At The Therapy Company, we provide compassionate, evidence-based assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across Greater Manchester. Whether you are seeking clarity for yourself, your partner, or your child, our multidisciplinary team offers thorough evaluations, clear feedback, and practical next steps—so you can access the right support without delay.
ASD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that affects the way a person communicates, relates to others, and experiences the world. Because autism is a spectrum, no two profiles are identical. That’s why our assessments are tailored to the individual, combining gold-standard tools with clinical judgement and lived-experience insight.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
ASD is best understood as a spectrum of strengths and challenges. Some people excel in focused interests, pattern recognition, and detail-oriented tasks; others may find social communication, sensory processing, or transitions particularly demanding. The variability of presentation means a high-quality, person-centred assessment is essential to reach an accurate conclusion and to signpost meaningful support.
The Spectrum in Practice
- Strengths may include deep knowledge in specific topics, reliability, honesty, logical thinking, and exceptional memory.
- Challenges can involve social reciprocity, interpreting non-verbal cues, managing change, sensory sensitivities (to light, sound, touch), and co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or ADHD.
Because profiles differ markedly, The Therapy Company tailors each evaluation to the individual’s developmental history, current context, and goals.
Why Seek an ASD Assessment?
A well-conducted assessment provides clarity. It can validate lived experiences, reduce self-doubt, and unlock access to reasonable adjustments, education plans, workplace accommodations, and therapeutic support.
Key Benefits of Assessment with The Therapy Company
- Identify support needs: We translate results into practical recommendations—at home, school, university, or work.
- Access services: A formal report supports applications for adjustments, referrals, and onward care.
- Understand behaviour: We help families, partners, and educators interpret patterns of behaviour through a neuroaffirming lens.
- Plan for the future: With a clear profile, you can make informed decisions about education, employment, independent living, and wellbeing.
ASD Assessments for Adults in Greater Manchester
Many adults reach us after years of masking or feeling “out of step” in social and workplace settings. Others seek assessment following a child’s diagnosis, recognising similar traits in themselves. Whatever your path, we offer a respectful, confidential route to clarity.
Your Adult Assessment Journey with The Therapy Company
- Pre-assessment screening: Secure questionnaires and a structured interview gather background information, including childhood indicators where available.
- Diagnostic interview: A clinician explores life history, strengths, challenges, sensory profile, and co-occurring features (e.g., anxiety, ADHD traits).
- Standardised tools: Where appropriate, we use validated measures for adult autism assessment and differential diagnosis.
- Informant input: With consent, we may speak to a family member or long-term partner for a rounded picture.
- Feedback & report: You receive a clear, jargon-free report, an explanation of results, and personalised recommendations, including workplace adjustments, psychoeducation, and therapy options.
Outcomes and Support
Following diagnosis (or where criteria are not met), we outline a tailored plan. This can include reasonable adjustments letters for employers, anxiety management, social communication coaching, and referrals to allied services. We take time to answer questions—because understanding is as important as the outcome itself.
ASD Assessments for Children and Young People
Early, accurate assessment helps schools and families support a child’s development. Our clinicians work closely with parents and educators to understand strengths, needs, and the day-to-day picture at home and in class.
What to Expect in a Child Assessment
- Developmental history: We take a detailed history from parents or carers, including early milestones, play, language, and sensory responses.
- Observation & play-based tasks: Age-appropriate, structured activities help us explore communication, flexibility, and social interaction in a friendly environment.
- School input: With consent, we liaise with teachers or SENCOs and review reports to understand the child across settings.
- Standardised measures: We use recognised tools to support clinical judgement.
- Clear feedback: Parents receive a comprehensive report with practical recommendations for school strategies, EHCP applications where relevant, and home support.
Working with Schools
We provide concise, actionable guidance for educators: classroom adaptations, sensory supports, communication approaches, and realistic targets that promote wellbeing as well as attainment.
NHS, Private, and Hybrid Pathways in Greater Manchester
The NHS provides ASD assessments for children and adults, but waiting times can be lengthy. The Therapy Company offers timely private assessments across Greater Manchester, with options to fit different needs and budgets.
Choosing The Therapy Company
- Multidisciplinary expertise: Our team includes psychologists and therapists with specialist training in neurodevelopmental assessment.
- Neuroaffirming approach: We assess through a strengths-based lens, avoiding deficit-only narratives.
- Transparent process: You will know what will happen, when, and why—no surprises.
- Actionable reports: We prioritise practical recommendations that make a difference in everyday life.
If you are currently on an NHS waiting list, we can discuss how a private assessment may complement your plans. We also provide post-diagnostic support and psychoeducation irrespective of the assessment route.
Preparing for an ASD Assessment
Good preparation makes the process smoother and ensures we capture the most accurate picture.
Adults: What to Bring
- Childhood reports or anecdotes from a parent/carer, if available
- Any previous assessments (e.g., ADHD, speech and language, mental health)
- Workplace feedback or self-reflections on social communication, sensory triggers, and routines
- A list of questions you would like answered
Parents & Carers: Helpful Documents
- School reports, SEN reviews, Individual Education Plans or similar
- Notes on sensory preferences, sleep, eating, and transitions
- Brief examples of strengths and challenges at home and in school
We understand that assessments can feel daunting. Our clinicians explain each step, schedule breaks as needed, and adapt the environment to sensory preferences wherever possible.
What Happens After the Assessment?
You will receive:
- A detailed written report outlining clinical findings, criteria mapping, and differential considerations
- Personalised recommendations (home, school, university, or workplace)
- Signposting to support, including therapy, coaching, peer groups, and local charities
- Optional follow-up sessions to review progress, refine strategies, or involve schools/employers
Where criteria are not fully met, you still receive a profile of strengths and needs with practical advice. Many people find this clarifies next steps, such as anxiety treatment, sensory strategies, or referral for alternative assessments.
Support and Resources in Greater Manchester
Alongside our services, families and adults may find further help through:
- Local autism charities and peer groups: Community, advocacy, and shared experience.
- Educational support: Guidance for SEN processes and reasonable adjustments.
- Workplace schemes: Advice on adjustments, job-carving, and neuroinclusive practices.
- Online communities: Peer support, resources, and lived-experience perspectives—useful when paired with professional guidance.
We are happy to signpost reputable, up-to-date resources that complement your plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an assessment take?
Timeframes vary by age and complexity. We will provide a clear schedule at booking, including appointments, feedback, and report delivery.
What if I am already on an NHS list?
You can remain on the NHS pathway while being assessed privately. We can advise on how best to coordinate both routes.
Will a diagnosis change who I am?
A diagnosis does not change you; it helps explain your experiences. Many clients describe relief, validation, and a clearer path forward.
Is assessment suitable if ADHD or anxiety are also present?
Yes. We routinely screen for co-occurring presentations and can advise on sequencing assessments or parallel support.
How The Therapy Company Can Help
Choosing the right assessment provider is as important as the outcome. With The Therapy Company, you receive:
- Compassionate clinicians who listen carefully and respect lived experience
- Best-practice assessment aligned with current NICE guidance and neuroaffirming principles
- Clear, plain-English reporting designed to be useful for schools, universities, and employers
- Practical next steps so you know exactly what to do after the assessment
If you are based in Greater Manchester and would like to discuss an adult or child ASD assessment, post-diagnostic support, or guidance for education and work, we’re here to help.