Private Autism Diagnostic Assessments (ADOS-2) for Children, Young People and Adults
At CADS we provide multidisciplinary autism assessments completed by a Clinical Psychologist, Speech & Language Therapist and Mental Health Nurse/Psychotherapist. Assessments follow recognised national guidance and consider developmental history, communication, social interaction and sensory processing in everyday life.
Autism Assessment (Children & Young People)
Autism Assessments at CADS
Autism assessments at CADS are carried out by Dr Astrid van Wilsem (Clinical Psychologist), Tania Richards (Speech and Language Therapist) and Alex Centurion Eyre (Mental Health Nurse and Psychotherapist) using a gold-standard, multidisciplinary approach.
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The autism assessment pathway includes:
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Parent/carer referral and developmental history
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Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R)
A detailed 3-hour structured interview completed online with Dr Astrid van Wilsem -
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)
A 1–1.5 hour observational assessment completed by Tania Richards (face-to-face preferred, online possible) -
School or setting feedback (where applicable)
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Multidisciplinary diagnostic review
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Feedback appointment and comprehensive written report
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Assessments are tailored to the child or young person’s age, communication profile, and individual needs.
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Clinical standards
Our assessments follow recognised national guidance and are completed by registered healthcare professionals. Information is gathered from developmental history, structured assessment activities and everyday settings to ensure conclusions are based on a full understanding of the individual’s needs.
Dual Autism & ADHD Assessments
Dual Autism & ADHD Assessments (Child & Young Person)​
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Many children, young people, and adults present with overlapping autistic and ADHD traits. CADS offers combined autism and ADHD assessments, allowing both profiles to be explored within a single, integrated process.
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A dual assessment includes:
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Full autism assessment pathway (ADI-R, ADOS-2, school feedback)
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ADHD-specific clinical interview (e.g. Young DIVA)
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Additional observation and interview focusing on attention, regulation, and executive functioning
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ADHD rating scales completed across settings
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Multidisciplinary team diagnostic formulation
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This approach reduces duplication, supports diagnostic clarity, and provides a joined-up understanding of strengths and support needs.
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Fees & Timeframes
Fees
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Autism Assessment: £2,000
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ADHD Assessment: £1,300
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Combined Autism & ADHD Assessment: £2,900
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All fees include the full assessment process, feedback appointment, and detailed written diagnostic report.
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Timeframes
We are currently booking assessments for March 2026 as referrals are received. Where possible, information gathering begins in advance, with final outcomes typically provided within 1–2 weeks of the final assessment session.
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Adult Autism Assessment Process
Our adult autism assessments follow a gold-standard, multidisciplinary diagnostic pathway, aligned with DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and current best-practice guidance.​​
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The process typically includes:
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1. Initial Assessment & Background Information
You will be asked to complete an initial questionnaire exploring:
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Reason for referral
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Current strengths, worries, and behaviours
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Mental health and risk considerations
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Pregnancy, birth, and early developmental history (where known)
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2. Developmental Interview
A detailed 2–3 hour structured clinical interview, completed online via video call. Depending on individual circumstances, this will be either:
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Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R), or
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ACIA (Adult Clinical Interview for Autism)
This interview explores early development, communication, social interaction, relationships, routines, sensory experiences, and lifelong patterns of behaviour.
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3. Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)
A structured observational assessment lasting approximately 1.5 hours, completed face-to-face or online with Tania Richards (Speech and Language Therapist).
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4. Informant Questionnaire (if applicable)
Where appropriate, a partner, relative or close friend questionnaire is used to gather an additional perspective on developmental history and current presentation.
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5. Multidisciplinary Team Review
Once all information has been gathered, findings are reviewed within a multidisciplinary team, and carefully considered against DSM-5 diagnostic criteria.
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6. Written Diagnostic Report
A comprehensive written report is provided, detailing:
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Diagnostic conclusions
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Clinical formulation
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Personalised recommendations for support, adjustments, and next steps
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7. Feedback Appointment
You will be offered a 30-minute feedback session, during which the outcome of the assessment is explained clearly, with time for questions and discussion.
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Self-report questionnaires
There are a number of questionnaire's that we might use as a part of our assessment including the following;
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CAT-Q:The CAT Q Camouflage test.
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AQ-50: The AQ test, or Autism Spectrum Quotient test.
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EQ-40:An EQ test, or emotional intelligence test.
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EFQ:The Executive Functioning Questionnaire
Adult Dual Autism / ADHD Assessments​​
Where a dual diagnosis is being explored, additional ADHD-specific information is gathered, including:
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DIVA interview: a detailed structured ADHD interview completed online
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Additional observation and interview (30–45 minutes) with Tania Richards, completed face-to-face or online
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Additional questionnaires to gather further information from your perspective and relative, partner, or friend where appropriate
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This integrated approach supports diagnostic clarity and avoids unnecessary duplication.​​
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Fees & Timeframes (Adults)
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Adult Autism Assessment: £2,000 (including report)
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Adult ADHD Assessment £1300 (including report)
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Combined Adult Autism & ADHD Assessment: £2,900
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We are currently booking adult assessments for March 2026 as referrals are received. Where possible, information gathering begins in advance, with final outcomes typically provided within 1–2 weeks of the final assessment appointment.
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Get in Touch
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If you would like to talk through whether an assessment at CADS is right for you, please feel free to get in touch for an informal conversation. You are welcome to call at any time; if we are unavailable, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. Alternatively, assessment dates can be arranged via email if preferred.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Not sure whether to refer?
You are not alone.
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Most people who contact us are not certain whether they are looking at autism, ADHD, or both. Many families worry they must first “work it out” before making contact. You do not. In fact, trying to decide alone is often the hardest part.
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At CADS, the first step is not booking an assessment. The first step is understanding whether an assessment would be helpful and which pathway would be most appropriate.
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When parents contact us, they often say:
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“Something has never quite added up.”
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“School says anxiety, but it feels deeper.”
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“They cope all day and collapse at home.”
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“They’re bright but struggling.”
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“I relate to my child more than I expected.”
For adults:
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lifelong overwhelm or burnout
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difficulties maintaining routines
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relationship misunderstandings
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feeling different but never knowing why
What happens when you enquire?
We will:
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Review the information you provide
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Ask some screening questions
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Identify whether autism, ADHD or a combined pathway should be considered
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Advise honestly whether assessment is recommended
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There is no obligation and no pressure to proceed. Sometimes families simply need clarity and reassurance — and that is absolutely appropriate.
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You are welcome to talk things through with a clinician before deciding whether to proceed.