Child & Adolescent Autism (ASD) Assessment

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What is a Child & Adolescent Autism Assessment?

Young child participating in a structured play task as part of an autism evaluation

ASD is a neurodevelopmental difference and can fall into the category of ‘neurodiversity’, a term used to consider the natural differences in brain functioning in the human population. It affects how people interact with others, communicate, and learn. 

In Ireland, it’s estimated that about 1 in every 65 children is on the autism spectrum, according to the Department of Health. Other sources suggest it could be as common as 1 in 27 people overall.

Our Child & Adolescent Autism Assessment provides a clear diagnosis, as well as feedback and advice on the next steps for therapy.

For those seeking an ASD assessment, we can help shed some light on an individual’s difficulties, provide them with a deeper understanding of themselves and can be a step towards moving forward in life in a positive way.

BetterCare™ offers in person and online (10+ years old) (Autism/ASD assessments for children & adolescents, these are performed by our senior psychologists only.

The gold-standard diagnostic tools used in Ireland are DSM-5, ADI-R (Autism diagnostic interview – revised) or ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) alongside a parent/guardian interview, a child interview (if suitable) and clinical observations carried out by the professional.

If your child is also to be seen by a speech and language therapist or occupational therapist as part of the assessment, they may also conduct assessments such as the Sensory Processing Measure.

Your psychologist will ask  about your child’s life and any mental health concerns, their learning needs, their medical history, and about significant life events and milestones.

If your child is also to be seen by a speech and language therapist or occupational therapist as part of the assessment, they may also conduct assessments such as the Sensory Processing Measure.

All reports are recognised by all government/state bodies including Dept. of Education, Dept. of Health & Dept. of Social Protection.


"We recently brought our child to BetterCare in Dublin for an autism assessment, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations. From the very first contact, the team was warm, professional, and incredibly supportive. The clinician was so nice he was really lovely to deal with, we felt heard, reassured, and finally on the right path. Highly recommend BetterCare".
Margaret
What are common signs of Autism in children and adolescents?

Signs of autism in young children include:

Signs of autism in older children include:

Our expert clinicians use a gold-standard, evidence-based approach to assess your child for ASD. Children’s assessments are complex and may require a multidisciplinary team including a counselling or clinical psychologist, occupational therapist, and speech & language therapist for accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.

The assessment process includes:

  • Initial Consultation: – A clinical interview with one or both parents or guardians to understand concerns, developmental history, and behavioural patterns. These consultations may be carried out online (10+ years old) or carried out in-person for children under 10 years old (At select locations).
  • Standardised Assessments: – Using recognised tools such as ADI-R (Autism diagnostic interview – revised) or ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) among other validated internationally recognised measures carried out by experienced practitioners only for more comprehensive and valid reports.
  • Observation & Interaction:– Direct assessment of your child’s communication, social skills, and behaviour in a structured setting.
  • Feedback & Diagnosis: – A clear, detailed report with findings, personalised recommendations, and next steps, including support for education such as individualised educational plans (IED) and therapy options. Final reports complete in approx 2-8 weeks.
  • All BetterCare™ diagnostic reports are recognised by all government/state bodies including Dept. of Education, Dept. of Health & Dept. Social Protection to ensure access to essential supports nationwide.

The in-person assessment for children & adolescents costs €2,200 and includes the entire 2-8 weeks assessment process and diagnostic report.

The online assessment for a child 10 years + costs €1,800 and includes the entire 2-8 weeks assessment process and diagnostic report.

We offer flexible payment options designed to suit your budget and lifestyle — including a Book Now, Pay Later option with Klarna, so you don’t have to delay essential care.

For personalised payment options, please contact our office directly.

We also accept all major health insurers in Ireland, including Irish Life Health, Laya Healthcare, and Vhi Insurance.

Get started with BetterCare™

Check out our availability and book the date and time that works for you.

Child & Adolescent ASD Assessment (Online)

Child & Adolescent ASD Assessment (In-Person)

Unsure of the service best suited to your needs? Contact us now to discuss your next steps on a Free 15 minute Booking Consultation.

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a brief questionnaire by email. This helps us determine whether our Autism/ASD Assessment is the right fit for your child’s needs. If it turns out that a different service would be more suitable, we’ll offer you a full refund or credit.

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting an Autism/ASD assessment for children or adolescents can seem daunting. Below are some frequently asked questions we receive which may be useful ahead of the first appointment.

We assess children up to 17 years of age.

In-person assessments: all ages

Online assessments: 10 years and older

The process typically takes between 2–8 weeks from the initial consultation to the final report. 

Many private insurers may fully or partially cover Autism and psychological assessments, but coverage varies by provider and plan.

Please check with your insurer to confirm your benefits. We’re happy to provide any letters or receipts needed to support your claim.

Yes. A free booking consultation will help determine if this may be the right service for your child. 

If another service is more appropriate, we’ll provide a full refund or credit along with recommendations for the next best steps.

BetterCare™ is committed to providing the best mental health care to all patients. 

Yes — all information is kept strictly confidential in line with professional and legal standards.

If you’re unsure whether your child might benefit from an ASD assessment, our knowledgeable Intake Team can help guide you. We’ll listen to your concerns, explain the process, and help you decide on the best next steps. 

We know that cost should never be a barrier to care.

That’s why we offer flexible payment options designed to fit your budget and lifestyle — including a Book Now, Pay Later option with Klarna, so you don’t have to put off getting the support you need.

If you’d like a personalised payment option, simply get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to arrange it for you.