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
London has some of the highest demand for private autism assessment in the UK — and some of the longest NHS waiting lists. If you are based in the capital and looking for a timely, high-quality assessment for your child (or yourself), this guide covers everything you need to know: what to expect, how much to pay, which areas of London have the most providers, and the questions to ask before booking.
In most London boroughs, the current NHS wait for a child autism assessment is between three and five years. In some boroughs — particularly in south and east London — waits of four to five years are common. For context, that means a child referred at age five may not be assessed until they are nine or ten.
This is not unique to London, but the combination of high population density, underfunded CAMHS services, and high demand makes the capital one of the most difficult places in England to access timely NHS assessment.
Private assessment in London typically delivers results in four to ten weeks from booking.
London providers typically charge 20–40% more than equivalent services in other parts of England, reflecting higher operating costs. As a guide for 2026:
| Assessment type | Typical London cost | UK average (outside London) |
| Basic assessment | £700–£1,000 | £500–£800 |
| Standard full assessment (recommended) | £1,200–£1,600 | £900–£1,400 |
| Comprehensive MDT assessment | £1,800–£2,400+ | £1,500–£2,200 |
| Adult autism assessment | £900–£2,000 | £600–£1,800 |
If London costs are a barrier, providers in commuter-belt areas — Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire — are often significantly cheaper and may be a practical option if you can travel. Many also offer remote pre-assessment consultations.
The quality of private autism assessment in London varies significantly. The city has some outstanding assessment services — and some that do not meet the standard schools and local authorities expect. Here is how to tell the difference.
NHS provision and local authority processes vary significantly across London’s 32 boroughs. A few things worth knowing:
All London borough local authorities are legally required to accept a private autism diagnosis for EHCP needs assessment purposes. However, the speed and quality of the EHCP process varies significantly borough by borough. Once you have your private diagnosis, contact your borough’s SEND team directly and submit a written request for a needs assessment. You do not need to wait for the school to do this.
DLA is administered nationally by the DWP and is not affected by your London borough. Your private diagnosis is fully accepted for DLA applications regardless of which borough you live in.
London has a significant number of specialist SEND schools, both state and independent, for autistic children. Having a private diagnosis significantly strengthens any application to a specialist school, and is essential for most EHCP-funded placements.
For many London families, travelling to a provider just outside the M25 represents meaningful savings — often £200–£500 on the same quality assessment. Providers in the following areas are commonly used by London families:
Many providers in these areas also offer online or hybrid assessments, where some elements (parent interview, initial consultation) are conducted remotely and only the in-person observation requires travel.
Important: never pay a large deposit or full fee upfront to a provider you have not independently verified. Check registration on the HCPC or GMC website before committing to any London assessment provider.
Yes — a private autism diagnosis is legally identical to an NHS one across all London boroughs. Schools, local authorities, and the DWP are all required to accept it. This applies whether the assessment was carried out in London, elsewhere in the UK, or remotely.
The only requirement is that the assessment was conducted by a qualified and registered clinician using validated assessment tools such as the ADOS-2.
Once you have the written report, the next steps are the same regardless of which London borough you are in:
Provide a copy to your child’s SENCO immediately. Request a meeting to discuss what support the school can put in place. If the school’s current provision is insufficient, put your EHCP request in writing.
Apply online at gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children. Include a copy of the diagnostic report with your application. DLA for a child with autism can be worth between £28.70 and £184.30 per week depending on need.
Write to your London borough’s SEND team (contact details are on your borough council website) requesting a needs assessment. Include the diagnostic report. The local authority must respond within six weeks.
Each London borough has a Parent Carer Forum — an independent group of parents of children with SEND. These are invaluable sources of advice on local provision, the EHCP process, and navigating your specific borough’s SEND system. Find yours at nnpcf.org.uk.
How long does a private autism assessment take in London?
From booking to receiving your written report, most London providers complete the process in four to ten weeks. Some offer expedited timelines (two to four weeks) for an additional fee — useful if you have an urgent EHCP review or school placement decision coming up.
Can I use a private autism diagnosis from outside London for my London borough’s EHCP?
Yes. A valid private diagnosis is accepted by all London borough local authorities regardless of where in the UK the assessment was carried out. The key is that it was conducted by a registered clinician using validated tools.
Does my child need to be in London for the assessment?
No — many providers across the UK assess children who travel in from outside their area, and some offer partially remote assessments. The in-person observation element does require physical attendance, but other parts can often be conducted remotely.
Are there any free or subsidised assessments available in London?
Some London charities and SEND organisations run programmes for families who cannot afford private assessment. Contact your local Parent Carer Forum or the National Autistic Society’s London office for current options.
What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist for autism assessment?
Both can carry out autism assessments. Clinical psychologists (HCPC registered) and consultant psychiatrists (GMC registered) are the two most common lead clinicians. For children, paediatricians (GMC registered) with specialist autism training are also common. What matters most is their specific autism assessment experience and the tools they use.
Written by AI Mum editorial team
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