Our Assessments
Autism Assessments
We provide Gold Standard multidisciplinary Autism diagnostic assessments following NICE guidelines and using a combination of standardised assessments, modern technologies and clinical expertise to provide a consistent high quality service.
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We use the ADI-R, ACIA and ADOS-2 assessment tools, along with other tools such as CARS-2, AQ, EQ, CAT-Q to help us identify the persons strengths and differences.
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We use the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for autism and our reports are nationally recognised, meeting strict quality assurance measures.
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All of our assessments include full case history and screening for associated conditions.
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We can offer in person and remote assessments to meet your needs.
ADHD Assessments
We offer comprehensive ADHD diagnostic assessments conducted by a multidisciplinary team, incorporating the latest research and clinical best practices to ensure accurate and reliable results.
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We use the Connors 4, QbCheck and SDQ to help us identify signs of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity.
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We use the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for ADHD and our reports are nationally recognised, meeting strict quality assurance measures.
All of our assessments include full case history and screening for associated conditions.
​
We can offer in person and remote assessments to meet your needs.
Our Reports
We take a personalised and holistic approach to Autism and ADHD assessments, tailoring our evaluation process to each individual's unique needs and circumstances.
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Our reports are neurodiversity-affirming and identify the persons strengths and individual qualities as well as identifying solutions to challenges they may face.
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We provide person-centred recommendations that help to improve quality of life, inclusion and well-being.
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Our reports are written by our highly trained multidisciplinary team and meet the NHS Gold Standard of Reporting and Follow NICE guidelines and DSM Marking Criteria, so cannot be legally rejected by local authorities and can be used as supporting evidence when requesting an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment or Workplace accommodations and adjustments.
What to expect in an autism assessment
The following describes our "gold standard" process for assessing autism following ‘NICE’ guidelines.
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We use a multidisciplinary team, such as Clinical Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and Specialist Autism Assessors.
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The Stages of the Assessment
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Initial Screening
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You will be allocated a Care Coordinator, who will guide you through the assessment process and be your point of contact during your assessment journey
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We send you some initial screening questionnaires and registration forms. If you need help filling these in, your Care Coordinator can help
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Once we receive your completed forms, we then arrange the appointments for the full assessment
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We will ask for relevant documents for example from your GP or school, if it’s a child assessment
Main Assessment Components
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The Direct Assessment: ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
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The ADOS-2 assessment will be conducted with a clinical specialist (HCPC registered) either in person or online
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The assessment will include some play activities for children and the assessment for older adolescents/adults will be more conversation based along with some activities
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There are no "right" answers - the specialist just observes natural communication and behaviour
The Reporter Interview: ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised) or ACIA (The Autism Clinical Interview for Adults)
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A clinical specialist (not the same one that does the ADOS-2) will interview someone who knows you well (parent, partner, family member)
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This will take approximately 2 hours
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The assessment will cover developmental history, communication, and behaviour patterns
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The assessment can be done in person or online
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Review and Diagnosis
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The clinical team led by our Consultant Clinical Psychologist will review all the information
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All findings will be reviewed against diagnostic criteria (DSM-5)
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There are three possible outcomes:
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The person meets the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (they are autistic)
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The person does not meet the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (they are not autistic)
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Inconclusive (rarely, or when more information is needed)
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After Assessment
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The Care Coordinator will share the assessment results with you after the multidisciplinary team meeting has taken place
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You will receive a detailed written report, initially in draft form so you can make comments and tell us if we have made any mistakes. The final report will then be sent to you
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You will be offered a follow-up meeting to discuss the outcome, ask questions, and plan next steps
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Additional support sessions may be available as required
The entire process focuses on understanding your unique experience and providing appropriate support based on your specific needs.
What to expect in an ADHD assessment
The following describes our "gold standard" process for assessing ADHD following ‘NICE’ guidelines.
​
We use a multidisciplinary team, such as Clinical Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist, and Occupational Therapist, who are all ‘appropriately qualified healthcare professionals with training and experience in diagnosing ADHD’ (NICE Guidelines).
The Stages of the Assessment
​
Initial Screening
​
-
You will be allocated a Care Coordinator, who will guide you through the assessment process and be your point of contact during your assessment journey
-
We send you some initial screening questionnaires and registration forms. If you need help filling these in, your Care Coordinator can help
-
Once we receive your completed forms, we then arrange the appointments for the full assessment
-
We will ask for relevant documents for example from your GP or school, if it’s a child assessment
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We will need lots of information from you and people who know you, about your developmental history and your life experiences
Main Assessment Components
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The Conners ADHD Assessment (Conner's 4th Edition, CAARS 2)
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The Conners ADHD Assessment is a multi-rater questionnaire that looks at core features of ADHD and associated difficulties, including:
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inattention/ executive dysfunction
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hyperactivity
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impulsivity
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emotional dysregulation
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depressed mood
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anxious thoughts
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The questionnaire is sent for you to complete and one is sent to someone else who knows you well, such as a teacher, a parent or partner
The QbCheck
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The QbCheck is a web-based test that combines a Continuous Performance Task (CPT) with motion tracking to objectively measure the three core symptoms of ADHD; activity, attention and impulsivity
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The assessment involves watching images on a computer screen and pressing a button
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The computer monitors your movements and your responses, and compares your responses to other people your age
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The QbCheck can be done in clinic with our clinical specialist or you can do this at home with your own computer
Review and Diagnosis
​
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The clinical team led by our Consultant Clinical Psychologist will review all the information
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All findings will be reviewed against diagnostic criteria (DSM-5)
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There are three possible outcomes:
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The person meets the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (they have ADHD)
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The person does not meet the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (they do not have ADHD)
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Inconclusive (rarely, or when more information is needed)
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After Assessment
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The Care Coordinator will share the assessment results with you after the multidisciplinary team meeting has taken place
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You will receive a detailed written report, initially in draft form so you can make comments and tell us if we have made any mistakes. The final report will then be sent to you
-
You will be offered a follow-up meeting to discuss the outcome, ask questions, and plan next steps
-
Additional support sessions may be available as required
The entire process focuses on understanding your unique experience and providing appropriate support based on your specific needs.