DR ASHLEY FRANCIS
Private Autism Assessments for Children & Young People
Leicester, Derby, Nottingham & sheffield
PRIVATE AUTISM Assessments for CHILDren & YOUNG PEOPLE In Leicester,derby, Nottingham& SHEFFIELD
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect children and young people in different ways, influencing social communication, emotional understanding, sensory processing and behaviour. These differences may become more noticeable as social, academic and environmental demands increase.
A child or young person's autism assessment can help provide clarity and understanding, alongside practical recommendations to support their needs at home, in school and in everyday life.
Many parents seek an assessment after a period of uncertainty or concern. The process is designed to be thorough, structured and supportive.
I provide private autism assessments and diagnostic services for children and young people aged 6 years and above in Leicester, Derby, Nottingham & Sheffield.
An autism assessment can help clarify a child or young person’s strengths and difficulties, support understanding at home and school, and may be used to inform Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) where appropriate.
If you are also exploring attention or concentration difficulties, you can read more about private child ADHD assessments here.
Initial 20-Minute Phone Consultation
I offer an initial 20 minute phone consultation with parents or carers to talk through the difficulties a child or young person is experiencing. From this, I will determine whether a full autism assessment would be suitable or whether a different kind of psychological assessment or service may be more appropriate.
If you are seeking a private autism assessment for a child or young person in Leicester, Derby, Nottingham & Sheffield, please get in touch to arrange a phone consultation.
What happens in a private child or young person autism assessment?
My approach follows the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for assessing and diagnosing autism in children and young people.
Phone consultation
Following initial contact, I will offer a phone consultation and screening questionnaires to explore concerns in more detail and determine whether a full autism assessment is required.
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)
The ADOS-2 is an observational assessment that involves a range of structured and conversational tasks designed to explore social communication, imagination, and emotional understanding.
This typically lasts around one hour and takes place at my office.
Developmental history taking
A detailed developmental history is gathered over the phone with a parent or caregiver who has known the child since early childhood. This typically lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours.
Multidisciplinary team meeting
Following the assessment, I meet with a multidisciplinary team (MDT) to review information gathered from the ADOS-2 and developmental history.
As part of this process, autism questionnaires may also be sent to schools to gather additional perspectives.
Written Diagnostic Report
A comprehensive written report is provided in a password-protected format, outlining assessment findings, conclusions and recommendations to support the child or young person.
Optional Feedback Consultation
Parents or carers may choose to discuss the report and recommendations in a 50 minute feedback consultation.
Contact me to discuss an autism assessment for a child or young person or to view full details of the assessment fees.
