Autism Support / Advice & next steps
Preparing for an autism assessment
There is no correct way for a child to behave during assessment. Clinicians should consider the whole history and information from different settings, not one moment.
Quick answer
Prepare for an autism assessment by finding out what the appointment involves, sharing relevant developmental and education information, and planning adjustments that help the child communicate and regulate. Explain the appointment honestly without rehearsing answers or asking the child to perform in a particular way.
What this means
Ask who will attend, how long the different stages may take, whether observation or structured activities are planned and how breaks can be requested. Tell the service about language, sensory, mobility or anxiety needs in advance. For younger children, simple concrete explanations may help; older children may want more involvement in decisions about language, identity and who receives the report.
Preparation is about accessibility and informed participation, not coaching. Familiar comfort items, visual information, quieter waiting arrangements or extra processing time may make the process more representative.
Parents may remember new examples after an appointment. Ask how to submit brief additional information and avoid overwhelming the team with repeated documents.
Questions to ask
What will happen at each stage and who will be present?
Which communication, sensory or anxiety adjustments can be arranged?
How will the child’s own views be included?
When will feedback and the written report be available?
Local Northamptonshire route
Follow the instructions from the current local assessment provider, because venues and processes can change. Education support remains through the school, with separate Local Offer and SENDIASS information for North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire. Families do not need to pause school support while waiting.
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
No paid preparation service is required. The assessment team should explain its process and consider reasonable adjustments. Independent advice is optional if consent, reports or use of a private assessment is unclear.
What happens next?
After the assessment stages, ask when and how the conclusion will be explained. Request clarification of recommendations, share useful advice with school where appropriate and continue support based on need, whatever the diagnostic outcome.
Support that may help
Autism assessment service · GP or referring professional · 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.