What happens before the assessment?
Once you book, we send a secure online pre-assessment form to complete in your own time, plus a set of validated screening questionnaires where appropriate (for you and, where helpful, a parent, partner or teacher). The links are quick and easy. No long phone intake. This way your clinician arrives prepared and the appointment time is spent on you, not on paperwork.
What happens during the assessment?
Your clinician will spend time taking a detailed developmental and current‑day history, exploring strengths, challenges, sensory experiences and the contexts in which difficulties show up. For Autism we may use validated observation tools such as the ADOS‑2 or ADI‑R. For ADHD we may use tools such as DIVA‑5 or QbCheck. Pacing and sensory needs are accommodated throughout.
How is a diagnosis reached?
A diagnosis is reached through clinical judgement, integrating the developmental history, observation, validated tools, informant reports and any prior records. All assessments are discussed in a multi‑disciplinary team (MDT) meeting before a final formulation is offered. For any cases that require further assessment we will inform the client of this decision. For example, if we have insufficient information to complete the assessment, a further assessment may be required. We share our reasoning openly with you.
Will I receive a written report?
Yes. Every full assessment includes a comprehensive written report covering the assessment process, the formulation, the diagnostic outcome, strengths, areas of need, and clear recommendations for support, signposting and any next steps. Reports are written to NICE‑aligned standards.
What is included in the support after the assessment?
The report itself is a working document with practical recommendations. For some, the report and signposting is enough. For others, follow‑up sessions with a Psychiatrist or Practitioner Psychologist help make sense of what the diagnosis means personally, and how to act on the recommendations.
Will I need follow‑up sessions?
Follow‑up is entirely optional and led by you. Some people choose a single integration session, others choose ongoing therapeutic work, some may wish to consider pharmacological interventions, and some prefer to take the report and work with their existing support network. We will always be clear about what is recommended and why.