Specialist Assessment
Autism and ADHD assessments and support
We provide assessments for Autism and ADHD for children and young people. I have considerable experience of working with autistic girls and those who may mask their differences.
If you are concerned about your child and wonder if they may have autism or ADHD then we can help.
Starting the journey of diagnosis can feel overwhelming, confusing, or even daunting. That’s why having the right support is so important.
If you believe we’re the right team to support you or your child, please reach out. We’d love to help you find the clarity and peace of mind you are looking for.
Our assessments follow the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance for assessment. We use 'gold standard' recommended assessment tools and offer assessment from the age of 6 years and over.
We take a neuro-affirming approach during our assessment, which recognises each child’s unique strengths, thinking and interacting style and ways of experiencing the world. We pride ourselves in carrying out our assessments in a warm and understanding way.
Our Autism assessments are skilfully carried out by a minimum of two experienced clinicians, usually a Clinical Psychologist and Speech and Language Therapist, who have relevant training and experience. Our ADHD assessments are completed by Dr Luisa Fernandez-Ford, an experienced Clinical Psychologist, who worked extensively with children, young people presenting with Autism and ADHD for over 20 years. She has undertaken specialist training in the diagnostic assessment of ADHD across the span.
Our Assessment Process
Click below to find out more...
Step 1. Initial Consultation (pre-assessment)
This is an initial consultation with parents (and young people if age 13 and over) either online or face to face before the assessment takes place. This typically lasts for one hour. During this consultation we will explore you and your child’s concerns, gather relevant background information, explain the assessment process and answer any questions you may have.
Evidence based questionnaires are sent out to be completed by you and your child and their school or college. This helps to gain an understanding of your child’s functioning, strengths, and needs in the school environment and to support diagnostic formulation.
Step 2: Diagnostic interview
This takes place with parents (and young people aged 13 and over) online or face to face. This is an opportunity to explore the areas of your child’s life that help us understand possible neurodivergence. We use a structured interview format to ensure that gather all relevant information.
Step 3: Observational Assessment
Your child completes an in person assessment preferably at our clinic near Monmouth. This typically lasts an hour to an hour and a half and includes an informal, child-led conversation with and exploration of their strengths, challenges, and lived experiences.
We also use structured assessment tools during this session such as the ADOS-2 for Autism assessments, which involves several activities and there are no ‘right or wrong’ answers. We use the QbCheck for ADHD assessments, which is a computerised task for this part of the process.
School Observation – if required
School observations are only undertaken should we need more information following the completion of steps 1-3. Assessments can be completed without this if your child is home-educated or has difficulties attending their school.
Step 4: Feedback Meeting
This is a follow up appointment to discuss the outcome of the assessment (online or face to face) and typically lasts for one hour. It is an opportunity to discuss the outcome of the assessment, which will confirm any neurodivergence or whether there is an alternative understanding of these differences. This may include exploring “what next?” during this appointment.
Step 5: Our Report
You will receive a full detailed report that includes your child's strengths and challenges with individualised recommendations. You will have the opportunity to review the report to ensure it is accurate and helpful to your child. This report can be shared with school and future employers.
We can also offer parent post diagnostic support sessions if requested.
Autism and ADHD Assessment Fees
Our assessment fees are as follows:
Autism Assessment - £2000
ADHD Assessment - £1500
Combined Autism & ADHD assessments - £2500 (when both elements are booked at the same time).
If school observations are required, travel costs will be added to the prices listed above.
Full assessment fees all payable before the first appointment.
