Our Process to assessment

Families often want to understand exactly what the assessment process involves, what they are investing in, and whether a private diagnosis will be recognised by schools, SEN departments, and NHS services. These are important questions—and we want you to feel confident, informed, and reassured.

 

At Will Barker Assessments, every autism and ADHD assessment is NICE compliant, holistic, and completed using gold standard diagnostic tools. Our assessments follow the same clinical standards used in NHS neurodevelopmental services, and are accepted by schools, local authority SEN teams, and NHS clinicians.You are not paying for a shortcut—you are paying for time, depth, expertise, and a multi disciplinary process that places your child at the centre.

 

A Multi Disciplinary, NICE Compliant Approach

NICE guidance requires that autism assessments are multi disciplinary, meaning they must involve more than one qualified professional. To meet and exceed this standard, Will Barker Assessments works collaboratively with:

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• HCPC registered Clinical Psychologists

• HCPC registered Occupational Therapists

• Speech and Language Therapists (where needed)

• Educational professionals

 

This ensures that every assessment is informed by multiple perspectives, offering a richer, more accurate understanding of your child’s strengths, needs, and lived experience.Our co working model allows us to:

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1. Provide multi disciplinary diagnostic formulation

2. Assess sensory needs, functional skills, and emotional regulation

3. Identify co occurring conditions such as anxiety, dyspraxia, or learning differences

4. Deliver holistic recommendations that support home, school, and wellbeing

 

This is the same standard expected in NHS pathways—delivered with more time, flexibility, and depth.

 

What You Are Paying For

When you commission an assessment with Will Barker, you are investing in a comprehensive, multi stage clinical process:

 

1. Neurodevelopmental Assessment with Parents/CarersUp to two hours, remote or face to face. We explore developmental history, strengths, challenges, and functional impact.

2. Standardised Screening Questionnaires Completed by parents and school staff. These help identify patterns in attention, communication, behaviour, and emotional regulation.

3. Direct Observation of the Young PersonA 60–90 minute face to face session in our clinic. For autism assessments, this includes a standardised ADOS 2 observation.

4. Gold Standard Diagnostic InterviewsFor autism: ADI R or 3Di (approx. two hours, remote). These tools are internationally recognised and used in NHS diagnostic pathways.

5. School Liaison and Professional Collaboration We gather information from teachers and SENCOs using questionnaires and written feedback. If needed, we offer a structured school consultation (30–60 minutes).

6. Multi Disciplinary InputWhere clinically indicated, we co work with:•Clinical Psychologists (HCPC)•Occupational Therapists (HCPC)•Speech and Language Therapists This ensures a NICE compliant multi disciplinary formulation.

7. Diagnostic Formulation and Feedback MeetingA 30 minute remote session where we explain the outcome, evidence, and recommendations.

8. Comprehensive Diagnostic Report

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This includes:

• A clear diagnostic conclusion

• Evidence supporting the diagnosis

• Multi disciplinary input•Recommendations for home, school, and wider support

• Signposting to interventions and services

 

​Optional EHCP AdviceWe can provide written advice for EHCP applications for an additional fee.

Optional Post Diagnostic Psychoeducation - Two to three hours of tailored guidance for parents and the young person. for an additional fee. 

 

Will My Assessment Be Accepted by Schools, SEN Departments, and the NHS?

Yes. Our assessments are NICE compliant, multi disciplinary, and use gold standard tools. They are accepted by:

• Schools (for reasonable adjustments and SEN support)

• Local authority SEN departments (as evidence for EHCP applications)

• NHS clinicians (for ongoing care, medication reviews, and referrals)While some NHS services may offer additional assessment depending on local policy, your private diagnosis is valid, credible, and professionally recognised.