At Healios, an online autism assessment for a child or young person is delivered through a series of structured video appointments with specialist clinicians.
Many families begin exploring an autism assessment after noticing differences in how their child communicates, interacts, or experiences the world. These differences may come alongside unique strengths, challenges, or behaviours that prompt questions and a desire for deeper understanding.
For many families, receiving a diagnosis can bring clarity and reassurance. It can help parents, carers, schools, and professionals better understand a child’s needs, reduce uncertainty, and create more supportive and compassionate environments. A diagnosis can also support access to appropriate adjustments and help at school and in everyday life. Above all else, a diagnosis can help your child understand themselves and develop coping strategies over time.
We know this process can feel overwhelming. At Healios, we aim to make assessments as clear, supportive, and compassionate as possible. An autism assessment is an important step towards understanding your child and helping them thrive.
What is autism?
Autism is a natural variation in how people think, communicate, and experience the world. Many autistic children and young people have unique perspectives, strengths, and ways of learning.
Autism is not an illness and does not need to be cured. However, differences in communication, sensory processing, or social interaction can sometimes make everyday situations more challenging. Understanding autism can help families and schools provide the right support at the right time.
What are the signs of autism in children and young people?
Autism is a spectrum condition, meaning it can look different for every child or young person. A referral for an autism assessment may be considered if parents, carers, teachers, or other professionals notice some of the following:
- Finding it difficult to communicate with or relate to others
- Appearing not to understand what others are thinking or feeling
- Repeating the same movements, behaviours, or routines
- Finding noise, taste, smell, or touch overwhelming
- Becoming very distressed by unexpected changes
- Developing an intense interest in a particular topic or activity
Accessing autism assessments at Healios
Healios provides online autism assessments for children aged six and above and young people, working in partnership with NHS services and Health Boards across the UK. This includes referrals from CAMHS and other neurodevelopmental pathways.
If Healios is available in your area, your local NHS service may refer your child to us. Once the referral is received, our team will contact you to explain the next steps and arrange appointments.
What is an online autism assessment for a child or young person?
Online autism assessments follow a similar structure to in-person assessments but take place via secure video appointments instead of clinic visits.
At Healios, we use gold-standard diagnostic tools and evidence-based approaches to ensure assessments are robust and high quality. Our clinicians deliver assessments through our digital platform, Panacea, where families can:
- Join video appointments
- Manage and view appointments
- Access session notes
- Invite parents, carers, or other supporters to take part
Completing assessments at home can help children and young people feel more comfortable and relaxed, while also giving clinicians a more accurate picture of how they communicate and interact in everyday environments.
How do online autism assessments work at Healios?
Step 1
Complete questionnaires
Before the assessment, parents or carers will be asked to complete a small number of online questionnaires about their child’s development and experiences. With consent, we may also ask someone who knows your child well, such as a teacher, to contribute.
Step 2
Attend assessment sessions
Online autism assessments at Healios typically involve two core appointments:
- Initial assessment with a parent or guardian interview
- Initial assessment: Parents or carers meet the clinician to discuss concerns, explain how the assessment works, and explore the child or young person’s strengths, challenges, and background.
- Parent or guardian interview: Conducted by a second clinician, this session explores developmental, medical, and educational history in more detail.
- Observation session
- Usually taking place on the same day, the child or young person takes part in structured activities designed to support clinical observation. This is not a test, and there are no right or wrong answers.
Step 3
Receive the outcome and discuss next steps
Following the appointments, the clinical team meets to review findings and agree on an outcome. A detailed report is then prepared, and a follow-up session is arranged to explain the outcome, answer questions, and discuss recommended next steps.
What happens next?
Receiving the outcome of an autism assessment can be an important and emotional moment for families. Whether a diagnosis is given or not, our priority is to ensure you feel informed, supported, and clear about next steps.
If your child receives an autism diagnosis
A diagnosis can help families, schools, and professionals better understand a child or young person’s experiences, strengths, and needs. It can also support access to reasonable adjustments, education support, and practical strategies for everyday life.
Our clinicians will talk through the outcome with you in a follow-up appointment, answer any questions you may have, and discuss personalised recommendations for your child.
In some areas, where Healios is commissioned by the NHS, we offer post-assessment support for autistic children and young people. These online sessions provide a supportive space to explore what the diagnosis means, ask questions, and develop helpful strategies for home, school, and daily routines.
If NHS-funded post-assessment support is not available in your area, we will share information about other services, charities, and resources that may be helpful. Your local NHS team may also make additional recommendations.
We also offer private post-assessment support, which you can explore here.
If your child does not receive an autism diagnosis
Not receiving an autism diagnosis does not mean your child’s experiences are less important or that support is not available. Some children and young people may show differences or challenges that do not meet the diagnostic threshold for an autism diagnosis, or their needs may be better explained in other ways.
If a diagnosis is not given, our clinicians will provide a detailed written report explaining the assessment findings and the clinical reasoning behind the outcome. This can help you, your child’s school, and other professionals better understand your child’s profile and needs.
Your clinician may also recommend:
- Other assessments or referrals, where appropriate, such as exploring language development, sensory processing, ADHD, or emotional wellbeing
- Practical recommendations and strategies that can be used at home or in school, without a diagnosis including evidence based therapeutic interventions like CBT
- Signposting to local services, charities, or support organisations that can offer guidance and ongoing support
We will take time to talk through the outcome with you and answer any questions, helping you understand what the findings mean for your child and what options are available moving forward.
Beginning the process of an autism assessment for your child can feel daunting, but you don’t have to manage it alone. At Healios, we are committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care that helps children and young people feel understood and supported.
Frequently asked questions about online autism assessments
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Online ADHD assessments usually take place over two main appointments: an initial session to gather background information, followed by a longer ADHD assessment session of around two hours. A separate feedback appointment is then offered to discuss the outcome and next steps.