Autism waiting lists stretch for a matter of years across most NHS trusts. Private autism assessors also work closely with clients and families to offer empathetic reports. However, the diagnostic tools they use are different.

Preparing for an Autism Assessment

An autism assessor's day begins with reviewing notes for any upcoming autism assessments. Many autism assessors conduct evaluations both in person and online, using video conferencing to reach clients across wider geographical areas.

They typically use the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule),, the gold-standard assessment for autism. This structured observational tool includes specific tasks and questions designed to help with diagnosis.

The ADOS-2 Assessment

Autism assessors spend approximately 90 minutes on assessments. During that time, they set up scenarios through conversation and present tasks that might evoke certain reactions.

In short, the ADOS-2 explores:

• Social communication and interaction patterns

• How the person processes social cues

• Conversation flow and reciprocity

• Restricted and repetitive behaviours

• Sensory sensitivities

• Special interests

• Response to unexpected changes

The assessor observes body language, eye contact, communication style, and how the person responds to shifts in topic or unexpected questions. Training allows an assessor to conduct this in a way that feels conversational rather than clinical, while still using a diagnostic lens.

When Evaluating an Adult…

Adults frequently report that autism assessments are one of the few spaces where they don't feel the need to mask. There's no pressure to make eye contact, no expectation to respond in socially conventional ways, and no judgement for being themselves.

When people relax into being themselves, their natural communication patterns and behaviours become visible. Assessors use the Autism Clinical Interview Adults Training (ACIA)

to complete initial and indepth questions about that person now and when they were at a developmentally younger age and how different patterns of social interaction and behaviours looked for that person. The ACIA may take from 2-3 hours.

The person will then meet a different assessor for their ADOS-2 assessment. This can be online or in person for an adult and consists of a series of tasks and conversation between the assessor and the person. There will be some repetition with both assessments, however each element to the ADOS-2 serves a purpose and there are no incorrect answers.

When Evaluating a Child…

Of course, autism assessors also work with children, which requires a completely different approach. These assessments are much more experiential and often play-based in nature.

The parent will complete the Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised (ADI-R) with an assessor prior to the in person assessment. This may take 2-3 hours and can be completed online. It will evaluate a child's early development, patterns in behaviour and how they play and interact with the world.

They will then meet a different assessor in person to complete the ADOS-2 assessment. Although this is the same assessment as an adult, there are different modules which are tailored to make sure they are age appropriate. For a child this may look more play based and interactive.

Activities might include:

• Playing with specific toys designed to encourage social interaction

• Observing how the child engages with imaginative play

• Watching response to sensory experiences

• Noting communication patterns and preferences

• Observing how the child responds to changes or interruptions

If a child doesn't engage with certain tasks, that observation still provides diagnostic information. The assessor meets the child where they are and documents what happens naturally.

Writing Autism Assessments Reports

After the assessment, the autism assessor writes a comprehensive report covering:

• How autism presents in this person's life

• Strengths and challenges

• Sensory profile

• Communication preferences

• Social interaction patterns

• Whether diagnostic criteria were met

• Recommendations for support and adjustments

For many adults, an autism diagnosis is neuroaffirming and life-changing. It explains decades of confusion and provides a framework for understanding themselves. For children, early diagnosis opens doors to support and accommodations that can make a real difference to their life.

After the Autism Assessment is Over

When the autism assessment is over and a client has their results, an autism assessor is there for support and aftercare. They may recommend theory, sensory support strategies, social skills groups, peer support groups, workplace or school accommodations, and more.

Why Assessor Work Matters

With NHS waiting lists stretching for years, private ADHD and autism assessors are vital. These assessments open doors, giving people more support, and answering questions that have remained unanswered for years. It is a truly fulfilling job where you can change lives.

Assessors need clinical knowledge, empathy, adaptability, and the ability to make people feel safe during their most vulnerable moments. At Autism Services Group, we offer expert-led clinical training in autism assessments. We offer the gold standard in training, giving clinicians the opportunity to expand their skill-set and range with confidence.