Gold Standard Autism Spectrum Assessment for Children, Young People and Adults.
Acorn Autism are proudly working in partnership with the National Autistic Society to offer private, high quality and comprehensive autism assessments. Our clinicians are registered, experienced and trained to use ADOS-2, ADI-R, ACIA and DISCO with children, young people and adults.
acorn autism specialists
A NICE compliant practice, with highly specialist registered clinicians
Acorn Private Assessments
- We offer private Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessments for children (three years and over), young people and adults
- Our approach is gentle and personalised, ensuring a relaxed and calm diagnostic process for you
- We understand how important the outcome is for the person and their family
- For children and adolescents, we use the "Gold standard" assessment tools the ADOS-2, and ADI-R
Gold Assessment
- For adults, we use the "Gold standard" assessment tools ADOS-2, and a diagnostic interview, selected depending on individual circumstances, which can be either the ACIA, ADI-R or DISCO, as accredited by the National Autistic Society
- All assessment instruments are comprehensive and meet recommended clinical guidelines set by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for children and for adults
Acorn Support and Care
- You will receive continuous support throughout the diagnostic journey, with a dedicated key clinician as your primary point of contact
- Our assessment methodology is meticulous; we take pride in employing the finest diagnostic instruments
- The entire assessment process is conducted by a team of two clinicians from Clinical Psychology, and Speech and Language Therapy
The autism diagnostic assessment is a highly specialised evaluation. Shortcuts are not an option. Opting for a less rigorous assessment, whether online or with an individual professional, increases the likelihood of misdiagnosis or incorrect diagnosis.
Regardless of whether the result is a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder or confirmation that you, or your child, do not meet the criteria for ASD, our goal is to help you gain a clearer understanding of the situation for you or your child.
A Different Perspective - An Acorn Autism Specialists Video
Watch our short video to help neurotypicals understand more about autistic people.
“If I could snap my fingers and be non-autistic, I would not. Autism is part of what I am.”
Temple Grandin
CHOOSE YOUR PATHWAY
Two ways to be assessed.
One gold standard.
At Acorn, we now offer two assessment pathways — both NICE compliant, both led by our expert clinicians. The difference is simply how, and when, the components take place.
PATHWAY 1
Full Same-Day Assessment
Both parts of the assessment take place in a single visit to our Kelvedon clinic, with a Clinical Psychologist and Speech & Language Therapist present with you throughout the full day.
- Full MDT in the room with you all day
- ADOS-2 and diagnostic interview in one visit
- Outcome shared within 24 hours
- Informant joins you in person
PATHWAY 2 - new
Flexible Split Assessment
The ADOS-2 observation takes place face-to-face at our Kelvedon clinic. The diagnostic interview follows separately, online from the comfort of your own home — at a time that suits you.
- Shorter clinic visit for the ADOS-2
- Online interview — within up to 3 weeks
- Informant joins remotely from anywhere
- Outcome shared promptly after MDT.
Both pathways are fully NICE compliant and include a full multidisciplinary team discussion before any outcome is reached. The quality of your assessment never changes — only the format.
The Beginning
- Complete the appropriate screening questionnaire online
- Complete the registration form
- A clinician will contact you to discuss next steps and offer an appointment, if appropriate
The Assessment
- Face-to-face ADOS-2 at our autism-friendly clinic in Kelvedon, Essex
- Same-day pathway: developmental interview on the same day with the full MDT present
- Split pathway: developmental interview online, within up to 3 weeks of your clinic visit
- Review of professional reports and, for children, liaison with school or nursery
The outcome
- Outcome shared with you in your preferred way — phone, email, or video call
- Draft report sent within 14 days of outcome
- Feedback appointment offered to discuss report and recommendations
Final report provided, and shared with your GP at your request
