Assessment Process
ADHD assessments are either offered as an online 2.5-3 hour assessment with an hour follow up the following week (usually with an associate) or spilt across two online appointments of two hours each, one with an associate and one with me.
Autism assessments are usually offered as an in person 3-4 hour assessment or spilt across one in person and one online appointment of two hours each, one with myself and a Speech and Language Therapist and one with me.
ADHD and autism assessments are usually offered across three appointments of 2-3 hours each; one in person and two online appointments. They are usually with myself, another clinical psychologist and a Speech and Language Therapist. We work closely together to offer you a coordinated experience.
Screening
Depending on discussion with you and results of the free online screening measures we may offer you the option of a screening session, an in-depth childhood screening appointment or straight to full assessment.
1
ADHD Assessments
ADHD assessments cover:
-
Why an ADHD assessment and why now?
-
Developmental history – we send a word doc so you know what to expect
-
Early history and primary school
-
Secondary school and further education
-
Work history (if relevant)
-
ADHD traits in primary school
-
Adult ADHD traits - we send a Connors form for you and for someone who knows you well
-
Psychological/mental health history - includes risk and substance use
-
Impact on life – we send a word doc so you know what to expect
Sometimes we ask for additional screening questionnaires, such as for autism or dyslexia as part of considering what other factors are present. Corroborative evidence is expected as part of a thorough assessment, so a parental figure, school reports or other evidence is enormously helpful. We understand however that adults may struggle to get this evidence and we therefore assess to the best of our ability without it.
Some clinics use computerized tests, such as a QB check which can be informative about ADHD. We have chosen not to in this clinic at the current time as it never supersedes self report of symptoms and impact.
Payment and cancellation: payment is due one week prior to the first appointment and can be cancelled with no penalty at any time up until this point.
2
Autism Assessments
Autism assessments are usually joint with a Speech and Language Therapist. They cover:
-
Why are you here and why now?
-
Assessment of social communication skills – we send a questionnaire on masking to complete if relevant
-
Developmental history – we send a word doc so you know what to expect
-
Early history and primary school
-
Secondary school and further education
-
Work history
-
Psychological/mental health history - includes risk and substance use
-
Adult autism traits – we send a word doc in case you have someone you can ask to fill it out
-
Impact on life – we send a word doc so you know what to expect
Sometimes we ask for additional screening questionnaires, such as for ADHD or dyslexia as part of considering what other factors are present. Corroborative evidence is expected as part of a thorough assessment, so a parental figure, school reports or other evidence is enormously helpful. We understand however that adults may struggle to get this evidence and we therefore assess to the best of our ability without it.
If you have a full day assessment, we recommend that you aim to plan a lighter week wherever possible as it is often fed back as exhausting.
Payment and cancellation: payment is due one week prior to the first appointment and can be cancelled with no penalty at any time up until this point.
3
ADHD and Autism Assessments
Autism and ADHD assessments cover:
One appointment ONLINE of background information collection:
-
Genetic history
-
Neurodevelopmental history – we send a word doc so you know what to expect
-
Autism traits in childhood
-
Work history
-
Relationships and personal life
-
Physical health and sleep
-
Substance use
-
Risk and mental health
IN PERSON in Central Reading: Autism specific assessment
-
Assessment of social communication
-
Adult autism traits – we send a word doc in case you have someone you can ask to fill it out
ONLINE: ADHD specific assessment
-
ADHD clinical Interview - we send a Connors form for you and for someone who knows you well
-
Impact of possible ADHD and autism – we send a word doc in case you have someone you can ask to fill it out
-
Plan to feedback outcome or plan outcome meeting if further information or supervision required.
It is an extensive and process and tiring but we are trying to distil a lifetime of experiences into potentially a couple of diagnoses. I often suggest people try to plan a lighter week due to tiredness.
Payment and cancellation: payment is due one week prior to the first appointment and can be cancelled with no penalty at any time up until this point.