At Bloom Clinical, our autism assessments consist of the following stages:
- Completion of psychometric measures and screening information forms
- Clinical Interview meeting
- Diagnostic assessment and observation tools in the clinic or online
- Clinical multidisciplinary meeting to analyse findings and outcomes
- Detailed report and recommendations
What is an autism assessment?
An autism assessment is a comprehensive evaluation designed to understand how you or your child experiences the world. It explores communication styles, social interactions, sensory processing, behaviours, and emotional well-being to determine whether someone meets the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
It’s important to understand that an autism assessment isn’t a test with right or wrong answers. There’s nothing you need to study for or prepare in that sense. Instead, it’s an opportunity to share your experiences openly so that our clinicians can build a complete picture of your unique strengths and challenges.
All assessments at Bloom Clinical follow NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines and use gold-standard diagnostic tools. This means your assessment will be clinically robust and recognised by the NHS, educational settings, and employers.
Who can have an autism assessment?
At Bloom Clinical, we provide autism assessments for children from the age of 18 months and for adults of all ages. Whether you’re a parent who has noticed differences in your child’s development, or an adult who has long wondered whether autism might explain your experiences, our team is here to support you.
Many adults seek an assessment after years of feeling different, struggling with aspects of social communication, or finding certain environments overwhelming. A diagnosis later in life can bring profound relief and self-understanding, opening doors to support and strategies that make daily life easier.
Before your assessment
Completing your questionnaires
Before your clinical interview, we’ll ask you to complete a series of questionnaires. These help our clinicians gather important background information and ensure the assessment is tailored to your individual circumstances.
The questionnaires we use include:
- Autism quotient (AQ) – a screening tool that explores traits associated with autism.
- Empathy quotient (EQ) – assesses aspects of social understanding and empathy.
- Camouflaging autistic traits questionnaire (CAT-Q) – identifies whether you may have been masking autistic traits.
- Strengths and difficulties questionnaire – highlights both your capabilities and areas where you may need support.
- Sensory processing measure – evaluates how you process sensory information such as sounds, textures, and lights.
- Interoception awareness questionnaire – explores your awareness of internal body signals like hunger, temperature, and emotions.
These questionnaires can be completed online at a time that suits you. If you prefer, we can also provide them as Word documents or arrange for a member of our team to go through them with you over the phone.
Developmental history (if available)
If possible, we’ll also send a Developmental Questionnaire to what’s known as an informant. An informant is someone who knew you well during childhood, such as a parent, sibling, or other family member. This helps us understand your early development and provides valuable context for the assessment.
However, we understand that not everyone has access to someone who can provide this information. If you don’t have an informant available, please don’t worry; this won’t prevent you from having an assessment. Our clinicians are experienced in conducting thorough evaluations using the information you are able to provide.
During your assessment
Clinical interview
The clinical interview is a detailed conversation with one of our qualified psychologists. For adults, this session takes place online, making it convenient and accessible wherever you are. For children, all sessions are conducted in person at one of our clinics.
During this interview, we’ll explore various aspects of your life and experiences, including:
- Communication styles and preferences.
- Friendships and relationships.
- Experiences at school, university, or in the workplace.
- Emotional wellbeing and how you manage feelings.
- Behaviours, routines, and responses to change.
- Sensory needs and sensitivities.
Equally important is discussing your strengths, skills, passions, and the things that bring you joy. An autism assessment isn’t solely about identifying challenges; it’s about understanding you as a complete person.
Diagnostic observation
A key part of the assessment is the diagnostic observation, which uses the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2). This is widely recognised as the gold-standard tool for autism assessment and is recommended by NICE guidelines.
ADOS-2 involves a combination of conversation and activity-based tasks. It’s designed to create natural opportunities for our clinicians to observe how you communicate and interact. It’s important to remember that there are no right or wrong responses. We are simply trying to understand your individual style.
For adults, the observation can be conducted online or face-to-face, depending on your preference. For children, this takes place in person at one of our clinic locations: St Albans, Milton Keynes, or Harley Street in London.
Sensory processing assessment
Sensory processing is a central focus of all our assessments. Many autistic individuals experience the world differently through their senses. Some autistic people can be sensitive to certain sounds, lights, textures, or smells, or may seek out particular sensory experiences.
Our assessments are conducted by certified sensory integration practitioners who understand the profound impact that sensory differences can have on daily life. By thoroughly evaluating your sensory profile, we can provide tailored recommendations that genuinely make a difference.
Where the assessments take place
We offer flexibility to suit your needs and circumstances:
- Adults: The clinical interview takes place online, followed by an in-person assessment session at one of our clinics. Alternatively, the observation can also be conducted online if preferred.
- Children: All sessions are conducted in person at our clinics.
Our clinic locations are:
- St Albans, Hertfordshire
- Milton Keynes
- Harley Street, London
Each of our clinic environments has been designed with neurodivergent individuals in mind, ensuring a calm, welcoming, and sensory-considerate space.
Who conducts the assessment?
Your assessment will be conducted by one of our team of qualified psychologists, all of whom have extensive experience in neurodevelopmental conditions. Our clinicians bring warmth, expertise, and genuine understanding to every assessment.
At Bloom Clinical, our highly specialist multidisciplinary team has over 70 years of combined clinical experience in diagnostic assessment.
After your assessment
Multi-disciplinary team review
Once all elements of your assessment are complete, our multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meets to review the information gathered. This collaborative approach ensures that your assessment benefits from multiple expert perspectives.
During the MDT meeting, your results are carefully analysed alongside the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. The DSM-5 is the internationally recognised framework for diagnosing autism and other mental health conditions. This rigorous process ensures a clinically robust and accurate outcome.
Receiving your report
You will receive a comprehensive written report within six weeks of your in-person appointment. This detailed document will include:
1. Client Identification & Background
- Full name, date of birth, referral date and source
- Reason for referral and presenting concerns
- Who provided consent and informants involved
2. Assessment Overview
- Assessment dates and methods used (e.g., clinical interview, observation, standardised tools)
- Professionals involved (e.g., psychologists, occupational therapists) – noted to be a multidisciplinary team with specialist expertise
3. Developmental & Clinical History
- Early developmental milestones
- Childhood behaviour and social communication history
- Educational, family, medical and mental health history
4. Current Functioning & Behavioural Presentation
- Strengths and challenges in daily life
- Social interaction patterns
- Communication style
- Repetitive interests or behaviours
- Specialist providers like Bloom Clinical emphasise both challenges and individual strengths in their reports to support personalised care plans and broader understanding
5. Standardised Tool Results (if used)
- Scores and interpretation from validated instruments (e.g., diagnostic observation schedules or structured questionnaires)
- Explanation of results and how they relate to diagnostic criteria
6. Clinical Observations
- Behaviour noted during assessment sessions
- Sensory processing or motor coordination observations – Bloom Clinical includes sensory processing evaluation by specialist practitioners
7. Diagnostic Formulation
- Clear statement about whether the individual meets criteria for the conditon
- If relevant, co-occurring conditions (e.g., ADHD, anxiety) identified
- A high-quality diagnostic report should present a clear diagnostic conclusion and rationale referencing diagnostic criteria, assessments and observations
8. Differential Diagnosis
- Discussion of other conditions considered and how autism diagnosis was distinguished from them
9. Impact on Functioning
- How autism affects everyday life (social, education, work, relationships, sensory environment)
10. Recommendations
- Tailored intervention suggestions (therapies, educational or workplace adjustments)
- Support needs and environmental changes that could help
- Referral suggestions for further assessments or support services
11. Summary / Executive Overview
- A concise summary of key findings, diagnostic decision, and core recommendations (often used for schools, workplaces, or benefits)
We recommend that you share our report with your GP along with any other health care professional who is supporting your child (e.g. GP, Paediatrician, etc). Our report can also be shared with your child’s education setting and used towards an EHCP – Education Health Care Plan.
If you receive a diagnosis
For many people, receiving an autism diagnosis brings a sense of relief and validation. It can provide an explanation for lifelong experiences and open doors to understanding, support, and self-acceptance.
Your diagnosis is recognised by the NHS, educational settings, and employers, meaning it can help you access reasonable adjustments, specialist support, and resources that can make a genuine difference to your quality of life.
If you don’t receive a diagnosis
If the assessment concludes that you don’t meet the criteria for autism, our report will still provide valuable insights into your individual profile. The challenges you experience are real and valid, regardless of whether they meet the threshold for an autism diagnosis.
Post-diagnostic support
Psychoeducation (core intervention)
Includes:
Often the most important post-diagnostic support.
- Understanding the diagnosis and what it means personally
- Reframing past experiences
- Recognising strengths and challenges
- Understanding masking, burnout, and neurodiversity
Formats:
- 1:1 sessions.
Psychological therapies
Used to address co-occurring or secondary difficulties, not autism itself.
Common approaches:
- CBT (adapted) – anxiety, depression, OCD, emotional regulation
- ACT – self-acceptance, values, identity
- Trauma-informed therapy – where relevant
- Compassion-focused therapy – shame, self-criticism
- Adaptations are essential (pace, language, sensory needs)
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Very common and often highly beneficial.
Focus areas:
- Sensory processing differences
- Daily living skills
- Executive functioning
- Fatigue and burnout
- Environmental adaptations (home, school, work)
Occupational Therapy often provides practical, concrete strategies.
Coaching (autism or ADHD-informed)
Typically non-therapeutic but practical.
Supports:
- Organisation and planning
- Time management
- Goal-setting
- Workplace functioning
- Transitions (education → work, diagnosis → adjustment)
Often preferred by adults who do not want therapy.
Group-based interventions
Can reduce isolation and increase self-understanding.
Examples:
- Post-diagnostic support groups
- Skills-based groups (executive functioning, social communication)
- Parent/carer programmes
Peer validation is often a key benefit.
Educational interventions (children & young people)
Focus on support and access, not treatment.
May include:
- School-based adjustments
- SEN support plans
- EHCP-related interventions
- Teacher consultation and training
Workplace interventions (adults)
Often overlooked but crucial.
Includes:
- Reasonable adjustments
- Environmental changes
- Line-manager guidance
- Access to Work recommendations
- Occupational health input
Medication (where appropriate)
Relevant mainly for co-occurring conditions, not autism itself.
Examples:
- ADHD medication
- Anxiety or mood-related medication
Prescribed and managed by medical professionals.
Please note: Medication assessment and prescribing follow a separate pathway from the diagnostic process. While we do not provide this directly, we can recommend reputable private professionals who are qualified to undertake medication assessments and ongoing management.
Family / carer support
Especially important for children and young people.
Includes:
- Parent coaching
- Family psychoeducation
- Understanding neurodivergent needs within the family system
How to prepare for your Autism assessment
While there’s nothing you need to revise or study, there are a few things that may help you feel prepared:
- Reflect on your experiences: Consider how you communicate, interact with others, manage sensory input, and handle change. Jotting down specific examples can be helpful.
- Think about your childhood: If you can, reflect on your early development and any differences you or your family noticed.
- Gather any relevant documents: School reports, previous assessments, or other documentation can provide useful context.
- Prepare questions: Write down anything you’d like to ask our team.
- Plan for comfort: If you’re attending in person, consider bringing anything that helps you feel at ease, such as noise-cancelling headphones, a fidget item, or a comfort object.
- Let us know your needs: If you require any adjustments or accommodations, please tell us during your initial enquiry so we can make arrangements.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an autism assessment take?
The assessment process involves multiple stages, from questionnaires to clinical interviews and observation. The clinical interview and observation assessments both take around 1 hour. From your first appointment, you can expect to receive your comprehensive report within six weeks.
Do I need a GP referral?
No, you don’t need a GP referral to book a private autism assessment with Bloom Clinical. You can contact us directly to begin the process.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
We understand the importance of timely assessment. Your first appointment can often be arranged within three days of your initial enquiry.
What if I don’t have someone who knew me as a child?
While developmental history is valuable, we understand it’s not always available. Our clinicians are experienced in conducting comprehensive assessments using the information you’re able to provide. Not having an informant will not prevent you from having an assessment.
Will my diagnosis be 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.
Can I bring someone with me to the assessment?
We would prefer you to come unaccompanied if possible.
What happens if I feel overwhelmed during the assessment?
Your comfort is important to us. If you need a break at any point, simply let your clinician know. Our team is experienced in working with neurodivergent individuals and will adapt the pace and approach to suit your needs.
Is an autism assessment the same as an ADHD assessment?
No, autism and ADHD assessments are separate processes that look for different characteristics. However, it’s common for the two conditions to co-occur. If you have concerns about both, please let us know so we can discuss your options.
Why choose Bloom Clinical?
At Bloom Clinical, we’re passionate about empowering individuals through understanding. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Expert multidisciplinary team: Over 70 years of combined clinical experience in neurodevelopmental assessment.
- NICE-compliant assessments: Our evaluations meet the highest clinical standards and are accepted by the NHS, schools, and employers.
- Sensory integration expertise: Assessments conducted by certified sensory integration practitioners who understand the impact of sensory processing differences.
- Quick access: First appointments often available within three days of enquiry.
- Flexible options: Online and in-person appointments available across multiple locations.
- Comprehensive reports: Detailed, personalised recommendations delivered within six weeks.
- Compassionate care: A warm, supportive environment designed with neurodivergent individuals in mind.
Take the Next Step
If you’re interested in booking an autism assessment, please contact us here.