Child and Young Person Autism Assessment
A clear, three-appointment, child-centred process carried out in person in Dundee by our full clinical team.
£1,950
Full multidisciplinary team input, feedback and a written report.
Three appointments
A free phone consultation
Child/Young Person Autism Assessment Process
Autism assessments for children and young people under 18 at Curious Minds usually take place over three appointments. The aim is to build a full understanding of your child's experiences, developmental history, strengths, needs, and day-to-day life across home, education, and other settings. We work in a child-centred way, taking time to help your child or young person feel as comfortable as possible and explaining each stage of the process as we go.
1
Initial Appointment with Child/Young Person and Family
Typical length: 60 minutes
The first appointment is an initial meeting with the child or young person and their family. This gives us the opportunity to get to know your child, understand current concerns, and hear about their strengths, interests, needs, and day-to-day experiences. We may ask about home life, education, friendships, communication, sensory experiences, routines, emotional wellbeing, and any support already in place.
This appointment also helps us explain the assessment process, answer any questions, and think about how best to support your child or young person during the later appointments. We aim to make this first meeting relaxed and collaborative, so everyone understands what to expect.
2
Parent/Carer Developmental History Interview
Typical length: 60 to 90 minutes
The second appointment is usually with parents or carers only. This is a detailed developmental history interview where we ask about your child's early development and life so far. This may include pregnancy and birth history where known, early milestones, communication, play, friendships, sensory experiences, routines, emotional wellbeing, behaviour, education, family life, and everyday functioning across different settings.
This interview helps us understand patterns over time and how your child's strengths and needs may have developed across different stages. If you have nursery or school reports, previous assessments, professional letters, care plans, or other relevant information, you are welcome to share these with us as part of the assessment process.
3
ADOS Assessment and Feedback
Typical length: 2 to 3 hours, including a break
The third appointment includes the ADOS assessment, which is a structured, play- and conversation-based assessment used to explore social communication, interaction, flexibility of thinking, and patterns of behaviour. The activities are chosen to suit your child or young person's age, communication style, and developmental level. We will explain what is happening throughout and work at a pace that feels comfortable for them.
After the ADOS assessment, we bring together information from all parts of the assessment process, including the initial family appointment, the parent/carer developmental history interview, any questionnaires or reports, and our clinical observations. We will then provide feedback about our findings, talk through whether your child or young person meets criteria for an autism diagnosis, and discuss recommendations for support going forward.
After the Assessment
After the assessment, we will send you a detailed written report summarising the information gathered, our clinical findings, the outcome of the assessment, and any recommendations for support. If you would like to talk through the report or have any further questions, we can also offer a follow-up phone call if needed.
What this assessment costs
£1,950
Full multidisciplinary team input, feedback and a written report.
Your first step is a conversation
Start with a free 20-minute phone consultation to talk through your questions and find out whether this pathway is right for you.
Questions before your assessment
Is the first consultation free?
Yes. The first step is a free 20-minute phone consultation. It is a chance to ask questions and discuss whether an assessment is the right next step. No assessment happens on this call.
Where do assessments take place?
Assessments take place in person at 30 Whitehall Street, Dundee, DD1 4AF.
How long is the waiting list?
Contact the team for the next available appointment. We will confirm your pathway, price and appointment availability before you decide to go ahead.