Conditions We Treat

Autism Assessment for Children and Young People

A multidisciplinary assessment exploring a child's communication, social interaction, behaviour, development and sensory experiences.

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30 min consultation

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When an Autism Assessment May Be Considered

Understanding Your Concerns

An autism assessment may be considered when a child or young person experiences differences in communication, social interaction, behaviour, interests or sensory processing. Parents, caregivers or teachers may notice:

  • Difficulty with back-and-forth conversation
  • Differences in eye contact or non-verbal communication
  • Difficulty recognising social cues
  • Challenges developing or maintaining friendships
  • Repetitive movements, speech or play
  • A strong preference for routines
  • Distress when plans or expectations change
  • Focused or highly specific interests
  • Increased or reduced sensitivity to sensory information
  • Becoming overwhelmed in busy environments

Individual signs do not confirm autism. A comprehensive assessment considers the child's overall development and how they function across different environments.

What the Assessment Explores

Building a Complete Developmental Picture

Autism spectrum disorder, also known as autism or ASD, is a neurodevelopmental condition that can influence how a child communicates, interacts with others, processes sensory information and experiences the world.

A young girl laughing and signing with her hands while an adult signs back

Communication

How the child understands and uses spoken, non-verbal or alternative forms of communication.

A girl and boy sharing crayons at a table with an adult

Social Interaction

How the child engages with others, builds relationships and responds in shared social situations.

A child standing inside a soft pink sensory seat in a play room

Sensory Experiences

How the child responds to sounds, textures, light and other everyday sensory information.

A mother laughing while holding her joyful baby

Develop and Daily Life

How the child's skills, routines and independence are progressing across everyday activities.

An older sister embracing her younger sister outdoors

Behaviour & Interests

How the child's interests, routines and behaviours shape their day-to-day experiences.

The Assessment Process

A Multidisciplinary Approach

Initial Consultation

The clinician meets with the family to discuss current concerns, the child's developmental history and any previous support or assessments.

A family talking with a clinician at her desk
Two colleagues talking together at the Hiba Center

Information Gathering

With appropriate consent, information may be gathered from parents, caregivers, teachers and other professionals who know the child.

Clinical Assessment

The child takes part in age-appropriate conversations, observations and structured activities. Autism-specific assessment tools may be used where appropriate.

A therapist playing with wooden blocks alongside a young boy
Four clinicians reviewing notes together around a table

Multidisciplinary Review

Relevant clinicians review the available information together to develop a coordinated understanding of the child's profile.

Feedback and Recommendations

The findings are discussed with the family, alongside recommendations and appropriate next steps.

Two colleagues talking together at the Hiba Center

The exact process may vary according to the child's age, communication needs and individual presentation.

A therapist stacking wooden blocks alongside a toddler

Currently Reading

Psychology

Cognition, play and social understanding

The Team

The Multidisciplinary Team

An assessment is rarely one conversation with one professional. Choose a discipline to see what it brings to the table.

Structured observation and standardised tools build a picture of how a child thinks, plays and relates to others across different settings.

  • Play-based observation
  • Developmental history
  • Cognitive profile

Following the Assessment

Clear Findings and Recommendations

What we saw, in plain language

A written explanation of the findings across every discipline involved — described as strengths, differences and support needs rather than a list of scores.

Written for families first, professionals second.

A woman reading a written report while sitting on her sofa

Our Philosophy

Preparing for the Assessment

Four gentle steps. None of them are tests, and none of them need to be finished before you arrive.

01

Gather what you already have

Previous reports, school feedback, or details of existing support. Nothing needs to be perfect or complete.

02

Note what you notice at home

The small, everyday moments often say the most. Jot them down as they happen in the weeks before.

03

Talk with your child

The team will explain what to expect, and how to prepare your child in a way that suits their age and understanding.

04

Arrive as you are

There is nothing to rehearse. The day is designed around your child, not the other way round.

A grandfather and grandson playing together on the living room floor

Let's Connect

Considering an Autism Assessment?

Speak with our team about your concerns and whether an autism assessment may be an appropriate next step for your child.