Starting secondary school with autism: a guide for parents (2026)
The transition from primary to secondary school is one of the most significant challenges many autistic children face. A new building, multiple teachers, a complex
The cost of a private autism assessment — typically between £900 and £2,200 for a full assessment — is out of reach as a single upfront payment for many families. The good news is that paying in instalments is more widely available than most people realise. This guide covers your options.
Yes — a growing number do, though it is not universally advertised. Many providers will arrange a payment plan if you ask, even if it is not listed on their website. This is especially true for smaller clinics and sole practitioners who value building a relationship with families.
When contacting a provider, simply ask: ‘Do you offer a payment plan or the option to pay in instalments?’ The worst they can say is no — and many will say yes.
The best time to ask about a payment plan is before you book — not after. Raise it during your initial enquiry call and ask for the arrangement to be confirmed in writing before you commit.
There is no standard across the industry, but common arrangements include:
| Arrangement | How it typically works | Best for |
| Deposit + balance | 25–50% deposit at booking, remainder on or before assessment day | Families who can cover half upfront |
| Three instalments | Deposit, payment before assessment, final payment on report delivery | Spreading cost across 6–10 weeks |
| Monthly plan | Fixed monthly payments over 3–6 months, sometimes interest-free | Families who need smaller regular payments |
| Deferred payment | Assessment now, payment within 30–60 days | Families awaiting DLA award or other funds |
Always get the payment arrangement in writing before the assessment takes place. Confirm: the total amount, each payment amount and due date, what happens if a payment is missed, and the cancellation and refund policy.
A number of specialist medical finance providers offer loans specifically for private healthcare costs, including assessment and diagnosis. These work similarly to standard personal loans but are tailored to healthcare providers and patients.
You apply for finance through the healthcare provider or directly with a medical finance company. If approved, the finance company pays the provider directly and you repay the loan in monthly instalments over an agreed period, typically 6–36 months.
Not all assessment providers work with finance companies — ask your provider which options they can arrange.
If the provider does not offer a payment plan and medical finance is not available, a standard personal loan or credit card are practical alternatives:
If you have good credit, a 0% purchase credit card allows you to pay for the assessment now and repay over the interest-free period (typically 12–24 months) without paying any interest, provided you clear the balance before the promotional period ends.
A personal loan from your bank or a comparison site lender allows you to borrow a fixed amount and repay over a set period. Interest rates vary significantly — compare carefully and calculate the total repayable amount, not just the monthly payment.
If you are considering borrowing to fund an autism assessment, factor in the DLA award your child may receive after diagnosis. For many families, the first few months of DLA repay the assessment cost entirely — making the decision to borrow much more straightforward.
For many families, the most important financial calculation is not how to fund the assessment upfront — it is how quickly DLA payments will cover the cost once the diagnosis is in place.
| DLA care rate | Weekly amount | Months to recoup £1,200 assessment |
| Lowest rate | £28.70/week | ~10 months |
| Middle rate | £72.65/week | ~4 months |
| Highest rate | £108.55/week | ~3 months |
These figures do not account for the mobility component, which many autistic children also receive, or for Carer’s Allowance, which the primary carer may be entitled to once DLA is in payment. The total financial return over a child’s childhood is often many times the assessment cost.
Some families are able to access one-off grants toward the cost of autism assessment through charities and local organisations:
Will paying in instalments cost more overall?
Not necessarily. Many providers offer instalment plans at no extra cost — particularly if you are paying over a short period (two to three payments). Third-party medical finance may involve interest depending on the product. Always check whether the total you pay in instalments equals the standard price, or whether a premium applies.
Can I pay for part of the assessment and have the rest done later?
Some providers will split the assessment across time — for example, completing the parent interview and initial consultation in one phase and the direct assessment later. This is not standard, but worth asking about if managing cash flow is the key challenge.
What happens if I start a payment plan and then cannot continue?
Your rights depend on the specific agreement with the provider. Get the cancellation and refund terms in writing before starting. Typically, if the assessment has already taken place, you will be liable for the full cost regardless of whether a report has been issued. If the assessment has not taken place, a deposit may be non-refundable.
Is DLA paid in advance or in arrears?
DLA is paid every four weeks, in advance, directly into your bank account. Payments are backdated to the date you first contacted the DWP to request a form. Once awarded, payments begin fairly quickly — usually within a few weeks of the decision letter.
Written by AI Mum editorial team
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