Child Autism Assessments
Expert Autism Assessment by a Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist with a Consultant Clinical Psychologist
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Email : connect@oxbam.co.uk
Phone: 07922744469
107 Percy St, Oxford OX4 3AD, United Kingdom
Get in touch to discuss your needs, book an appointment, or ask any questions about our services. Reach out via phone, email, or our online form below for a confidential and professional consultation.
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Thanks also to Sanjay at Oxford Brain and Mind for dealing so efficiently and sensitively with the administrative side of things.
The assessment itself was thorough but felt relaxed – the clinician made sure I understood each step and answered all my questions. I never felt rushed, and they genuinely listened to everything I had to say, which was such a relief. By the end, I felt like I finally had some clarity and a clear plan for what to do next.
The whole process was smooth, and booking was a breeze too. If you’re considering an ADHD assessment or any kind of support, I highly recommend this clinic. They really know their stuff and made what could have been a stressful experience into a very positive one.
Autism is a developmental difference that affects how a child communicates, relates to others, and experiences the world around them. Every child is different, and the signs can be easy to miss — mistaken for shyness, anxiety, or simply being “a bit different.” For many families, a clear assessment is the moment things finally start to make sense.
At Oxford Brain and Mind, we provide comprehensive autism assessments for children and young people, carried out with care, patience and clinical rigour. We know that seeking an assessment can feel daunting, both for you and your child, so we work hard to make the process calm, child-friendly and genuinely useful, whatever the outcome.
Our assessments use gold standard diagnostic tools, including the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), alongside a detailed developmental history and, with your consent, information from school or nursery. These tools are backed by years of research and are recognised as the gold standard in diagnosing autism in children.
A child autism assessment at Oxford Brain and Mind is led by a clinician experienced in child and adolescent mental health, who will consider not only autism but any co-occurring conditions — such as ADHD, anxiety or learning differences — so that you leave with a complete picture rather than a single label.
The Assessment Process, Step by Step
Assessing a child well takes more than a single appointment. Here is what to expect at each stage.
Pre-Assessment Questionnaires
Before the appointment we will send you questionnaires to complete. These may include a neurodevelopmental history, a school questionnaire, the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) and the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ). We may also request school reports. These are reviewed by the consultant psychiatrist.
General Psychiatry Assessment
The consultant psychiatrist carries out a general psychiatric assessment to understand whether any other psychiatric co-morbidities are present. If other conditions are complex, a further psychiatric assessment session may be organised.
ADOS Assessment
The ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) is the gold standard observational assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Using semi-structured, play-based activities and conversation, it measures social communication, imagination and repetitive behaviours. It is conducted by a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with extensive ADOS experience.
Cognitive Assessment
Cognitive assessment uses the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC, short version), chosen with time constraints and patient fatigue in mind. A clinical psychologist administers and interprets the assessment.
Parallel Parent Interview
While the ADOS and cognitive assessments are conducted with your child, the Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist meets with parents in parallel to go through the neurodevelopmental history specific to ASD.
Report & Feedback
Following the assessment, a report is prepared within two weeks and a short feedback session (15 minutes) is arranged. If an in-depth feedback session is required, this can be organised separately.
Combined ADHD and Autism (AuDHD)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common co-occurring conditions in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A large meta-analysis found that approximately 50–70% of autistic individuals also meet the criteria for ADHD, with co-occurring ADHD being more common in younger children (4–11 years) than in adolescents (12–17 years).
Because ADHD and ASD share many overlapping features while also having important differences, we believe assessments are best carried out by a clinician with expertise in both conditions. A comprehensive understanding of how these conditions interact is essential for making an accurate diagnosis and developing an effective treatment plan.
At Oxford Brain and Mind, we provide an integrated assessment pathway. The same Consultant Psychiatrist conducts both the ADHD and ASD assessments, ensuring a thorough evaluation, diagnostic clarity, and continuity of care throughout. This allows us to consider the full clinical picture, provide personalised recommendations, and support individuals and their families with confidence and consistency.
FAQ: Children’s Autism Assessment
Autism can be identified in early childhood, and we assess children and young people across a range of ages. If you are unsure whether now is the right time, get in touch and we can talk it through before you commit to anything.
Every child is different, but common signs include differences in social interaction and communication, a strong preference for routine, intense or focused interests, repetitive behaviours, and sensitivity to things like noise, light or texture. Some children find change or transitions especially hard. You do not need to be certain: that is what the assessment is for.
No. You can contact us directly to arrange an assessment. With your permission, we are happy to share the findings with your GP and your child’s school to help coordinate support.
We gather information from more than one source, because that is how a good assessment works. This usually includes a detailed conversation with you about your child’s development and history, a structured, child-friendly assessment session with your child, and information from school or nursery where helpful. It is not a test your child can pass or fail: it is about understanding how they think and experience the world.
Assessing a child well takes more than a single appointment, and we will explain the steps clearly at the outset so you know what to expect. Afterwards you will receive a comprehensive written report setting out the findings, the conclusion, and practical recommendations for home and school. We always take time to talk you through the results in person.
Either way, you will leave with clarity and a plan. A diagnosis can unlock support at school, validate what you have been seeing, and point the way to the right help. If autism is not diagnosed, we will explain what we did find and what might help instead. We can also advise on next steps, including educational support and any further assessment.
A report grounded in gold standard tools and signed by a qualified, registered clinician is recognised by GPs, schools and local authorities for care and education planning. Many families come to us to avoid long NHS waiting lists while getting the same clinical rigour.
Our Expert Clinicians
Dr Melanie Bruneu
Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
Dr Kate Green
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
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Get in touch to discuss your child’s needs, book an assessment, or ask any questions about our services.
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