NHS children's autism assessments
We offer remote and hybrid options
Ask your GP for a referral to the "Remote Pathway”.
Ask your GP for a referral to the "Hybrid Exeter Pathway".
Ask your GP for a referral to the "Hybrid Norwich Pathway".
*Not all children are able to have a fully remote assessment. If your child has a diagnosed or suspected learning disability, speech and language condition or selective mutism, they must be seen in either our Exeter or Norwich clinics.
** Children aged between 0 to their 5th birthday must be assessed by a community paediatrician who recommends an autism assessment before being referred to Paloma Health for an autism assessment. This ensures that any medical conditions are appropriately checked for before beginning the autism assessment process.
How our service works
Paloma Health is only available in England, and only NHS GPs in England can refer into our service
NHS GP referral
To begin the process, your NHS GP will need to refer your child to us.
- For our Remote or Hybrid Exeter pathway, your GP can complete a simple online referral form.
- For our Hybrid Norwich pathway, your GP will need to contact us directly to request a specific referral form.
We’re happy to support your GP with any questions they may have.
The assessment
Our assessments follow NICE and NHS guidelines and are carried out by two qualified clinicians.
The process includes:
- Parent and school questionnaires
- Parent interview
- A child observation
We’ll keep you informed at each stage so you always know what to expect.
The outcome
At the end of the process, you’ll receive a clear, easy-to-understand outcome report, including a diagnosis if appropriate.
As an NHS provider, we’ll also securely share the report with you and your GP, ensuring continuity of care and next steps.
Why parents choose Paloma Health
No cost to you
We are a NHS Right to Choose provider
Fast
First appointments are in 6 months of GP referral
Safe
Assessments are performed by expert assessors
NHS approved
Your outcome report will be
accepted by local authorities
and other NHS services
Great communication
We keep you updated at every step of your assessment journey
.avif)
Trusted by families & GPs across the UK
Led by clinical experts
You expect the best for your child, so do we. Our senior clinical team is made up of compassionate, highly skilled professionals who are dedicated to providing the best possible care for your child.
With years of experience in autism diagnosis and support, they bring expertise, warmth, and a deep understanding of each child's unique needs.
Dr Kate Bennett
Kate is a compassionate Clinical Psychologist with extensive expertise in autism through her roles in the NHS, private practice, and education. She has a deep passion for promoting neurodivergence awareness and empowering individuals to realise their full potential.
Dr Manish Rao
Manish is a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with nearly 20 years of experience in the NHS, including 13 years dedicated to supporting children and young people. Aside from his work at Paloma Health, he works as a Lead Clinician in an NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service in South East London.
Dr Sarah Glew
Sarah is a Clinical Psychologist with experience and passion in neuroaffirmative practice and assessment for neurodivergent young people and their families, alongside teaching, research and supporting development in professionals in training. She brings extensive clinical and training experience to support high quality, efficient clinical delivery.
