Proud partners of The National Autistic Society
Our assessment approach:
At AYC Psychology and Assessment Services we deliver high quality, private NICE compliant autism assessments that use the very best “gold standard” assessment tools. We are dedicated to delivering assessments that are grounded in evidence-based practice.
In addition to providing assessments directly, we also partner with the National Autistic Society—the UK’s leading autism charity—renowned for its commitment to the highest ethical and quality standards. With decades of expertise, they help ensure that anyone seeking a diagnosis receives the best possible care:
We firmly believe in the principles of neurodiversity, recognising that autism is a natural variation of human neurology rather than a disorder or deficit.
Our assessments involve a multidisciplinary team of experienced professionals (all of whom are registered with their own regulatory bodies) who bring a diverse range of expertise and perspectives. Our team ensures that they are up to date with the latest research and developments in the field of autism assessment. By working together, we gain a comprehensive understanding of each individual’s strengths, challenges and needs.
Our diagnostic assessment process:
- Access to a dedicated Client Liaison Officer who will guide you through each stage of the assessment.
- A highly qualified, experienced, and skilled multidisciplinary team—including clinical psychologists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists—who are involved in every aspect of the assessment.
- An in-depth interview with parents or, in the case of adult clients, the individual themselves. This is conducted by a speech and language therapist using a developmental history questionnaire based on the ADI-R.
- Completion of a Sensory Processing Measure to better understand how the individual perceives, processes, and responds to sensory information within their environment.
- Liaison with teaching staff and, where necessary, observations in school or nursery settings.
- Review of all available professional reports to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s needs.
- A face-to-face diagnostic appointment with two clinicians (a clinical psychologist and a speech and language therapist) using the gold-standard ADOS-2 tool, which assesses communication, social interaction, flexibility of thought, and restricted or repetitive behaviours.
- A multidisciplinary clinical discussion to review all information gathered, reach professional consensus on a potential autism diagnosis, and determine whether further assessment for co-occurring conditions is required.
- Timely communication of diagnostic outcomes and next steps.
- A detailed, person-centred report highlighting strengths and areas of need, along with clear, tailored recommendations to support children or adults in reaching their full potential.
- The option to commission further assessments to explore other conditions such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia. Additional areas of cognitive functioning—such as auditory recall, working memory, and processing speed can also be evaluated.
Principles that guide our assessments
We understand that every individual is different, and we tailor our assessments to meet the specific needs of each client.
Our team is experienced in adapting assessment methods and tools to ensure that they are accessible and appropriate for all children, young people and adults irrespective of their age, culture, assigned gender, communication style, and sensory sensitivities.
We believe that high quality, timely and person-centred assessments should be accessible to all and as such, provide affordable payment options to facilitate access.
We ensure that our assessments are scheduled promptly with minimal wait time ensuring that the outcome of the assessment is delivered clearly, accessibly and in a timely manner.
Our service is dedicated to empowering individuals and their families through providing them with accurate information, meaningful insights, and appropriate recommendations.
The benefits of our assessments
Understanding and self-awareness: our autism assessments provide our clients with a better understanding of their own unique characteristics, strengths and challenges.
Access to support and resources: our diagnostic reports can open doors to various support services, therapies and resources specifically tailored to meet the needs of individuals with autism.
Academic and vocational support: our diagnostic reports often enable individuals to access reasonable adjustments in the form of educational accommodations and specialised programs that can address their learning style and challenges. In the case of adult clients, it can also help in obtaining workplace accommodations and support.
Family and peer understanding: Our detailed assessment processes help families gain a deeper understanding of an individual’s experiences and challenges. The process helps to foster empathy, promote acceptance and encourage the development of supportive and inclusive environments.
Personal growth and empowerment: Gaining a private autism diagnosis from us can empower individuals to embrace their strengths and pursue personal growth. It can lead to increased self advocacy, self esteem and the ability to set goals whilst embracing their unique identity.