How much does a private autism assessment cost?

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private autism assessment

In the UK, private autism assessments typically cost between £1,500 and £3,500, depending on the provider, the complexity of the assessment, and whether it’s for a child or an adult. At Bloom Clinical, we’re committed to providing exceptional, clinically robust assessments at a fair and transparent price.

This guide explains what private autism assessments cost, what’s included in the price, and how to make the process as accessible as possible.

Autism assessment costs at Bloom Clinical

We believe in complete transparency when it comes to pricing. Here are our current assessment fees:

Assessment TypePrice
Adult Autism Assessment£1,850
Child Autism Assessment£2,125
Adult Combined ADHD & Autism Assessment£2,350
Child Combined ADHD & Autism Assessment£3,295

If you suspect you or your child may have both autism and ADHD, a combined assessment is often the most effective approach. It provides a complete picture of neurodevelopmental differences in a single, integrated process and represents a saving compared to booking two separate assessments.

What’s included in the price?

At Bloom Clinical, our assessment fees are fully inclusive. There are no hidden costs or surprise extras. Your fee covers the complete assessment journey:

  • Psychometric measures and screening questionnaires – Including the Autism Quotient (AQ), Empathy Quotient (EQ), Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q), Sensory Processing Measure, and more
  • Clinical interview – An in-depth conversation exploring your experiences, strengths, and challenges
  • Diagnostic assessment and observation – Using gold-standard tools, including the ADOS-2, conducted in clinic or online
  • Multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meeting – Our expert team reviews all findings to ensure a clinically robust outcome
  • Comprehensive report and recommendations – A detailed, personalised report with practical strategies for home, education, or the workplace

This means you know exactly what you’re paying from the outset, with no unexpected charges along the way.

Are there any additional costs?

Not within the assessment itself. Therapy and intervention etc is additional cost

Payment options

We understand that the cost of a private assessment is a significant consideration for many people. To make our assessments more accessible, we offer a straightforward payment plan at no extra cost.

Spread the cost over three instalments

Rather than paying the full fee upfront, you can spread the cost across three instalments:

  1. £250 deposit – Paid when you book your assessment
  2. Second payment – Due two weeks after booking
  3. Final payment – Due four weeks after booking

The second and third payments are split equally, making it easier to budget for your assessment. There’s no interest or additional fees for using this payment plan.

Example: Adult Autism Assessment (£1,850)

  • Payment 1 (on booking): £250
  • Payment 2 (after 2 weeks): £800
  • Payment 3 (after 4 weeks): £800

How to Pay

Bank transfer, online card payment, invoice

Private Health Insurance

We do work with health insurers. Please contact us for details.

Discounts and Concessions

We don’t offer any discounts or concessions.

Private vs NHS assessment waiting times

private autism assessment

The NHS provides autism assessments free of charge, and for many people, this remains their most viable option. However, the reality of NHS waiting times means that thousands of individuals and families are left waiting for an assessment for longer than they’d like.

Current NHS waiting times

According to the latest NHS Digital statistics (September 2025):

  • 227,813 people are currently waiting for an autism assessment in England
  • 90.1% have been waiting longer than the NICE-recommended 13 weeks
  • Only 4.1% received their first appointment within the recommended timeframe

The real cost of waiting

While an NHS assessment is free at the point of service, the hidden costs of waiting can be significant:

  • Educational impact: Children may struggle at school without the adjustments and support a diagnosis enables.
  • Workplace challenges: Adults may face difficulties at work without access to reasonable adjustments.
  • Mental health: The uncertainty and lack of support during a long wait can contribute to anxiety, depression, and stress.
  • Relationships: Misunderstandings can strain family and personal relationships.

For many people, the investment in a private assessment is worthwhile because it provides answers, support, and a path forward much sooner.

At Bloom Clinical, we can get the assessment process moving quickly. Your first appointment can often be arranged within three days of your initial enquiry, and the entire assessment, from start to receiving your report, is typically completed within six weeks.

Our multi-disciplinary team approach means you benefit from multiple expert perspectives, giving you a diagnosis you can trust. All our assessments follow NICE guidelines and are accepted by the NHS, schools, universities, and employers.

What impacts the cost of a private autism assessment?

If you’re comparing providers, it’s helpful to understand why prices vary so significantly across the market. Here are the key factors:

Assessment tools used

Gold-standard diagnostic tools like the ADOS-2 require specialist training and licensing fees, which can influence pricing. We use these tools as standard because they provide the most accurate and reliable outcomes.

Multi-disciplinary team reviews

Some providers offer assessments conducted by a single clinician. At Bloom Clinical, every assessment includes an MDT meeting where multiple specialists review your case. This collaborative approach ensures a thorough, accurate diagnosis and is included in our standard fee.

Sensory processing expertise

Sensory differences are a core feature of autism, yet not all providers assess this thoroughly. Our team includes certified sensory integration practitioners who provide in-depth sensory profiling as part of every assessment.

Location

Assessments in London and the South East often carry a premium. We offer assessments at clinics in St Albans, Milton Keynes, and Harley Street, giving you flexibility and access without unnecessary mark-ups.

Is a private autism assessment worth the cost?

This is a deeply personal decision, and we understand it’s not one to take lightly. Here are some of the benefits that many of our clients find make the investment worthwhile:

  • Answers and clarity: Understanding why you or your child experiences the world differently can be profoundly validating.
  • Access to support: A diagnosis opens doors to reasonable adjustments at school, university, or work.
  • Educational provisions: For children, a diagnosis can support applications for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and access to specialist resources.
  • Workplace adjustments: Adults can access support through the Access to Work scheme and request reasonable adjustments from employers.
  • Self-understanding: Many adults describe their diagnosis as life-changing, helping them make sense of past experiences and approach the future with greater confidence.
  • Peace of mind: Whether the outcome is a diagnosis or not, the assessment provides valuable insights into strengths and support needs.
private autism assessment

Frequently asked questions

Why do child autism assessments cost more than adult autism assessments?

Child assessments typically require more time and complexity. They often involve additional observation, liaison with schools, and gathering information from multiple sources. The assessment process is tailored to be developmentally appropriate, which requires specialist expertise.

Do I need a GP referral to book a private autism assessment?

No, you don’t need a GP referral to book a private autism assessment with Bloom Clinical. You can contact us directly to start the process.

Is a private autism diagnosis recognised by the NHS?

Yes. All our assessments follow NICE guidelines and use gold-standard diagnostic tools. Your diagnosis will be recognised by the NHS, educational settings, and employers.

How quickly can I get an autism assessment?

We can often arrange your first appointment within 2-4 weeks of your initial enquiry. The full assessment process, from start to receiving your report, is typically completed within six weeks.

What if I’ve already had an NHS autism assessment?

If you’ve had an NHS assessment but disagree with the outcome, or feel important aspects weren’t considered, you may wish to seek a second opinion. We’re experienced in conducting thorough re-evaluations for individuals who feel their previous assessment didn’t capture the full picture.

Take the Next Step

If you’re interested in booking an autism assessment, please contact us here.