SME News Q1 2025 / 20 Breaking Down the Barriers to Accessing Autism Assessments The NHS waiting lists for autism assessments throughout the UK are lengthy, leaving many families struggling to access support whilst waiting for their assessment date to arrive. Serving the areas of Hertfordshire, North London, Essex, Cambridgeshire, and beyond, Spectrum provides gold-standard private autism assessment in a way that is neuro-affirmative, strength-based, and respects and values the child or young person at the centre of the process. Following the company’s recent recognition in the Business Elite Awards 2025, Founder and Director Jenny Knight tells us more. Founders Jenny Knight and Sarah Lewis-Hayes first met whilst working for another company that provided private autism assessments. The pair soon became firm friends, and both quickly realised that although the company’s methods of conducting autism assessments was not necessarily incorrect, there were certainly better ways in which they could be done. As their vision for a better method began to develop, Jenny and Sarah departed from the company to work on other projects, all the while remaining in touch. After many exciting and positive conversations, Spectrum was born. Spectrum is clinically led by Dr Sarah LewisHayes, a Child and Adolescent Educational Psychologist, who alongside her clinical work regularly visits schools within Hertfordshire and its surrounding counties, bringing to Spectrum a thorough understanding of how a young person’s neurodivergent profile should be supported in an educational setting. This wealth of experience has enabled the company to provide bespoke recommendations that directly meet the needs of the children and young people. “Spectrum prides itself on providing neuroaffirmative assessment reports,” Jenny tells us. “Many neurodivergent advocates including autistic adults have shared how the language that is used to describe autism is often deficitbased and negative. At Spectrum, we have listened to this feedback, and we have chosen to adapt the language we use in our reports. When we speak with or about a child or young person, we ensure that we are respectful and use neuroaffirmative language in our communication.” A shining example of Spectrum’s child-centred approach to carrying out Autism assessments is that they are one of the few autism assessment companies who carry out the observation of children and young people at their own home addresses. This helps to alleviate some of the anxiety that the children and young people referred to the services can experience when placed in new and unfamiliar surroundings. Dedicated to this child-centred approach, which focuses on the wellbeing of the child or young people at the centre of the diagnostic process, Spectrum is continually innovating and developing its services. The company is soon to launch a combined Neurodevelopmental Pathway in which primary-aged children can be assessed for both autism and ADHD at the same time. What makes Spectrum stand out is that they are the only private assessment service locally that ensures that a school observation is carried out as part of the dual diagnostic Neurodevelopmental Pathway. Families that refer to Spectrum for a combined diagnostic assessment and receive a dual diagnosis will benefit from a diagnostic report that provides bespoke recommendations that take both diagnoses into account. For always prioritising the wellbeing and satisfaction of its clients and remaining dedicated to innovating and improving at every point, Spectrum has built a stellar reputation upon the foundation of countless five-star testimonials. The company is an exceptionally trusted partner for children, young people, and their families seeking understanding and support through their diagnostic journey, earning itself the title of Best Private Autism Assessments Provider 2025. “I cannot express my gratitude enough to the wonderful team behind this company,” writes Leda. “They were compassionate, thorough, and so easy to work with. Everything was dealt with high professionalism, easy understanding, fantastic support, and aftercare. I highly recommend Spectrum for your needs in assessments; it couldn’t have been any easier. I’m so thankful and grateful to them for helping us do this.” “We would recommend Spectrum,” says Lucy, “as they have made the diagnostic process smooth, with good communication and understanding. We now feel more confident to meet the upcoming challenges and are grateful to understand our son’s needs better.” “Spectrum was recommended to me by a friend,” says Jane. “The thing that stood out to me when considering using them for my son’s assessment was that they would come to our home, which was much better than having to do it at a clinic or virtually, like other providers. Having now been through the process, what now stands out is how knowledgeable, lovely, and responsive everyone has been; we felt supported every step of the way. I honestly cannot recommend Spectrum highly enough – they made what I thought would be an overwhelming experience feel very positive and supportive.” Contact: Jenny Knight Company: Spectrum Autism Services Web Address: www.spectrumautismservices.org Jan25227
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