Multidisciplinary autism assessment in Cork

We are a multidisciplinary team offering comprehensive autism assessments that are accepted by the HSE and Department of Education. All assessments take a neuroaffirmative, strengths based approach and are completed by qualified clinicians in line with national best practice. 

Our assessment process

We follow best practice guidelines around the assessment of autism. This means the assessment will be conducted by qualified and registered clinicians working as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT). Standardised and validated measures will also be used, including the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2).

We are also a neuroaffirmative practice, which means we do not categorise autism as a “disorder” but rather a neurodivergence. This reflects the growing recognition that autism can result in fluctuating levels of disability depending on the demands of the neurotypical world and available environmental supports.

Clinical psychologist taking notes during an adult autism assessment session

What happens during an autism assessment?

Step 1

Pre-assessment Questionnaires
We will ask both you and your child’s school to complete a set of forms. These questionnaires help us better understand your child’s differences across settings and identify areas of difficulty.

Step 2

Appointment with You
We will then meet with you to talk through your child’s developmental history and consider areas of difference you may have noticed.

Step 3

Appointment with Your Child
Your child will meet with us for around 1-2 hours. This session will be relaxed and is designed to be engaging and enjoyable. Depending on the age of your child, we will be using a range of toys, games, and conversations designed to support our observations. You are also welcome to join for this session.

Step 4

Diagnostic Report and Feedback
Following the assessment we will compile all the information into a comprehensive report. This report will outline the diagnostic findings—if a diagnosis is applicable—and include further recommendations for support and intervention.

Cost: €1980 

*There may be instances where additional consultations, observations, or formal measures are required to assist us in the assessment process. There may be a charge associated with these which will be discussed and agreed with you first.

Child attending HSE accepted autism assessment Cork

Preparing for the day

While we make every effort to create a supportive and relaxed environment, the process of assessment can be daunting. For autistic children, meeting new people and being in an unfamiliar space can be a considerable source of stress and anxiety.

As part of our pre-assessment questionnaires and appointment with you we will talk about accommodations that may support your child to engage with the process.

We can also provide you with photographs and video of the space prior to the appointment.

Autism Consultation

Many parents and young people are unsure whether a full autism assessment is needed. We offer a consultation session with a psychologist to talk through your concerns and explore whether an assessment is the right choice for you.

If you decide to proceed to the full assessment following the consultation, the consultation fee will be taken off the total price of the assessment. 

Cost: €270

Autism assessment Cork feedback session

Talk to us

Have any questions? We are always open to talk about our service and how we can help you.