For Parents and families
Private online autism and ADHD assessments for your child
If you’re considering a private assessment, you may be feeling a mix of emotions. You might feel urgency to get clarity, while also feeling unsure about what the process involves and what happens next.
We understand that not knowing what to expect can feel unsettling. Our aim is to help you feel informed, prepared and reassured – with clear next steps, without having to figure it out alone.
A private autism or ADHD assessment for a child is a structured, in-depth online assessment with a specialist clinician. It is designed to understand your child’s strengths, challenges and whether autism, ADHD or both may be present.
Next steps for parents
If you think a private assessment might be right for your child, you can:
- book a consultation to talk through needs and options
- explore private assessment routes via Visit Melios
- contact us if you have questions and want help choosing the right route
What the assessment may include
Depending on your child’s age and what you’re worried about, the process may include:
- one or more appointments with you as a parent or carer to talk through history and current experiences
- one or more appointments with your child, using age-appropriate questions, activities and conversation
- questionnaires for you, and school, to help build a full picture
- consideration of your child’s strengths, challenges and support network
Your clinician will explain what they are looking for and give you space to share your own observations and concerns.
How online appointments work for children and young people
All assessments are delivered online through a secure digital platform. Many children and young people find it easier to talk from home, with familiar items nearby.
To help your child feel comfortable, we:
- explain clearly what will happen and who they will meet
- use child-friendly language and flexible approaches
- allow breaks where needed
- offer guidance on how to set up a quiet, private space for the appointment
Your role as a parent or carer
Parents and carers play an important role in the assessment. You know your child best, and we want to understand what life is really like for them.
During the process you will usually:
- share your child’s history, strengths and challenges
- describe how things look at home, at school and in other settings
- talk through what has and has not helped so far
- ask questions about autism, ADHD and possible next steps
What you receive after the assessment
After the assessment, you receive a written clinical report. This includes:
- a clear statement of the outcome
- a summary of your child’s strengths and areas of difficulty
- practical recommendations for home and school
- signposting to further support where appropriate
Your report is written in clear, professional language and is designed to be shared with school, your GP, and other professionals involved in your child’s support. Many families use it to support conversations about adjustments, support plans and next steps.
In some cases, follow-on support sessions may be available. We will explain what is available when we discuss your child’s results.
Healios, Melios and NHS pathways
Families reach us in different ways. Some access Healios through NHS referrals or Right to Choose. Others choose to fund a private assessment through Melios, our dedicated private service within the Healios family.
Melios follows the same clinical governance and secure delivery approach that underpins our wider work.
Next steps for parents
If you think a private assessment might be right for your child, you can:
- book a consultation to talk through needs and options
- explore private assessment routes via Visit Melios
- contact us if you have questions and want help choosing the right route
Frequently asked questions for parents
Are private autism and ADHD assessments recognised by schools?
Schools and local services have their own processes, but your written clinical report is designed to be shared with school and other professionals. Many families use it to support conversations about adjustments, support plans and next steps.
What age children do you see for private assessments?
We provide private autism and ADHD assessments for children aged six and above, as well as for young people and adults. If your child is younger than six, we can discuss your concerns and signpost you to other services where appropriate.
Will I be in the sessions with my child?
This depends on your child’s age and needs. For younger children, parents and carers are often present for most of the session. For older children and teenagers, there may be a mix of joint time and one-to-one time with the clinician. We will explain the plan before the assessment so you know what to expect.
Are private autism and ADHD assessments for children recognised by schools?
Yes. Many families choose to share the report with school or college. The report is written so that professionals can understand your child’s needs and consider adjustments or support plans. You decide who to share it with.
What if my child is anxious about online appointments?
It is common for children and young people to feel nervous before an assessment. We will explain things clearly, move at your child’s pace and allow breaks where needed. Being at home can help some children feel more relaxed. We can also offer simple ideas to help you prepare your child before the appointment.