Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions we’re asked most often about our Autism and ADHD assessments.
For questions about a specific pathway, see also our Autism, ADHD and combined assessment pages.
Your questions answered
Will the NHS accept your assessment?
We deliver the same assessments and reports privately as we do for the NHS in Wales, where we’ve been commissioned as an assessment provider. The process is identical, and NHS versions of the report simply include the NHS logo. To date, we’re not aware of a diagnosis from one of our assessments being challenged on acceptance grounds.
My school says they don’t accept private assessments. What should I do?
The best starting point is often the answer to the question above: our private assessments follow exactly the same process and NICE guidelines as our NHS work (CG128 and CG142 for Autism, NG87 for ADHD). If it would help, we’re happy to speak to the school ALNCo or SENCo directly to discuss any concerns and answer questions about the report.
Do you only assess children?
No. We assess children, teenagers and adults of any age. Our assessment process is adapted to the person, so whether we’re working with a five-year-old or someone in their seventies, the approach is tailored to their needs.
What if my child masks during the assessment?
We know that masking is common, particularly in autistic children and teenagers, which is why our assessment draws on more than one source of information. Every assessment includes an in-person session with your child, detailed questionnaires completed by their school, and standardised interviews with parents. Where there are inconsistencies between what we see in clinic and what’s reported at home or school, we also carry out a school observation. This multi-source approach means we’re not relying on a single snapshot to reach a diagnosis.
How do I know which assessment pathway is right for me or my child?
The easiest starting point is a free 15-minute consultation with one of our clinicians. We’ll talk through the differences between the Autism, ADHD and combined pathways, and can send you a short questionnaire to help identify which fits best. Based on that, we’ll recommend the pathway most likely to give you the answers you’re looking for.
Have a question that isn’t answered here?
The easiest way to get a straight answer to any question about our assessments is to book a free 15-minute consultation. There’s no obligation, just a chance to talk things through with one of our clinicians.