Autism Support / Advice & next steps
NHS vs private autism assessments
Families can choose the route that fits their circumstances. Check the full process and likely use of the report before paying, rather than comparing waiting time alone.
Quick answer
NHS and private autism assessment routes can differ in referral process, availability, cost and follow-up, but the right question is whether an assessment is clinically appropriate, carried out by suitably qualified professionals and likely to be understood by the services that need to use it. Ask about the team, assessment approach, written report, feedback and support after assessment before deciding.
What this means
An autism assessment should consider development, communication, interaction, behaviour, sensory experiences and information from different settings. The exact pathway varies by age and area. An NHS route may begin through local health services, while a private provider is approached directly; neither route should be chosen solely because of a promise of speed.
Before proceeding, ask who will assess, what professional registrations and autism experience they hold, which information they need from family and education, and whether the process follows recognised clinical guidance. Ask what happens if the conclusion is uncertain and whether a detailed report and feedback are included.
Discuss support that can begin without waiting for a diagnosis. NHS information and NICE guidance are authoritative clinical starting points, and professional registration can be checked with the relevant regulator such as HCPC where applicable. Confirm locally how reports are considered by schools and health services; pathways and acceptance should be manually verified for the child’s circumstances.
What to do next
Write down the reason assessment is being considered and the support needed now. 2. Ask the NHS service or private provider to explain referral, assessment, report and follow-up arrangements. 3. Check each professional’s role, registration and autism-assessment experience. 4. Ask school what evidence it can provide and what support will continue. 5. Keep written information about fees, cancellations and what is included before paying.
Things to check
Who will be involved in the assessment? Is relevant professional registration current? Will information be gathered from home and education? Is a written report and feedback included? How will uncertainty, other needs and post-assessment support be handled?
Questions to ask
What clinical guidance does the assessment process follow? Which records or questionnaires are needed? Who can use the report and should acceptance be confirmed locally? What support can begin before assessment? What happens after the assessment, whatever the conclusion?
Local Northamptonshire route
Use NHS and NICE information as clinical starting points, and confirm the current local referral route directly with Northamptonshire health services. SENDIASS and the Local Offer can help identify education and family-support routes while an assessment is considered.
Free support and useful links
External free resource
West Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in West Northamptonshire.
External free resource
North Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in North Northamptonshire.
External free resource
Northamptonshire Local Offer
Local SEND information, services and support routes for children and young people.
External free resource
GOV.UK SEND information
Official information about special educational needs, EHC plans and support.
External free resource
IPSEA
Free SEND law information and resources for parents and carers.
External free resource
Council for Disabled Children
National resources and information about SEND support and policy.
Professional help is available if you need it
Private assessment is optional. It may be useful for some families, but avoid providers promising a guaranteed diagnosis, school outcome or acceptance by another service. Free NHS, NICE and autism-charity information can help you compare routes.
What happens next?
Whichever route you choose, request clear feedback and a written report. Use recommendations to review support with school and health professionals. If there is no diagnosis, ask what the assessment did identify and which next steps are suggested.
Support that may help
GP or NHS referral service · Appropriately qualified autism assessment clinicians · School SENCO · SENDIASS
Related guidance
SEND Lantern provides general information to help families understand possible next steps. It does not replace legal, medical or local authority advice.
Independent guidance for families
SEND Lantern is an independent guidance platform operated by SEND Lantern Ltd. We help families explore special educational needs and disabilities support, possible next steps and relevant services. SEND Lantern is not part of the NHS, a local authority, a school or any individual service provider. Information on this website is general guidance and should not be treated as medical, legal or educational advice.