Essex
Autism Assessment in Essex
We assess across Essex from our clinic base in Colchester, with home, school and UK-wide online assessing available for families who need them.
Local context
What matters locally
Essex County Council is the local authority for most of the county, with Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock operating as separate unitary authorities. Which one applies to you determines where an EHC needs assessment request is submitted and which Local Offer applies.
NHS autism assessment waits across mid and north Essex have run well beyond the eighteen-week NICE recommendation for several years, which is why most families reach us having already been waiting a considerable time. We can work alongside an NHS referral rather than requiring you to withdraw from it.
Essex is a geographically varied county: rural north Essex families often face significant travel to any clinic, so we hold appointments across two bases and offer online assessment where it is clinically appropriate.
Our reports are written for Essex schools and follow the language local SEN teams and the local authority expect when considering provision and EHC needs assessments.
Getting to us
- Our Colchester clinic is within about a 45-minute drive of most of the county, and UK-wide online assessing is available for those further afield.
- Home and school-based appointments are available across Essex by arrangement.
- Online assessment is available UK-wide, including for families in Harwich, Clacton and the Dengie peninsula.
Our space
A look inside The Chill Out Centre
We share this calm wellbeing space with other practitioners, so in-person appointments are by appointment only. Knowing what a place looks like before you arrive makes a real difference, so here it is.
The Chill Out Centre, Beacon End Coach House, with free on-site parking.
Look for The Chill Out Centre sign by the door.
Come straight in, or ring the bell if the room is in use.
Soft seating, blankets, natural light and quiet, no strip lights or clinical corridors.
Books, games and fidgets set out ready for younger children.
The assessment room, with space to move, play and take breaks.
What local families say
"Receiving our son's autism diagnosis has made such a positive difference. It has given us a much deeper understanding of him, the way he experiences the world and why certain things can be challenging for him. Instead of feeling unsure or worried, we now feel empowered to support him in the right ways so he can thrive and be fully understood. What also meant so much to us was that the care didn't stop once the diagnosis was given."
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book a no-obligation consultation, or send us a question and we will reply within one working day.