Private Autism Assessment in Birmingham at Purple House Clinic

This initiative aims to address the significant delays many families face in the region. As of April 2024, according to Birmingham Community Healthcare, the average wait time from referral to first assessment for a child is a staggering 15 months.¹

Since its inception, the private autism assessment / neurodevelopmental assessment service at the Purple House Clinic Birmingham has quickly established itself as a vital resource for families in the region. 

As the demand for timely assessments continues to grow, this initiative has proven instrumental in addressing long-standing waiting times and providing crucial support to individuals of all ages.

Some of the common characteristics of autism include:

• Difficulty with social interaction and communication, such as making eye contact, understanding facial expressions, or carrying a conversation.
• Repetitive behaviours and interests, such as lining up toys in a certain way or becoming fixated on a particular topic.
• Sensory sensitivities, such as being overstimulated by loud noises or bright lights.

Autism can present differently in men and women. Historically, more men have been diagnosed with autism, but this gap is narrowing as healthcare professionals gain a better understanding of the diverse ways autism can manifest, particularly in women, who may develop stronger masking behaviours to blend in socially.

A private autism assessment provides a structured, expert-led approach to identifying autism in individuals of all ages. 

Through a combination of clinical interviews, observations, and standardised diagnostic tools, the assessment offers clarity, validation, and access to appropriate support tailored to the individual’s needs.

Our private autism assessment is designed for individuals of all ages who may be experiencing challenges related to social interaction, communication, sensory sensitivities, or repetitive behaviours. 

Whether you are a parent seeking clarity for your child or an adult looking to better understand yourself, an assessment can provide valuable insights and access to appropriate support.

For children, early diagnosis is particularly crucial, as it allows for timely interventions that can significantly improve long-term outcomes. However, NHS waiting times for autism assessments can be exceptionally long.

“Fifteen months is a significant amount of time in a child’s development – especially for a child who may be struggling with social interaction, communication, or sensory processing. Early diagnosis can lead to earlier intervention and make a real difference in the long-term outcomes of individuals with autism.”

– Dr Danielle Grey, Clinical Director, Purple House Clinic Birmingham

Without a formal diagnosis, children may struggle to access support in school or understand their own experiences, which can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and anxiety. 

A private autism assessment bridges this gap, providing faster access to diagnosis and tailored recommendations for support.

For adults, an autism diagnosis can bring clarity and self-understanding, helping individuals to navigate work, relationships, and everyday life with greater confidence. Many adults seek an assessment after years of feeling different or struggling with aspects of social communication and sensory processing.

By choosing a private autism assessment, individuals can receive a comprehensive evaluation without long wait times, gaining the insights and support needed to thrive.

At Purple House Clinic Birmingham, we follow a comprehensive, evidence-based process to ensure a thorough and accurate autism assessment. 

Our approach is designed to provide individuals and families with clarity, validation, and actionable support. 

The assessment consists of two key stages: an initial screening followed by a full diagnostic evaluation if necessary.

The first step in our autism assessment is the initial screening, which helps determine whether a full diagnostic assessment is appropriate. This stage focuses on:

• Understanding the individual’s concerns – A 1.5-hour consultation to explore current challenges, social communication patterns, and developmental history.
• Screening for other conditions – We assess for co-existing conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and sensory processing differences, ensuring a holistic approach.
• Collaborative decision-making – Our clinicians will discuss findings and determine if a full diagnostic assessment is necessary.

If further evaluation is recommended, we proceed to a detailed diagnostic assessment using gold-standard tools.

Our diagnostic process follows NICE guidelines, using internationally recognised tools to ensure a precise and evidence-based diagnosis. These include:

• Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) – A structured assessment that evaluates social communication, interaction, and behaviour.
• Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) or Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO) – A detailed developmental history interview with parents or caregivers.
• Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales or Adaptive Behavior Assessment System (ABAS) – Measures daily living and adaptive skills.
• IQ assessments (if required) – We use tools such as the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), or Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) to evaluate cognitive abilities.
• School-based observations (for children) – We liaise with schools to gather insights into social interactions and classroom behaviour.
• Review of existing reports – Our clinicians analyse prior assessments or relevant documents to ensure a full understanding of the individual’s needs.

This multi-faceted approach ensures a highly accurate diagnosis, reducing the risk of misdiagnosis and offering a deeper understanding of how autism affects the individual.

“An autism assessment can help the individual understand themselves. Individuals on the autism spectrum find a world that isn’t quite in sync with them. For children, in particular, this can feel very alienating as they start to struggle with feelings of being different, or an outsider. An assessment helps frame the way someone with autism sees the world. It helps create a shared language and a framework for understanding these experiences. It validates their unique perspective and explains how autism impacts their processing and interaction with the world. This newfound knowledge can be incredibly empowering.”

– Dr Danielle Grey, Clinical Director, Purple House Clinic Birmingham

Once the assessment is complete, we provide a detailed diagnostic report, which includes:

• A clear diagnostic outcome based on our clinical findings.
• A breakdown of key strengths and challenges to help individuals and families better understand their neurodivergence.
• Personalised recommendations for support, including educational accommodations, therapeutic interventions, and coping strategies.
• Guidance on next steps, including referrals to support services, workplace accommodations, or specialist interventions.

For children, a diagnosis can lead to:

• An Individual Education Plan (IEP) – Helping schools provide tailored support.
• Parent coaching and guidance – Strategies to foster social, communication, and emotional well-being at home.
• Access to autism-friendly resources and support groups.

For adults, a diagnosis can provide self-understanding, workplace accommodations, and access to therapeutic support, ensuring they receive the help they need to navigate daily life.

Our team of clinicians reviews each diagnosis collaboratively, ensuring accuracy and a multi-disciplinary perspective. The entire process is typically completed within 4-6 weeks, significantly faster than NHS waiting times.

At Purple House Clinic Birmingham, we understand the importance of timely and accurate autism assessments. 

Our team is committed to bridging the gap in autism diagnosis by offering a high-quality, evidence-based service that provides individuals and families with clarity, validation, and access to essential support.

“Families have been faced with anxieties from long waiting lists and being unable to access timely assessments and ongoing support. Since opening the clinic, there is evidently a local need, and we are delighted to be able to offer this valuable service.”

– Dr Danielle Grey, Clinical Director, Purple House Clinic Birmingham

When you choose Purple House Clinic Birmingham, you benefit from:

✅ Experienced Clinical Psychologists – Our specialists have extensive expertise in autism diagnosis, ensuring accurate and compassionate assessments.

✅ Fast-Tracked Assessments – While NHS waiting lists can exceed 15 months, we provide a comprehensive assessment within 4-6 weeks.

✅ Comprehensive Post-Diagnosis Support – Beyond diagnosis, we offer tailored guidance, recommendations, and referrals to ensure individuals receive the right support.

✅ NICE-Recommended Diagnostic Methods – We use gold-standard tools such as ADOS-2, ADI-R, and Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales, ensuring evidence-based, high-quality assessments.

Our goal is to provide faster access to diagnosis and the support individuals need to thrive. 

Whether you’re seeking an assessment for yourself or your child, we are here to guide you through the process with expertise, care, and compassion.

¹ ASD, Birmingham Community Healthcare, 2024.