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At Caudwell Children, we understand how important it is to get the right support for your child, that’s why we’ve created a clear and simple guide to provide families with key information to complete an autism assessment referral.
Why choose Caudwell Children?
Our autism assessments are:
- Specialist-led: Delivered by a compassionate and experienced team of professionals.
- Family-focused: Providing guidance – from resources to post-assessment support.
- Meets National Guidance: Aligned with NICE guidance and diagnosis is accepted by schools and the NHS.
- Neurodiversity-affirmative: Uses a strengths-based approach, recognising each child’s unique talents while supporting areas of difficulty or development needs.
- Affordable: Charity funding and self-funded assessments available.
How to Recognise Signs of Autism
Autism can look different for every child, but some common signs include:
- Communication Differences: Differences in speech or use of language, which can lead to challenges or misunderstanding.
- Social Challenges: Differences in initiating or responding to social interactions, leading to difficulties navigating friendships.
- Repetitive Behaviours: Showing preferences for the same activity over and over, such as lining up toys, or repeating the same phrases.
- Sensory Differences: Showing sensitivities to certain sensory input and/or seeking out certain sensory input.
Why Seek an Autism Assessment?
A diagnosis can:
- Help you understand your child better.
- Open doors to educational and health support.
- Provide your child with a sense of self-understanding.
- Provide you with tools and resources to support your child.
Referral Process
Step 1: Check your Eligibility
Our autism assessments are available for:
- Children aged 4-11 years
- Families living in UK (Please note Day Two of the assessment must be attended in person)
- Children who have not previously attended an autism assessment, unless a past report recommends further reassessment or review.
Step 2: Who can refer your child?
- GP
- Teacher, or Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
- Nursery Staff
- Social care professional e.g. social worker or family support worker
- Healthcare professional e.g. psychologist. Psychological therapist, mental health practitioner, nurse or speech and language therapist.
Step 3: Submit your Application
Once the referral has been completed by a professional, it will be sent to our team. We’ll review it to ensure all necessary information is included.
Step 4: Confirm your Funding Option
- You can choose the funding option that best suits your family, with instalment plans available.
- Charity-funded Assessment: Eligible families will contribute £500 towards the cost of the assessment.
- Self-funded Assessment: For families who are not eligible for funding, the full cost of the assessment is £2,500.
Step 5: Complete Paperwork
Our Family Support Team will guide you through completing:
- A child profile
- School questionnaire
- A risk support plan
Step 6: Book your Assessment
Once your paperwork is complete and payment or funding is confirmed, we’ll book your child’s assessment.
Day One: A virtual interview with parents/carers to discuss your child’s development, behaviour, and strengths in detail.
Day Two: An in-person assessment at our centre conducted by our experienced team.
Step 7: Receive your Results
Approximately 4-6 weeks after the assessment, you’ll receive:
- A tailored feedback meeting where a clinician will explain the results of the assessment.
- A comprehensive report which details the outcome of the assessment.
Step 8: Access Post-assessment Support
Your journey with us doesn’t end after the assessment, we provide:
- 12 months of Family Support
- Workshops
- Optional Occupational Therapy Services
By choosing Caudwell Children, you can be confident that your child’s assessment is held to the highest standards, providing the clarity and support your family needs to move forward positively.
To see how we can help your child or for more information, visit our Autism Assessments page.