Private Autism Assessments Manchester
Specialist autism assessments for children, young people, and adults — delivered by NHS-experienced clinicians at Manchester Psychiatry Clinic. Thorough, evidence-based, and centred around your needs.
Private Autism Assessments Manchester
NICE guideline–compliant process
Standardised assessments
School liasion
Private Autism Assessments Manchester
Seeking a private autism diagnosis can feel daunting, and we know that not all private providers offer the same quality of assessment. At Manchester Psychiatry Clinic, our evaluations are thorough, transparent, and fully aligned with NICE guidelines and current best practice — so you can trust the outcome.
Doctor-led mental health support designed around your needs and wellbeing.
What is autism?
Autism looks and feels different for every child and young person — and that's something we deeply understand at Manchester Psychiatry Clinic. Autism is most commonly associated with differences in social communication and interaction. This can include navigating friendships, understanding and expressing emotions, managing conversations, and for some, differences in the use of eye contact. These aren't deficits — they're simply a different way of experiencing and engaging with the world. Many autistic children and young people also bring remarkable strengths: a keen eye for detail, extraordinary creativity, deep expertise in topics they love, and character traits like loyalty and honesty that are genuinely wonderful. Autism is also associated with repetitive behaviours or specific patterns of thinking. This might include intense, passionate interests in particular subjects, finding comfort in routines or feeling unsettled by change, and differences in how emotions are experienced and expressed. These differences show up across settings — at home, at school, and socially — and can affect a young person's ability to manage day-to-day life. If you recognise any of this in your child, a thorough assessment can provide clarity, answers, and a clear path forward. Our autism assessments are developed in line with NICE guidelines and designed to give you the most complete, compassionate understanding of your child — not just a diagnosis, but a meaningful picture of who they are.
Untreated mental illness causes more disability worldwide than heart disease or cancer
Global Mental Health Review
Depression left untreated can end in suicide—over 700,000 lives lost each year.
Project HOPE
What does an autism assessment involve?
A Step By Step Account Of The Process
STEP 1
SCREENING
Jason Smith
Before your child's assessment begins, we'll ask you and their teachers to complete a short set of pre-assessment questionnaires. These cover your current concerns, your child's social skills, and any behavioural differences you've noticed at home or school. This step helps us build an early picture of your child's needs and ensures an autism assessment is the right pathway — so no time is wasted and every session counts.
STEP 2
A COMPREHENSIVE APPOINTMENT WITH A SPECIALIST
Martina Smith
Our assessment takes place across one or more meetings, and may run to several hours in total — though we'll always work at a pace that feels right for your child. During these sessions, we use four gold-standard, evidence-based diagnostic tools: the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule), the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview — Revised), the 3di (Developmental, Dimensional Diagnostic Interview), and the DISCO (Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders). These are the same instruments used in NHS specialist autism services and are widely recognised as the most rigorous tools available. The assessment combines engaging, age-appropriate activities with detailed conversations — exploring how your child sees and interacts with the world, rather than simply asking them to answer questions. Alongside this, we conduct a thorough developmental interview covering your child's school history, emotional wellbeing, and your family's experiences. This helps us identify both clinical and sub-clinical autism with confidence. We also screen for co-occurring conditions such as ADHD and other neurodevelopmental differences, ensuring nothing is missed. We know that coming to an assessment can feel daunting for children and young people. Building rapport, moving at your child's pace, and creating a safe and comfortable environment aren't afterthoughts — they're central to how we work. Want any other tools added or the list formatted differently?Sonnet 4.6
STEP 3
Feedback and Report
Martina Smith
Within two weeks of the assessment, we'll invite you to a dedicated feedback appointment with at least one of the clinicians who carried out the assessment. We recommend this meeting takes place without your child present — giving you the space to ask questions openly and process the findings at your own pace. At this appointment, you'll receive your written report. This covers the diagnostic outcome, a broader understanding of your child's strengths and difficulties, and clear, tailored recommendations for next steps. You'll also have the opportunity to request any amendments before the report is finalised. If your child receives a diagnosis, our support doesn't stop there. We provide detailed recommendations for onward support and may invite you to join our "What Next?" group — a dedicated resource to help families understand what a diagnosis means in practice and how to move forward with confidence.
I believe mental health deserves the same careful attention as any other aspect of your wellbeing—not a rushed 10-minute GP appointment. Struggles with depression, anxiety, or low mood are not problems that can be brushed aside with a quick medication advice or a few questions. You are worth much more than a brief conversation. You deserve the time and space to talk through what you’re experiencing, to be listened to without judgment, and to receive a treatment plan that genuinely supports your recovery. At Manchester Psychiatry Clinic, our longer consultations give you the opportunity to explore your concerns in depth. Whether you need guidance on therapy options, safe prescribing, or a plan for ongoing support, our doctors are here to provide thoughtful, compassionate care tailored to your needs.
Dr Gadi Shalom
ceo and director of Manchester Psychiatry Clinic
private mental health clinic Manchester
Private Mental Health Clinic Manchester. What Sets Manchester Psychiatry Clinic part?
What sets Manchester Psychiatry Clinic apart for Mental Health Care
Expert knowledge of medications – Our doctors have extensive experience in prescribing and managing mental health treatments, from first-line antidepressants to more complex regimens. We understand the nuances of medication choice, interactions, and the importance of balancing effectiveness with tolerability.
Specialist experience – With a strong background in mental health, our clinicians bring both general practice expertise and specialist knowledge. This allows us to recognise subtleties, avoid misdiagnosis, and guide you towards the most effective treatment plan.
Safe, structured prescribing – We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all prescribing. Every decision is tailored to your history, symptoms, and goals, with careful monitoring and follow-up to ensure the treatment is working for you.
Time to be heard – Our longer consultations allow you to explain your concerns fully, without feeling rushed. Mental health is complex, and we give it the space it deserves.
Continuity of care – Whether you need short-term support or long-term management, we offer ongoing review and adjustment. We also work collaboratively with NHS services and private psychiatrists to ensure your care remains joined up.
How We Assess for Autism and What You Can Expect
A clear, step-by-step approach to diagnosing and treating your mental health with care, accuracy, and clinical expertise.
Our assessments typically involve two to three sessions, plus pre-assessment questionnaires and school liaison. The full process usually takes four to eight weeks from first contact to receiving your report.
Yes. Our reports are produced to the same standards as NHS diagnostic assessments, follow NICE guidelines, and are written to support applications for educational support, EHCPs, and onward NHS referrals.
Yes. We assess both children and adults. Adult autism assessments follow a similar multi-method approach, adapted for adult presentations and experiences.
Autism and ADHD frequently co-occur. We are experienced in assessing both conditions concurrently and can provide a combined assessment where appropriate.
Fees vary depending on the complexity of the assessment and the number of sessions required. Contact our team for a transparent breakdown before any commitment.
First World Family Mental Health
Private Autism Assessments Manchester
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