Opening hours

9am – 5pm Monday to Friday

(Messages can be left out of office hours. We will return calls as soon as possible.)

14 The Close, Norwich NR1 4DZ

Opening hours

9am – 5pm Monday to Friday

(Messages can be left out of office hours. We will return calls as soon as possible.)

14 The Close, Norwich NR1 4DZ

Private Autism Assessments for Adults

'Gold Standard' Autism assessments allow for quicker diagnosis and subsequent access to support and resources.

What Happens During an Autism Assessment?

Process, Costs and What to Expect

We understand that many individuals can feel uncertain before an adult autism assessment. Even deciding whether to seek an assessment can feel overwhelming and therefore it’s completely natural to want to understand what happens during an autism assessment, including the process involved, what to expect and how much it may cost.

A high-quality Autism assessment is designed to build a clear and detailed understanding of an individual’s development, communication, behaviour and social interaction. Rather than relying on a single test, the process brings together information from several sources to ensure the diagnostic outcome is accurate and evidence-based.

At Norfolk Autism Assessment, we provide gold-standard private Autism assessments for adults across East Anglia, following NICE best-practice guidelines and a multidisciplinary approach.

 

Testimonials

Receiving my autism diagnosis as an adult was a huge relief. It hasn’t changed who I am, but it provided me with the knowledge and language to understand myself better. It’s been a difficult journey and I am so grateful for your help and expertise and for making a tough process as easy as possible.

How Much is a Private Autism Assessment for an Adult? 

The cost of a private adult Autism assessment can vary depending on the complexity of the assessment and the needs of the individual.

At Norfolk Autism Assessment, our assessments are carried out by two experienced healthcare professionals, ensuring a thorough and reliable diagnostic process. This is considered a gold standard Autism assessment.

Our fees reflect:

  • the time taken to complete a detailed and thorough assessment
  • the use of recognised diagnostic tools such as ADOS and ADI-R/DISCO
  • multidisciplinary clinical expertise
  • a comprehensive written report with clear recommendations

While costs vary, individuals often choose a private assessment for:

  • shorter waiting times
  • a clear and structured process
  • detailed and personalised reports
  • faster access to support and next steps

For full details, please see our Autism Assessment Costs page.

The Autism Assessment Process Explained

An Autism assessment involves gathering detailed information about development, communication and behaviour using structured tools such as ADOS and developmental history interviews. Clinicians combine this information to determine whether an individual meets the diagnostic criteria for Autism.

A comprehensive adult Autism assessment usually includes three key components. Each part contributes to building a complete understanding of the individual.

1. Developmental History

One of the most important parts of the Autism assessment process is gathering a detailed developmental history.

Autism is a developmental condition, meaning that differences are usually present from early childhood. Understanding early development helps clinicians identify patterns in communication, behaviour and social interaction.

This part of the assessment involves a structured discussion with a clinician and may include:

  • pregnancy and early development
  • early communication and language milestones
  • play skills and social interaction
  • behaviour patterns during childhood
  • school experiences

Input from a parent or family member is often helpful where available.

Structured tools such as ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised) and DISCO (Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders) may be used to guide this process. Read more about our diagnostic tools here. 

2. Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is a structured, face-to-face assessment used to observe communication and social interaction in real time.

During the session, the clinician uses carefully designed activities to explore how the individual:

  • communicates
  • interacts socially
  • responds to different situations
  • manages change or challenge

For adults, this may involve conversation and problem-solving tasks.

The ADOS uses different modules depending on age and language level, ensuring the assessment is appropriate for adults. Find out more about the ADOS process here. 

3. Information From Other Settings

Autism affects how individuals interact across different environments, so gathering information from other settings is essential.

For adults, this may include:

  • family members
  • partners
  • workplace experiences

This helps ensure that the assessment reflects real-life experiences, not just what is observed in a clinical setting.


How Is an Adult Autism Diagnosis Made?

After all parts of the assessment are complete, the clinical team reviews the information together.

The findings are considered alongside recognised diagnostic criteria, including:

  • DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)
  • ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases)

This ensures that any diagnosis is accurate, consistent and evidence-based.

Testimonials

A great team of specialist therapists, professional, competent, supportive.

What Happens After an Autism Assessment?

Following the assessment, you will receive a comprehensive written report.

This includes:

  • the diagnostic outcome
  • explanation of findings
  • a profile of strengths and differences
  • personalised recommendations

For adults, this may support workplace adjustments or access to further services.

Why a Comprehensive Autism Assessment Matters

Autism is complex, and some characteristics can overlap with other conditions.

A detailed assessment helps clinicians:

  • distinguish Autism from other developmental differences
  • recommend further assessment for co-occurring conditions such as ADHD
  • provide tailored recommendations for support

This ensures the outcome is meaningful, accurate and helpful for long-term support.


Adult Autism Assessment in East Anglia

Our team supports individuals and families across Norwich, Norfolk and the wider East Anglia region. ISLTS Lead Specialist Speech & Language Therapist, Nick Booth shares this peice of professional advice with anxious parents;

“Many adults find a diagnosis helps them understand themselves better, access appropriate support, request reasonable adjustments at work or education, and connect with Autism-informed services and communities.”

Some adults who are diagnosed with Autism later in life may benefit from additional support with communication, including conversation skills, understanding social cues and building confidence in everyday interactions.

Norfolk Autism Assessment is part of the Independent Speech & Language Therapy Services (ISLTS) Group, which provides a full range of speech and language support for people of all ages with a variety of communication needs.

We can support with understanding and interpreting language, including sarcasm and indirect language, workplace communication, self-advocacy, and managing communication in more challenging or stressful situations. Find out more.

Testimonials

I just wanted to send you an email just to say thank you. You have really helped me to be more comfortable and confident when speaking

Concerned About Autism?

If you are wondering whether you may be Autistic, speaking with a specialist can help you decide on the next steps. We are happy to talk you through what happens during an Autism assessment and answer any questions you may have.

At Norfolk Autism Assessment, we provide gold-standard private adult Autism assessments, carried out by experienced clinicians in a supportive and respectful environment.

Contact us today to arrange an initial consultation and discuss your concerns.

Further Support & Reading

Frequently Asked Questions About Autism Assessments

Can adults be diagnosed with Autism?

Yes. Many people receive an Autism diagnosis in adulthood. Assessments explore both current experiences and early developmental history.

How long does an Autism assessment take?

Autism assessments usually take place over one or more sessions. The full process may take several weeks to complete, including information gathering and report writing.

Is ADOS always used?

ADOS is widely used as part of Autism assessments, but it is not used in isolation. It forms part of a broader assessment process alongside developmental history and other information.

Do I need a referral for a private Autism assessment?

No. You can contact a private provider directly to arrange an initial consultation.


    Get in touch today

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