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30 May 2026 12:00

What to Expect When Booking an Autism Assessment at The Muir Practice

If you’re considering an autism assessment, you may be wondering what the process looks like. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand what to expect when booking with The Muir Practice.

Step 1: Book Your Free Online Initial Consultation

The first step in the process is a free online consultation with one of our autism specialists. This initial conversation is designed to help us understand your needs, answer any questions you may have, and determine if an autism assessment is the right next step for you or your child.

We recognise that every individual is unique, and this consultation allows us to tailor the assessment to best support you.

Step 2: Gathering Key Information

Once you decide to proceed with the assessment, our team will arrange the following:

Parental Interview

For children and young people, one of our autism specialists will conduct a detailed interview with parents or caregivers. This can be done via video call or telephone, making it as convenient as possible. The purpose of this interview is to gather essential developmental history and insights into the child’s strengths, differences, and needs.

Information from Educational Settings

Because autistic people experience the world in different ways, we work closely with your child’s school, nursery, or college to gather further information. Our team liaises directly with teachers or relevant professionals to complete a structured questionnaire about the individual’s communication, interaction, and learning experiences in an educational setting.

Step 3: The ADOS-2 Assessment

A key part of the diagnostic process is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2). This is a face-to-face, activity-based assessment conducted at our clinic in Giffnock. Two of our experienced autism specialists lead this session, which typically lasts up to two hours.

The ADOS-2 is widely regarded as a leading tool in autism assessment. It explores areas such as:

Social communication
Social interaction
Play and imagination

While the ADOS-2 provides valuable insights, it is not the sole determining factor for diagnosis. We take a holistic approach, considering all available information to understand and recognise the individual’s strengths and support needs.

Step 4: Clinical Review and Diagnosis Discussion

Following the assessment, our autism specialists will carefully review all the gathered information. If needed, they will consult with The Muir Practice’s Clinical Psychologist for additional input.

As part of this review, we use the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11) to determine whether the individual meets the diagnostic criteria for autism. The ICD-11 is a globally recognised diagnostic framework developed by the World Health Organization. Using this framework ensures that our assessments are aligned with current best practices.

Importantly, by following the ICD-11 criteria, any diagnosis made by The Muir Practice is recognised and upheld by both educational and healthcare services. This means individuals can access the appropriate support, adjustments, and resources across schools, colleges, NHS services, and other community provisions.

Once the process is complete, we will schedule a feedback session (via online meeting or telephone) to discuss the findings with the individual and/or their family. This session provides an opportunity to ask any questions and gain a clear understanding of the results.

Step 5: Receiving Your Autism Assessment Report

A comprehensive written report is then completed and shared with you. This report details the findings of the assessment, including:

Observations from the ADOS-2
Information from parental interviews and school reports
A summary of strengths, differences, and recommendations for support

This document can be used to access accommodations, support, and resources in educational, healthcare, and workplace settings.

What Happens Next? Post-Diagnostic Support

At The Muir Practice, our commitment to you doesn’t end with a diagnosis. We provide a range of post-diagnostic support services, including:

✅ Neuro-affirming therapy and strategies
✅ Parent and carer support and education
✅ Peer support groups for autistic individuals and their families
✅ Advice and training for schools and workplaces

This support can be delivered at our clinic, in schools, or even at home, depending on your needs.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If you or your child may benefit from an autism assessment, the process is simple and supportive.

👉 Book your FREE online consultation today to speak with one of our autism specialists and find out how we can help.

Visit https://www.themuirpractice.co.uk/services/autism-assessment/ to get started.

At The Muir Practice, we are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you receive the respect, understanding, and guidance you deserve.