Whether you’re beginning to suspect you’re autistic or seeking a formal diagnosis for a child, navigating the assessment process in Cornwall can feel overwhelming. With long NHS waiting lists and a growing range of private providers, it’s important to know your options and what to expect.
In this post, we’ll walk you through both NHS and private assessment routes in Cornwall, what the process involves, how long it takes, and how to get support while you wait.
NHS Autism Diagnosis in Cornwall
Step 1: Talk to Your GP
Your journey usually begins with your GP. Be open about the signs you’re noticing in yourself or your child. If they agree an assessment is appropriate, they can refer you to the correct local service:
- Adults (16+) are typically referred to the Cornwall Adult Autism Assessment Team.
- Children and young people may be referred to CAMHS or the Children’s Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service, depending on age and symptoms.
You might be asked to complete preliminary forms or undergo a neurodevelopmental profiling before progressing to a full assessment.
Step 2: Prepare for a Long Wait
One of the biggest challenges of the NHS route is the waiting time. In Cornwall, adults may wait 3 years or more for an autism assessment. For children, delays of up to 2 years are also common. Unfortunately, this is a widespread issue across the UK.
Step 3: Know Your Rights – Faster NHS Options
Under the NHS’s Right to Choose, adults in England can ask their GP to refer them to other NHS-approved providers with shorter waiting times, even if they’re not based locally. This includes services like Psychiatry-UK or Healios, which may offer remote assessments.
If this interests you, it’s worth preparing a formal request and bringing supporting information to your GP.
Going Private: Faster Diagnosis, Higher Cost
If you’re able to pay for a private assessment, there are several reputable services operating in Cornwall and nearby.
Top Private Autism Assessment Services in Cornwall
🧠 Cornwall Autism & Neurodevelopment (CAN)
- Local, specialist-led team offering assessments for both adults and children.
- Prices range from £1,895–£2,695, depending on the type of assessment.
- Wait time: typically 1–2 months after screening.
- Website: cornwallautism.com
🧩 The Autism Service (Plymouth)
- Based in Modbury but accessible to those in Cornwall.
- Offers face-to-face assessments for all ages.
- Turnaround: 4–6 weeks.
- Website: theautismservice.co.uk
🌿 The Autism Clinic
- Offers in-person and online autism assessments across Devon and Cornwall.
- Focus on neuroaffirmative, gold-standard practice.
- Website: theautismclinic.co.uk
🔍 Other Options
- Cornwall Clinical Psychology offers combined autism and ADHD assessments.
- National clinics like The Oak Tree Practice also provide remote assessments that are often accepted by local services.
When choosing a private provider, always ensure they follow NICE guidelines and use validated tools such as ADOS-2 or the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO).
NHS vs Private: Quick Comparison
| Route | Wait Time | Cost | Official Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS | 2–3+ years | Free | Fully recognised |
| Private (CAN) | ~1–2 months | £1,895–£2,695 | Often accepted locally |
| Other Private | ~4–6 weeks | £1,500–£2,500+ | Check before booking |
What to Do While You Wait
The wait for a diagnosis can be tough, but support is still available:
📋 Prepare for Your Assessment
Start collecting observations, school or work reports, and ask close friends or family to note patterns they’ve noticed in your behaviour or communication. This will help you during your assessment.
🧑🤝🧑 Seek Community Support
Local and national organisations can help you while you’re waiting:
You can also try online screening tools like the ASC-AQ10-screening-form to help articulate your symptoms during your GP visit.
Final Thoughts
Getting an autism diagnosis in Cornwall is possible, but it takes time and planning—especially through the NHS. If you need a quicker answer and have the means, private assessment is a viable and increasingly accepted route. Whichever path you take, you deserve support and clarity.