Step 1: The free screening call
Everything starts with a free, no-obligation 20-minute phone call. This isn’t a formal assessment — it’s a conversation. We’ll ask you to tell us about your child: what you’ve noticed, what concerns you, what their school has said, and what you’re hoping to understand better. We’ll also answer any questions about our process, fees and timescales. If we don’t think an assessment is the right next step for your child, we’ll tell you that honestly.
Step 2: The screening appointment
The screening appointment costs £95 and takes place at The Hive in Cramlington. This is a more detailed conversation — typically around 90 minutes — where we gather a thorough developmental history. We’ll ask about your child’s early development, communication, social interaction, sensory profile, interests and daily life. Your child doesn’t usually need to attend the screening appointment.
Step 3: The assessment appointments
The assessment itself typically involves two or three appointments. The central component is the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) — a series of activities designed to create opportunities to observe communication and social interaction. This isn’t a test your child can pass or fail. It’s an opportunity for us to observe how they naturally communicate, play and interact. Most children have no idea they’re being assessed.
Step 4: The school visit
Where appropriate and with your permission, one of our team will visit your child’s school to observe them in their classroom environment. School observation gives us a picture of how your child presents in a different setting — which is often quite different from how they are at home or in the clinic.
Step 5: MDT discussion and feedback
All the information gathered is brought together in a multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussion. Our team reviews the evidence and reaches a clinical conclusion. Before you receive your written report, we hold a feedback session to share our findings with you in plain language, answer your questions and make sure you understand everything before you read the report.
Step 6: The written report
Your detailed written report is typically ready 2–3 weeks after the final assessment appointment. It includes: a summary of the assessment process; findings from each element; conclusions; a clear statement of whether autism criteria are met; and practical recommendations for home, school and any further support.