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Child and Teen Autism Assessment

What is autism ?

Autism is a brain-based difference which can affect social communication, focus and interaction skills. Strengths including hyperfocus and exceptional abilities are often observed.  

However, sometimes children with autism can struggle in class, at home and in social situations and require different techniques and approaches.

This assessment can help parents and schools choose the right strategies and support for your child as well as empowering young people to be more knowledgeable about the incredible strengths that neurodiversity can bring.  We recognise that autism can overlap with other needs and we screen for ADHD, learning, literacy, sensory, emotional and language needs for every assessment.  These screening findings are then fed into the report, with appropriate recommendations made.

What is the cost?

An autism assessment is £2,200.

Can you combine assessments or interventions?

We are specialists in combining autism and/ or ADHD assessments with Educational Psychology assessments.  We can offer ongoing support too. If this is something you are interested in, please get in touch.

What does it cover?

Assessment areas include:

  • Social interaction, such as how your child initiates and maintains social conversation
  • Social communication, such as how your child makes sense of the thoughts and feelings of themselves and others 
  • Interests which seem unusually intense 
  • Sensory and emotional needs, including an indepth consideration of any anxiety your child or teen may be experiencing and what is underpinning this.

What happens during the assessment?

An initial phone call with Dr Tamasine Black is offered on Tuesdays between 10am and Midday.  It is the first appointment you will have for either an adult or child assessment, and these are offered as part of a call list whereby Dr Tamasine Black will call you between these times.   This is a relaxed, informal brief phone call whereby any questions can be answered, and any adaptations you or your child may need from the appointment are noted.

We offer two assessment sessions.  One is for parents only and is with our clinical psychologist online, and is a lengthy neurodevelopmental interview.   The other is for children and teens and is in our Hambledon Clinic.   This appointment is as child-lead as possible and children are encouraged to bring an item of interest they may wish to show Tamasine.  Every effort is made to reduce anxiety and to ensure the child or teen feels comfortable, relaxed and regulated.  Please let us know if your child is not comfortable with dogs, and we will ensure your in clinic appointment is on a Thursday, when Freddie is not in.

Checklists are also sent to you for you to complete, your child as appropriate, and to provide to your child’s school for the adult who knows your child best to fill in. 

A voice recording will be made for effective safeguarding and supervision purposes.

What happens after the assessment?

A substantial report is issued in the weeks after the clinic appointment to allow time for our team to meet and for any additional relevant information to be gathered.  

Along with a clear diagnosis and executive summary, this report also gives a clear and detailed analysis of your child’s strengths and needs along with recommended strategies, support and guidance for ongoing support as necessary. 

How do I book an assessment?

You can book your assessment here. If you have any questions or would like some more information, please get in touch here.

“The autism assessment we had with Tabla Psychology was incredibly helpful. We now have the tools and understanding to support our son both at home and at school.”

Mrs D

“Both psychologists were empathetic, great listeners and showed excellent knowledge of ASD. I felt as though they really knew and understood my child, and had clearly keenly listened to everything discussed.”

Mrs J

“Great communication keeping us updated and a thorough introduction session that allowed time for any questions we had. Our daughter was a little anxious about the session but particularly liked that she could do art as part of the process, and being able to bring the art work home.”

Mrs M

“Since receiving J’s ASD report, J’s mainstream are supporting a change in school placement to a SEN school. He has just been accepted for medical tuition whilst he cannot attend mainstream. His EHCP is also well underway. The GP wrote a letter supporting your report and sent it across to CAMHS and MHST, who have since pushed things through for J. He has started his High intensity cognitive behavioural therapy and he is also just waiting to be seen by the psychiatrist to receive some medication. Whilst he is still very low in mood, removing the pressure of going to school, whilst the correct support is put in place has helped him drastically. I honestly feel without your help and the professional report which is done with such care from yourself we would not be where we are today. Myself and J are extremely thankful.”

Mrs M

““This is a big step forward on this part of Penny's lifelong journey for which your team have been instrumental."”

Tanya, Penny's mum

“I've had a couple of parents asking for your details I've passed on website link. I will keep spreading the word of how amazing you have been.”

Ms SParent

Autism Assessment FAQ

Who carries out the assessment?

Our autism assessment team includes Dr Tamasine Black (Lead Psychologist, Educational and Child), Dr Neha Matharu (Clinical Psychologist) and Dr Eleanor Chatburn (Clinical Psychologist). All members of the team are additionally trained in autism assessment and diagnosis and engage in regular professional supervision.  They are registered with their professional bodies with enhanced DBS checks.

Our autism assessment team includes Dr Tamasine Black (Lead Psychologist, Educational and Child), Dr Rachael Miller (Clinical Psychologist) and Dr Jenny Vaughan (Clinical Psychologist). All members of the team are additionally trained in autism assessment and diagnosis and engage in regular professional supervision.  They are registered with their professional bodies with enhanced DBS checks.

Does the assessment follow the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines?

We follow all NICE guidelines and DSM 5 criteria.  According to NICE, the gold standard for autism assessment is when a multi-disciplinary team carries out a combination of neurodevelopmental interviews and observational assessments, which is what we provide.   

Is there any follow up support?

As well as the feedback session which we offer as part of the assessment, we offer continued psychoeducation in the form of single or ongoing 50-minute sessions with our Lead Psychologist, Dr Tamasine Black, or one of our Clinical Psychologists.   Psychoeducation is an evidence-based therapeutic intervention for parents and young people that provides information and support to better understand and cope with autism.  These are charged separately at £120 per session.

What if I am interested in several of your services?

If you are interested in combining this assessment with one of our other assessments, please let us know.

What we cannot help with

As we are not a crisis service, we are unfortunately unable to offer assessment of mental illnesses including bipolar disorder, psychosis, an established eating disorder or in cases where there is extensive self-harm or suicidal ideation. 

Who should I speak to in case of an emergency?

We are not a mental health crisis service so if you have immediate concerns about your child or young person’s wellbeing, please contact the emergency services or your local NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service crisis telephone line. 

Other useful organisations include:

Childline: 0800 1111 https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/contacting-childline/ 

Samaritans: 116 123 or text “Shout” to 85258.