Autism Assessment in Kent — NHS Wait Times, Right to Choose & Private Options

The Reality: NHS Wait Times in Kent

This is why many Kent parents explore alternatives. You are not "jumping the queue" — you are making a practical decision for your child.

Your Options Compared

*If conducted by qualified professional using NICE guidelines

Option 1: Right to Choose (Recommended)

You can ask your GP to refer you to any NHS-commissioned private provider. This is free and often much faster.

How it works:

1. Ask your GP for a referral under "Right to Choose"
2. They'll ask which provider you want — have 2-3 ready
3. GP sends referral to the provider
4. Assessment is NHS-funded (free to you)

Providers accepting NHS referrals in Kent (2026):

• Clinical Partners — 01227 781400 — clinical-partners.co.uk
• Problem Shared — problemshared.net
• Psicon — psicon.co.uk
• Kent Autism Service — autismandadhdservice.com

Option 2: Fully Private Assessment

If you can afford it, private assessments are fastest (2-8 weeks) and often more thorough.

Kent private providers:

• Kent Autism Service — £800-£1,500 — autismandadhdservice.com
• Lycali (Thanet) — £800-£2,000 — lycali.co.uk
• Psicon — £800-£2,000 — psicon.co.uk
• Autism Kent — £800-£1,500 — autismkent.co.uk

Financing options:

• Some providers offer payment plans (monthly instalments)
• 0% credit cards — if you can get one
• Family Fund — may help with costs for low-income families
• Grants — see our SEND grants guide

What to Do While Waiting

Whether you're on the NHS waitlist or saving for private, here's how to support your child now:

1. Request School Support

Schools must support children with SEN regardless of diagnosis. Request a meeting with the SENCO and ask for:

• SEN Support plan
• One-page profile for staff
• TA support if available

2. Build Your Evidence

Keep a diary of:

• Behaviours at home
• Sensory needs
• Social communication difficulties
• Any interventions you've tried

This helps any future assessment and DLA/EHCP applications.

3. Access Free Support

• Kent Local Offer — kent.gov.uk
• Autism Kent — support groups, workshops
• SENDIASS Kent — impartial advice — 0300 123 6728

4. Private SALT/OT While Waiting

NHS therapy waits are long too. See our therapist directory for private options, or read our guides on speech therapy costs and OT costs.

5. Apply for DLA Now

You do not need a diagnosis to apply for Disability Living Allowance. DLA is based on your child's care needs, not their diagnosis label. If your child needs significantly more care than other children their age, apply now — don't wait for the assessment. You could receive up to £194.60/week (2026-27 rates). Use our DLA calculator for a rough indication.

What to Expect During an Autism Assessment

Whether NHS, Right to Choose, or private, a thorough autism assessment typically includes:

Before the Assessment

• Developmental history form: You'll fill in a detailed questionnaire about your child's early development, milestones, behaviours, family history, and current difficulties. This can take 2-3 hours. Be honest and thorough — describe the hard days.
• School observation or questionnaire: Most assessors will request input from school. The SENCO or class teacher completes a questionnaire or the assessor visits to observe your child in the classroom.
• Sensory profile: You may complete a sensory questionnaire (e.g., the Sensory Profile 2) about your child's responses to sounds, textures, lights, movement, etc.

During the Assessment

• ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule): A semi-structured play-based assessment where the clinician observes your child's social communication, play, and behaviour. It takes 40-60 minutes. Your child might seem "fine" during it — many autistic children mask in new situations. A good assessor knows this.
• ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview — Revised): A structured parent interview lasting 1.5-3 hours. You'll answer detailed questions about your child's communication, social interaction, and restricted/repetitive behaviours.
• Cognitive assessment (optional): Some assessments include an IQ test (WISC-V or similar) to understand your child's learning profile. This is especially useful if you're pursuing an EHCP.

After the Assessment

• Report: You'll receive a detailed report (usually 10-20 pages) with the diagnostic outcome, a summary of findings, and recommendations for support. Private reports are usually ready in 2-4 weeks. NHS reports can take longer.
• Diagnosis or no diagnosis: Not every assessment results in a diagnosis. Some children are assessed as "not meeting criteria" — this doesn't mean they don't need support. The report recommendations are valuable regardless.
• Next steps: If diagnosed, read our First 100 Days guide for what to do next.

What Happens After Diagnosis

Getting a diagnosis is not the end — it's a key that unlocks support. Here's what to do:

1. Apply for DLA immediately — up to £194.60/week, non-means-tested. Full DLA guide →
2. Inform school and request a SEN Support meeting — the diagnosis strengthens your case for classroom adaptations
3. Consider an EHCP application — the diagnosis is powerful evidence for Section B of the plan. EHCP guide →
4. Check Carer's Allowance eligibility — if you're awarded middle or higher rate DLA care, you may qualify for £86.45/week. Carer's Allowance guide →
5. Connect with other parents — Kent PACT, Autism Kent, and local Facebook groups are lifelines
6. Find therapists if needed — browse our Kent SEND directory for speech therapists, OTs, and educational psychologists

For a complete roadmap, read our First 100 Days After Diagnosis guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

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