Diagnostic assessment of autism, neurodiversity and mental health.
What to expect
INSIGHT, UNDERSTANDING AND EXPERTISE
When we hear from you, we will invite you to an online consultation session with a Consultant Clinical Psychologist. We will respond within 24 hours of your initial enquiry, offering you a consultation within 7 days.
At your consultation, the psychologist will listen to you and ask questions to find out what type of assessment, if any, would be best for you. If we think your needs would be better met elsewhere, we will advise you on how to get help.
You are welcome to bring someone to your consultation if you wish.
If we think we can help you, we will develop an assessment plan with you. Assessment usually involves a number of sessions with you, a written report, and a follow up session to discuss the results.
We offer assessments for a range of neurodiversity types and mental illnesses, using guidance published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). NICE guidelines are evidence based recommendations that help practitioners give the best care to patients.
We work online, to minimise disruption to your day. We also offer short notice urgent bookings.
You are welcome to contact us via email, Whatsapp or Instagram.
Autism assessment
COMPASSION, CLARITY AND BEST PRACTICE
Any assessment can be a daunting process but we view it as an opportunity for compassionate self-discovery and a step towards a better quality of life. We use therapeutic assessment sessions combined with standardised assessment tools to make sure that the assessment:
feels supportive and meaningful
is as informative and reliable as possible
offers increased access to support after the assessment
We use a range of formal assessment tools, including the:
Adult Aspergers Assessment (AAA)
Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised (ADI-R)
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)
Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO)
Although we offer diagnostic assessments, we offer the diagnosis within a psychological formulation (a clinical description of someone’s history, needs, strengths and future goals). This helps the individual to understand and embrace their neurodiversity, from a strength-based perspective of empowerment.
Mental health assessment
IMPROVING WELLBEING AND ACCESS TO HELP
We recognise that people with neurodiversity experience more isolation, lower self esteem and increased mental health difficulties than the general population.
Mental health difficulties often arise for different reasons in neurodiverse people compared with the neurotypical population.
It is important that mental health difficulties in people with autism are assessed by health professionals who are expert in neurodiversity.
Mental health symptoms often manifest differently in people who are neurodiverse. The ways in which neurodiverse people experience and describe mental health symptoms are also different.
We offer mental health assessment for people with diversity of any kind, including gender and sexual diversity.
Through compassion and collaboration, we develop a shared understanding of needs and strengths.
Family members and partners of neurodiverse people also experience mental health difficulties. We understand the unique situations that they can find themselves in, and offer mental health assessments for neurotypical people that are in family or partner relationships with people on the spectrum.
Education and employment
LEARNING, EARNING AND THRIVING
We believe that anyone who is neurodiverse can thrive within the classroom or the workplace.
We provide assessment and support for autistic people who are experiencing employment difficulties. This can include preparing for interviews, disclosing a diagnosis to employers, engaging with occupational health and coping with disciplinary action.
Together, we develop an action plan including recommendations for the employer or educator, supporting both parties to make progress.
We support employers and educators who want to make their establishments neurodiverse-friendly.
“The assessment with Addie helped me understand myself better, to appreciate myself for who I am. It also helped me to access funding and support to help with my ASD”
— Mr P, AUTISM PSYCHOLOGY CLIENT
