Some people prefer reading information, while others find it easier to take in information by listening or watching. To support different ways of processing, we’ve provided both video explanations of our assessment process above and written information below.
We offer comprehensive assessments for Autism, ADHD, or both. Our multidisciplinary team is experienced in supporting neurodivergent children and families and we adapt our approach to suit each child and family, offering a flexible structure that responds to individual needs while upholding best practice standards.
We work as a multidisciplinary team, using established diagnostic tools and approaches in line with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Our assessments follow the same process and standards as NHS diagnostic pathways, and our reports have a strong track record of being accepted by Local Authorities, schools, and NHS services- with 100% success rate to date.
We also consider differential diagnoses during assessment, as recommended by NICE. This means we take time to explore other possible explanations for a person’s profile, ensuring our conclusions are thorough and well-informed.
Typically, two clinicians are involved in each assessment, but we may consult other members of our team if a second clinical opinion is needed. Our goal is to provide a robust, clear understanding of each person’s strengths, needs, and support options.
We also have expertise in understanding neurodiversity in the context of early attachment disruptions and trauma, including experience working with adopted and looked-after children and young people.
Our assessment pathway includes four key stages:
This is a free 30-minute conversation with one of our clinicians to explore whether an Autism and/or ADHD assessment may be appropriate for your child. You’ll have space to ask questions, share your concerns, and help us understand your child’s strengths, needs, and current context. We’ll explain the process clearly and help you decide on next steps.
We build a broad picture of your child’s development and day-to-day experience using:
Standardised questionnaires for parents/carers and educational or daycare settings.
Conversations with staff in your child's education or daycare setting, with your consent. For home educated children and young people, we are happy to liaise with others who can share observations from different settings they might access.
A team review of all information gathered
After this, we’ll contact you to discuss whether to proceed with the full assessment or offer alternative recommendations. If indicators for both Autism and ADHD emerge, we’ll talk this through with you before expanding the scope of the assessment.
We use structured clinical interviews such as the ADI-R, 3di, or DIVA to explore your child’s developmental history and current profile. These tools are considered 'gold standard' and help us build a clear, strengths-based understanding of your child. Interviews may be conducted with one or both clinicians, and with or without your child present depending on their age and preferences.
This session is tailored to your child’s needs and profile:
Autism assessments use the ADOS-2, a play, interaction and conversation-based assessment designed to elicit behaviours associated with Autism.
ADHD assessments include a relaxed, activity-based session and the QB Check, a computer-based tool that objectively measures attention, activity, and impulsivity.
Parents are usually not present during this session, but we are flexible depending on what works best for your child.
Face-to-face sessions take place in our comfortable, private clinic rooms at Southam Speaking Space.
On some occasions we are able to provide feedback and a diagnostic outcome on the same day, but we aim to provide feedback within one week. If further information is needed to reach a conclusion, we may offer:
Observation in your child’s education or care setting
Additional assessments, discussed and agreed with you in advance
You will be offered a feedback appointment to discuss our assessment findings, share the diagnostic conclusion and provide key recommendations for support. This can take place face-to-face or via videocall according to your preference.
You will then receive a detailed report with clear recommendations. We can also provide child-friendly accessible reports to help you share key information with your child about their strengths, challenges and support needs (this service carried an additional fee).
Please note: We do not prescribe medication. ADHD medication must be prescribed by a Paediatrician, Psychiatrist, or Nurse Prescriber. We work with a Private Paediatrician and an independent Pharmacist who accept our reports and can support families seeking medical input.
Please see our post-diagnostic support page for information about these services.