Providing you with the care you deserve
Autism Assessment at NAAC
Autism can present differently across childhood, adolescence and adulthood.
Our autism pathway therefore brings together developmental history, direct clinical assessment, information from different environments and Multi-Disciplinary Team expertise.
We do not diagnose autism on the basis of a single questionnaire or diagnostic instrument.
About the National Autism Assessment Centre
The National Autism Assessment Centre is a consultant-led multidisciplinary neurodevelopmental service specialising in autism and ADHD.
We provide NHS commissioned and private services incorporating:
neurodevelopmental screening and triage
autism assessment
ADHD assessment
combined autism and ADHD assessment
ADHD medical treatment
Multi-Disciplinary Team formulation
post-diagnostic planning and support
Our clinical model has been developed to move beyond isolated diagnostic testing. Every assessment aims to understand the person’s developmental profile, functional needs, strengths, co-occurring conditions and the support required following assessment. Clinical governance includes:
senior clinical leadership
Registered Manager oversight
Consultant Psychiatrist input
nurse-prescriber governance
MDT review
safeguarding
medicines management
clinical audit
quality improvement
supervision and competency review
Our aim is not simply to provide a diagnostic label, but to provide a clear clinical formulation and meaningful next steps.
NHS Right to Choose
Children and young people aged 6–18 years
Through our NHS contract with Essex Integrated Care Board, eligible children and young people may access:
Autism assessment and diagnosis
ADHD assessment and diagnosis
Combined autism and ADHD assessment
ADHD treatment and medication titration where clinically indicated
Multi-Disciplinary Team review
Post-diagnostic support4
We Provide:
Private Early-Years Autism
Children aged 2 years to 5 years 11 months
We provide comprehensive multidisciplinary autism assessment for younger children before they reach the age range of our NHS commissioned pathway.
Private Adult Autism & ADHD
Adults aged 18 years and over
Adults can access:
Autism assessment
ADHD assessment
Combined autism and ADHD assessment
ADHD medication treatment and titration where clinically appropriate
MDT review
Post-diagnostic support
One Clinical Standard – NHS or Private
Whether a person is NHS funded or privately funded, our approach is based upon:
comprehensive clinical assessment
developmental history
differential diagnosis
information from multiple sources
Multi-Disciplinary Team decision-making
personalised recommendations
meaningful post-diagnostic support
Our private services are priced with reference to the tariff within our NHS Essex ICB commissioned contract wherever an equivalent service exists, supporting transparent and cost-effective access to high-quality assessment.
Patient AQ-10 Information & Download Pack
As part of the NHS Right to Choose referral process for an autism diagnostic assessment, the following screening questionnaire must be completed and attached by your GP.
Children
(aged 2–4)
We accept autism diagnostic referrals for children age 2-4 years, please contact us directly should you require further information:
Which form do I need to complete?
Children and young people
(aged 4–17)
AQ-10 Child Version to be completed by a parent or main caregiver.
https://www.autismresearchcentre.com/tests/autism-spectrum-quotient-10-items-aq-10-child/
Adults
(aged 18 and over)
AQ-10 Adult Version to be completed by the individual.
https://www.autismresearchcentre.com/tests/autism-spectrum-quotient-10-items-aq-10-adult/
Why is this required?
The AQ-10 is a validated NHS screening tool recommended to support referral decisions for autism assessments and helps clinicians determine whether a full diagnostic assessment is indicated.
Completing the AQ-10:
Helps your GP make a valid NHS referral
Reduces delays caused by incomplete referrals
Supports faster triage once received by the assessment service
For children under 4 years of age, please contact us directly on enquiries@nationalautismassessment.com and we will provide you with the correct, clinically validated screening tool for your child’s specific age.
Important
The AQ-10 is not a diagnostic test
A score above threshold supports referral but does not confirm diagnosis
The full assessment will be carried out by a multidisciplinary clinical team in line with NICE guidance.