No. You can contact SSC directly and self-refer for a private assessment pathway. Where needed, and with your permission, we may contact your GP to request relevant medical information and share the assessment outcome

Most appointments can take place virtually. Face-to-face appointments are also available for people who prefer to be seen in person.

Yes. Assessments are led by experienced Psychologists and/or specialist clinicians with expertise in neurodevelopmental conditions.

We understand that many people come to an assessment with their own thoughts or hopes about the outcome. Our role is to carefully explore your experiences and consider all available information. Because of this, we cannot guarantee whether a diagnosis will or will not be given, and the outcome will always be based on the evidence gathered during the assessment process.

A standard assessment is suitable for many people. Where an additional assessment is clinically required, this may include an ADOS or another similar assessment process. Rather than automatically charging a full enhanced assessment fee, we aim to keep this as affordable as possible by only charging for the additional assessment elements that are needed and agreed with you in advance.

Where this is possible, we ask for information from a parent, partner, family member or someone who knows you well. This can help us understand your developmental history and current needs.
We can still proceed with an assessment in situations where no one is available to be involved; however, please be aware that this may have some impact on our ability to conclude the assessment, as part of the diagnostic criteria for Autism involves understanding if traits were present during childhood. If the team feels they need additional information about your early history, they will explore this with you during the assessment.

SSC private assessments are independent and are not NHS-commissioned. If you have questions about an existing NHS diagnosis, please contact our team before booking so we can advise whether our private service is suitable. If you have already had an assessment and would like a second opinion, we may be able to consider this, but we may ask to review your previous diagnostic report.

We will ask you to complete pre-assessment forms and provide proof of identity, your GP contact details, and any relevant supporting information. This helps us decide whether our private service is suitable and which pathway is most appropriate for you. We offer Standard, Standard + Additional Assessment, and Enhanced assessment pathways. A Standard + Additional Assessment pathway may be recommended where one additional structured assessment element is clinically required. An Enhanced pathway may be recommended if additional specialist time is needed, for example because of co-existing conditions, additional support needs, multiple assessments are required and or a longer assessment process.

We need this information so we can check whether the service is suitable for you, identify the right assessment pathway, and contact your GP if needed. Once we have reviewed the information, we will confirm whether we can accept your referral and explain the next steps.

Yes. When you make an enquiry, we will send you an information pack explaining our private assessment pathways, fees, and what to expect. This will help you decide whether the service is right for you before you submit a referral or pay any fees.

Yes. A £30 administration fee is payable when you submit your self-referral and supporting information. If you book an assessment, this fee will be deducted from the full assessment cost. The administration fee is non-refundable if you decide not to continue.

Payment is required before we process your referral or arrange any appointments. We will provide full payment details before you book.

We will provide our cancellation and rescheduling terms before you book, as part of your patient agreement.

Possible additional costs may include:

• A non-refundable initial administration fee when you self-refer (£30)
• Any additional assessment elements or appointments needed because of clinical complexity or additional clinical information requirements, including letters other than diagnostic reports.

Email: private-referral@sinclairstrong.co.uk

or call 01732-792022 during office hours.

Thank you.