The Honest Guide to Private Autism Assessment in the UK

Everything you need to understand your options, find a qualified assessor, and get the answers your family deserves — without waiting years.

Written by parents, for parents. No corporate spin.

5 yrs

Average NHS wait for autism assessment in England, 2026

6 wks

Typical private assessment timeline, start to report

Private diagnosis has identical legal weight to NHS

Accepted by schools, local authorities, DWP, and employers across the UK.

Free guides

Everything you need to know

Honest, practical guides written by parents who have been through the process.

Complete Guide

Private autism assessment in the UK

What an assessment involves, how to find a quality provider, and why the diagnosis carries full legal weight.

Costs

How much does private autism assessment cost?

Full cost breakdown for 2026 — every tier, regional variation, what’s included, and the DLA return on investment.

Comparison

NHS vs private autism assessment

The honest side-by-side comparison — wait times, quality, legal weight, and when each option makes sense.

Benefits

How to apply for DLA for an autistic child

Step-by-step guide to DLA — rates, eligibility, how to write the strongest application, and what to do if refused.

Next steps

What happens after an autism diagnosis?

Your complete post-diagnosis action plan — school, EHCP, DLA, CAMHS, and connecting with support.

All guides

Browse all 26 guides →

Local guides for every major UK city, plus specialist articles on autism in girls, AuDHD, adult assessment, PIP, and more.

The reality in 2026

The NHS wait is not getting shorter

Average waiting times for child autism assessment across England, Scotland, and Wales — and the private alternative.