INDEPENDENT CHILD AUTISM ASSESSMENTS
Understanding
Your Child as a
Whole Person
Clinically rigorous autism assessments that go beyond diagnosis to build a deeper understanding of your child’s unique experiences and ways of engaging with the world.
LOREM IPSUM
Autism Assessment Service
Launching November 2026
Our autism assessment service is currently being finalised and will launch in November 2026.
If you would like to be among the first families to be notified when appointments become available, please register your interest below.
Why Families Choose Beacon
Parents quite rightly often feel overwhelmed when choosing an autism assessment pathway for their child, and it is important to find an option that feels right for your child and family. There are now a range of options available, each with different strengths, limitations and priorities.
NHS AND LA NEURODEVELOPMENTAL PATHWAYS
NHS services play a vital role in supporting children and families and lead the way on how we assess
However, demand excess resources, resulting in lengthy waiting times. Some families can spend months or years without the clarity needed to understand and support their child.
LARGE ASSESSMENT BUSINESSES
Many private providers offer quicker access, valuable to families seeking timely and initial answers.
However, large-scale assessment providers often rely on standardised pathways designed to deliver assessments efficiently across a high volume of referrals. A view of the child as a unique person can be missed.
BEACON NEURODEVELOPMENTAL CLINIC
Beacon was intentionally created as a boutique, psychologist-led assessment hub.
We limit the number of assessments we undertake to ensure every family receives a personalised, deeper experience and understanding, that values their child as a person first.
OUR APPROACH
Child-Centred Approach
Children should be an active participant in autism assessment, not just be the subject of it. Informed by Dr Sewell’s research and publications on co-production and compassionate participation our assessment process includes:
- A child-friendly introduction to their clinician before assessment, adapted to the child’s age and communication profile
- Assessment approaches tailored to the child’s individual communication, developmental and sensory needs
- Opportunities for children to share their own views, experiences and perspectives throughout the assessment process
- An additional child-friendly report, adapted to the child’s age and communication profile, helping them understand the outcomes of assessment
- Ongoing service development informed by child and family feedback
Seeing the whole child; strengths-based assessment
Beacon seeks not only to identify areas of difference and support need, but also to understand and recognise each child’s strengths. Informed by Dr Sewell’s research into strengths-based assessment, our assessments include:
- Additional strengths-based recommendations and resources for schools
- A one-page profile of your child that highlights both strengths and support needs, alongside practical recommendations for how both can be nurtured and supported
- Guidance for families on advocating for a balanced understanding of their child, helping professionals recognise that acknowledging strengths does not diminish genuine needs or difficulties
Assessment Process
Free Exploratory Call
An opportunity to discuss your concerns, ask questions and decide whether Beacon is the right fit for your child and family.
Information Gathering
A detailed developmental history interview (ADI-R) with parents, alongside consultation with your child’s school and review of relevant background information.
Child
Assessment
An in-person assessment session with your child, including completion of the ADOS-2 and other activities tailored to their individual profile.
Multi-Disciplinary Team Review
The assessment information is reviewed within our multi-disciplinary team to develop a comprehensive clinical formulation and diagnostic decision.
Feedback
Meeting
A feedback session with the child (where appropriate) and family to discuss the outcomes of the assessment and recommendations.
Reports
You will receive a comprehensive diagnostic report, alongside additional child-friendly and strengths-based resources included within your assessment package.
What’s Included Clinically:
ADI-R
ADOS-2
SCHOOL CONSULTATION
MDT REVIEW
DIAGNOSTIC REPORT
What Makes Beacon Different:
Child-friendly clinician profile
Child-friendly report
Strengths profile
Strengths-based recommendations
Advocacy guidance
Fees
We offer a comprehensive, psychologist-led autism assessment for a fixed fee of £2,000. This includes information gathering, child assessment, multidisciplinary review, feedback meeting, and written reports.
Ready to Take the
Next Step?
If you are considering an autism assessment for your child, a free exploratory call provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns, ask questions about the assessment process, and decide whether Beacon is the right fit for your family. There is no obligation to proceed following the call.