical standard as NHS community paediatric pathways, but without the multi-year wait.
Specialist Multidisciplinary Team
Every assessment involves input from a team of qualified specialists, not just a single clinician. Our assessors are registered with recognised professional bodies and hold relevant postgraduate qualifications in neurodevelopmental assessment. This is a NICE guideline requirement that some private providers do not meet.
Experienced in Identifying Autism in Girls and Those Who Mask
Autism is frequently missed in girls, women, and anyone who has learned to camouflage their social difficulties. Our team has specific experience in identifying autism across all presentations, including individuals who have developed sophisticated masking strategies and may have previously been misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, or personality disorders.
Integrated Sensory Assessment as Standard
Every child’s assessment includes a full sensory integration evaluation conducted by certified Sensory Integration Practitioners. This is not an optional add-on; it is built into every assessment at no additional cost, providing families with tailored strategies to support everyday functioning and well-being.
Reports Recognised Across Hertfordshire and the UK
Our reports are accepted by NHS services, GPs, CAMHS, schools, universities, employers, local authorities, and EHCP panels across Hertfordshire and throughout the UK.
Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Fees
The prices below are all-inclusive. There are no additional charges for questionnaires, multidisciplinary review, your final written report, sensory integration evaluation (for children), or letters for schools, employers, or GPs.
Free 15-Minute Consultation
Not sure if an assessment is right for you or your child? Book a free initial consultation with our team. We’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and let you know honestly whether an assessment is likely to be beneficial, with no obligation to book.
Autism Assessment Prices
Assessment Type | Price |
|---|---|
Adult Autism Assessment | £1,650 |
Adult Combined Autism & ADHD Assessment | £2,350 |
Child Autism Assessment | £2,125 |
Child Combined Autism & ADHD Assessment | £3,295 |
All assessment prices include pre-assessment questionnaires, clinical interview, ADOS-2 assessment, sensory integration evaluation, multidisciplinary team review, full written report, and letters for schools or GPs where required.
If you suspect you or your child may also have ADHD, our combined assessment evaluates both conditions together in a single, integrated process, which is more clinically accurate and more cost-effective than pursuing separate assessments.
What Happens After Your Assessment?
Receiving a diagnosis, or understanding that the diagnostic criteria are not met, is just the beginning. Our team will talk you through your results and support you in deciding the most appropriate next steps.
For Children, EHCP Applications
Our reports are specifically written to support Education, Health and Care Plan applications. They provide the detailed clinical evidence that Hertfordshire County Council’s EHCP panels require, covering your child’s neurodevelopmental profile, functional impact across settings, and specific, measurable recommendations for educational support.
For Children, School Support
Our reports include specific, evidence-based recommendations for your child’s education setting. This may include strategies for social communication support, sensory accommodations, exam access arrangements, or classroom adjustments, tailored to your child’s individual profile.
For Adults, Workplace Accommodations
For adults, our reports include recommendations for reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010. This may cover workplace accommodations, strategies for managing sensory environments, or guidance for higher education disability services.
School, Employer, and GP Letters
Your report is accompanied by supporting letters tailored to your specific needs, for your GP, your child’s school, your employer, or your university, at no additional cost.
If the Diagnostic Criteria Are Not Met
If the assessment concludes that you or your child does not meet the diagnostic criteria for autism, you will still receive a comprehensive report detailing the full findings. The report will explain the clinical reasoning, identify any other areas of difficulty, and provide recommendations for support. You are paying for the thoroughness of the evaluation, not a specific outcome.
Serving Hertfordshire
Our clinic is located at St Paul’s Church, Blandford Road, St Albans (AL1 4JP), in the heart of Hertfordshire. We see adults and families from across the county, including:
- St Albans, Harpenden, and Wheathampstead
- Watford, Bushey, and Rickmansworth
- Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, and Tring
- Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, and Potters Bar
- Stevenage, Hitchin, and Letchworth Garden City
- Hertford, Ware, and Hoddesdon
- Borehamwood, Radlett, and Elstree
- Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth
- Cheshunt, Waltham Cross, and Broxbourne
St Albans offers easy access by road (close to the M1, M25, and A1(M)) and by rail (St Albans City station has direct services from London St Pancras and connections from across Hertfordshire).
Can’t travel to our St Albans clinic? Adult autism assessments are also available fully online, wherever you are in the UK.
FAQs
Where do the assessments take place?
All assessment sessions take place at our clinic at St Paul’s Church, Blandford Road, St Albans, AL1 4JP, with on-site and on-street parking available. Adult assessments can also be conducted fully online.
Is there somewhere to park?
Yes. St Paul’s Church has a small car park on-site and on-street parking is available nearby.
How long does the autism assessment process take?
The full process typically takes around 8 weeks from initial contact to report delivery. Each clinical session lasts approximately 1–2 hours.
At what age can children be assessed for autism?
We assess children from as young as 18 months old. Our clinicians are experienced in adapting the assessment process for very young children, using age-appropriate observational approaches and play-based methods.
How is the assessment process made child-friendly?
We create a warm, welcoming environment using child-appropriate materials and a play-based approach for younger children. Our clinicians explain everything in age-appropriate language, respect your child’s pace, incorporate their interests where possible, and provide breaks as needed. We use visual supports and clear, simple instructions throughout. Our goal is to make the experience as comfortable as possible for both your child and your family.
Can I have an online assessment instead of face-to-face?
For adults, yes, our autism assessments can be conducted fully online. Children’s assessments require an in-person appointment at our St Albans clinic, as the ADOS-2 observational assessment needs to be conducted face-to-face.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can contact us directly, no GP referral is needed. Simply complete our short form or call us on 01727 530247 to begin.
Will my assessment be accepted by the NHS, schools, and Hertfordshire County Council?
Yes. Our assessments follow NICE guidelines and are conducted by qualified clinicians. Children’s assessments are led by a Consultant Paediatrician. Our reports are recognised by NHS services, GPs, CAMHS, schools, local authorities, EHCP panels, employers, and universities across Hertfordshire and the UK.
What diagnostic tools do you use?
For children, we use the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule), which is the internationally recognised gold-standard observational tool for autism assessment. This is supplemented by: autism-specific psychometric questionnaires, Sensory Processing Measures, clinical interviews, and informant rating scales from parents and teachers. For adults, we use validated screening tools, structured clinical interviews, and self-report measures in line with NICE guidelines.
Can the assessment help with an EHCP application?
Yes. Our reports are specifically written to provide the clinical evidence required for Education, Health and Care Plan applications in Hertfordshire and across England.
What if I think my child might also have ADHD?
If you suspect your child may have both autism and ADHD, we recommend our combined assessment, which evaluates both conditions together in a single, integrated process. This is more clinically accurate (since autism and ADHD symptoms can mask each other) and more cost-effective than pursuing separate assessments. Our combined assessment is available for £3,295. This Covers Autism, ADHD, sensory integration and motor coordination for a full neurodevelopmental profile.
Do you assess autism in girls and women?
Yes. Autism is frequently underdiagnosed in girls and women because it often presents differently, including through masking, internalising difficulties, and mimicking expected social behaviours. Our team has specific experience in identifying autism across all presentations, and we are alert to the signs that are commonly overlooked.
What happens if autism is not diagnosed?
If the assessment concludes that the diagnostic criteria for autism are not met, you will still receive a comprehensive report detailing the full findings, clinical reasoning, and recommendations for any other areas of difficulty identified. The assessment fee remains the same, you are paying for the thoroughness of the evaluation, not a specific outcome.
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Support for ADHD, Mental Health, and Autism
in Adults and Children.
Whether you require a single assessment to gain clarity or prefer ongoing therapy for consistent support, our tailored services are designed to meet your unique needs.
We understand that mental health and neurodevelopmental challenges can impact every aspect of life, from personal relationships to daily routines.
That’s why we focus on providing compassionate, professional care to empower you with understanding and practical strategies. With expert-led assessments and therapy options, we’re here to support you every step of the way, helping you navigate your journey towards improved well-being and confidence.