Autism Assessment Wales

If you are considering an autism assessment for yourself, your child or a young person, understanding the different routes available can make the process easier. Autism Support Wales provides independent information about autism assessments across Wales and helps you find and compare private assessment providers.

How to Get an Autism Assessment in Wales

There are different routes to an autism assessment in Wales. Some people access assessment through NHS services, while others choose an independent private provider. The most appropriate route can depend on the person's age, circumstances, location and reasons for seeking an assessment.

NHS autism assessment pathways are provided through services in Wales and the referral process can differ between adults and children. If you are considering the NHS route, your GP, health professional or relevant local service can help explain the pathway available in your area.

Private assessment is another option. Private providers may accept self-referrals and can offer different appointment formats, locations and waiting times. Costs and assessment processes vary between providers, so it is important to understand what is included before choosing a service. You can also compare autism assessment waiting times in Wales.

NHS or Private Autism Assessment?

Neither route is universally better than the other. What matters is which option fits the person's circumstances, and what you need from the assessment. The table below sets out some of the practical differences people often weigh up.

Comparison of NHS and private autism assessment routes in Wales
 NHS pathwayPrivate assessment
CostNHS assessment does not normally involve paying privately for the assessmentFees vary between providers
How you access itDepends on the local pathway and circumstancesMany providers accept direct enquiries or self-referral
Provider choiceDetermined by the relevant NHS pathwayGreater ability to compare and choose providers
Waiting timesVary between services and areasVary considerably between providers
Location and formatDepends on the serviceMay include face-to-face, online or combined approaches

Important: Before booking privately, consider how and where you may need to use the assessment report afterwards. If this is important for healthcare, education, employment or another service, you may wish to check any relevant requirements before choosing a provider.

Autism assessments for adults, children and young people in Wales

Autism Assessments for Adults in Wales

Some adults seek an autism assessment after recognising longstanding differences in areas such as communication, social interaction, sensory experiences, routines or everyday life. Others may begin considering autism after a family member is assessed or following conversations with a health professional.

Adult assessment providers differ in their referral requirements and assessment processes. Some accept self-referrals, while others may request information from someone who knew the person during childhood where this is available and appropriate.

When comparing providers, check whether they assess adults, whether appointments are available online or face-to-face, what the quoted fee includes and what happens after the assessment. Our guide to adult autism assessment in Wales covers this in more detail.

Find adult autism assessment providers

Autism Assessments for Children & Young People in Wales

Autism assessments for children and young people usually consider development and everyday experiences across different settings. Depending on the provider and the child's circumstances, information may be gathered from parents or carers and from an education setting.

Private providers differ in the ages they assess and in how they involve families, schools and other professionals. Before choosing a provider, check the age range they work with and what information will be required as part of the assessment.

Find child & young person assessment providers

What Happens During an Autism Assessment?

There is no single identical assessment process used by every provider. The exact approach depends on factors including age, individual circumstances and the service carrying out the assessment.

An assessment may include conversations about current experiences and developmental history, questionnaires or structured activities, information from parents or carers where appropriate, and input from education settings for some children and young people.

The information gathered is considered by the professionals involved before an outcome is discussed. Where a diagnosis is made, providers will usually explain the findings and provide a written report.

Read our guide to what happens during an autism assessment

How Much Does a Private Autism Assessment Cost in Wales?

Private autism assessment fees vary between providers and can depend on age, assessment approach and what is included in the service. Some providers publish a starting price, while others provide a fee after discussing individual requirements.

When comparing prices, look beyond the headline figure. Check whether the fee includes the full assessment process, feedback appointment, diagnostic report and any follow-up support offered by the provider.

Online or Face-to-Face Autism Assessment?

Some autism assessment providers offer appointments online, while others provide face-to-face assessments at clinics. Some services use a combination of both.

The appropriate format can depend on the person being assessed, their age and the provider's assessment process. If you are considering an online service, check which parts of the assessment are completed remotely and whether any appointments need to take place in person.

Autism Assessment Providers Serving Wales

A selection of independent providers listed in our directory. Where information such as price, waiting time or location is not published, it is left out rather than assumed.

Neuro Pathways

Autism and ADHD assessments for adults and children from a Swansea clinic and online.

  • Adults
  • Children & young people
  • Online
  • Face-to-face
  • Hybrid

Clinic in Swansea

Available online to people across Wales

From £1,650

View Provider

Melios

Online autism and ADHD assessments for children, young people and adults.

  • Adults
  • Children & young people
  • Online

Available online to people across Wales

From £2,160

View Provider

Diverse Diagnostics

Private autism and combined ADHD and autism assessments for adults and children across the UK, including Wales.

  • Adults
  • Children & young people
  • Online
  • Face-to-face

Available online to people across Wales

From £2,400

View Provider

Axia ASD

Specialist neurodevelopmental assessment service for children and adults.

  • Adults
  • Children & young people
  • Face-to-face

Clinic in Chester

Available to people in North Wales

View Provider

My Autism Assessment

Private autism and combined autism and ADHD assessments for children and adults.

  • Adults
  • Children & young people
  • Face-to-face

Clinic in Cardiff

Available to people in South Wales

From £2,250

View Provider

What Should I Look for When Choosing an Autism Assessment Provider?

Providers differ in more ways than price. It can help to compare:

  • Whether the provider assesses adults, children or both
  • The age ranges they work with
  • Face-to-face versus online availability
  • Clinic location and the areas they serve
  • Current waiting-time information
  • The total cost of the assessment
  • What is included in the quoted price
  • Who is involved in carrying out the assessment
  • Whether parent, carer or school information is required where relevant
  • What report and feedback are provided
  • What post-assessment support is offered
Compare Autism Assessment Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Independent Information from Autism Support Wales

Autism Support Wales is an independent directory and information resource. We do not carry out autism assessments and we do not diagnose autism. Our role is to help adults, families and young people understand their options and find services available to people in Wales.

Provider information should be checked directly with the provider before booking, particularly prices, waiting times, assessment processes and availability, as these can change.

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