For adults
The team may use questionnaires, ask about early life and life at home, work or college, speak to someone who knew you as a child or knows you now, and review relevant reports or documents.
For children
The team may ask about development and medical history, observe communication and interaction, review school or nursery reports, and speak to people who know the child well.
Afterwards
NHS guidance says you should receive a report explaining what the team found, strengths, support needs and any other conditions identified. If you disagree with the result, ask the team to explain its reasoning and discuss second-opinion options.
Write down the things you most want remembered. You can read from your notes, show them to the clinician, or use the free appointment-prep tool to put them in order.
Open appointment prep →Trusted sources
NHS: autism assessments ↗General information, not a diagnosis or personal treatment plan. Exact processes vary by service. Reviewed 8 September 2026.