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Services
Youthful Minds provides specialist, neuroaffirming autism assessments for children and young people. Our mission is simple: to help each child access the right assessment, at the right time, from the right professionals.
Our Services
We support children and young people who may need more time, flexibility or understanding during an autism assessment.
Children communicate and engage in many different ways. For example, some children speak freely, while others communicate through play, movement, writing, gestures, behaviour or silence.
Therefore, our team takes time to notice, listen and understand. Instead of expecting the child to follow a standard process, we adapt the assessment to meet their needs. As a result, each child has a better opportunity to feel safe and communicate in their own way.
Autism Assessment ⬈
Each autism assessment builds a clear and meaningful picture of the child or young person. We explore their strengths, communication, sensory experiences, relationships, interests, routines and emotional wellbeing. In addition, we listen carefully to parents, carers and professionals who know the child well. Our clinicians follow recognised best practice, including NICE guidance. Throughout the process, we work with care, curiosity and respect.
The assessment may include:
- An initial screening to understand the child’s needs and confirm whether our service is suitable
- Information from parents or carers
- A developmental history appointment covering early experiences and current needs
- Information from the child’s school or other professionals, where helpful
- An observation adapted to the child or young person
- Additional sessions when the child needs more time
- A multidisciplinary clinical discussion
- A feedback appointment with parents or carers
- A full written diagnostic report
- Personalised recommendations for home, education and everyday life.
Recommendations ⬈
Every assessment includes recommendations based on the child’s individual strengths and needs. These practical suggestions help families, schools and other professionals provide suitable support.
For example, recommendations may cover:
- Communication and interaction
- Sensory needs
- Emotional regulation
- Anxiety and distress
- School attendance and education planning
- Changes to the child’s environment
- Daily routines and transitions
- Strengths and interests
- Confidence and self-understanding
- Further support or referrals
- Therapy, coaching or local support groups
- School or workplace support
- Emotional support for families and carers
Why Choose Youthful Minds
Some children find traditional autism assessment pathways difficult to access. However, this should not prevent them from receiving a careful and respectful assessment.
Families choose Youthful Minds because we offer:
- A flexible and child-centred approach
- Neuroaffirming assessment practice
- Experience supporting children who need time and trust
- Adapted pathways for anxiety, school avoidance or home-based needs
- Careful attention to each child’s strengths
- Clear reports and practical recommendations
- Respect for each child’s individuality
- Support that helps families feel heard
Above all, we want the assessment to help families understand their child, recognise their strengths and identify helpful support.
How to Get Started
Starting an assessment is simple.
- First, email referrals@youthfulminds.co.uk to request a referral form.
- Next, we will arrange a 30-minute consultation to discuss your child’s needs and confirm whether our service is suitable.
- Then, our team will observe the child or young person in a way that meets their needs.
- After that, we will arrange an online developmental history appointment with a parent or carer.
- Our multidisciplinary team will review the information and agree on the assessment outcome.
- Finally, we will meet with you to explain the outcome, answer questions and discuss the recommendations.
Service Area
We provide autism assessments across London, Kent and Essex. When clinically appropriate, we can complete parts of the assessment online. In addition, we can adapt appointments to help the child feel safe and able to engage.
Online or in-person Appointments
Travel, clinics and unfamiliar environments can feel difficult for some children. Therefore, we offer flexible ways to gather information and support engagement. For example, an adapted approach may help a child who experiences anxiety, struggles to leave home or needs a slower and more predictable process. This flexibility allows us to plan the assessment around the child.
FAQ
How long does an assessment take?
We aim to complete most assessments within two to four weeks of the initial consultation. However, some children may need additional time or sessions.
Can schools or employers use your reports?
Yes. Qualified clinicians write our reports in line with recognised best practice, including NICE guidance. Schools, employers and other services can use the report when considering support or reasonable adjustments.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. We offer flexible payment options. Please ask us about these during your consultation.
Important Information
Cancelation policy & DNA
Please give us at least 48 hours’ notice if you cannot attend an appointment. This allows us to protect your deposit and arrange another appointment.
If you give us less than 48 hours’ notice, we may keep the appointment fee and charge an additional fee for rebooking. Similarly, we may charge you if you do not attend without contacting us.
If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, we may need to cancel the appointment. This helps us provide every family with their full appointment time.
Please contact us by telephone, text, WhatsApp or email if you need to cancel or rearrange an appointment.
