ASD/PDA/ADHD
Assessments for Adults

What is a neurodevelopmental assessment?

A neurodevelopmental assessment is primarily an assessment for diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  It broadly looks at the individuals development and considers whether their development may be different to what is anticipated for their chronological age.  It is these differences in development that flag when an individual has an underlying neurodevelopmental difference such as ASD, PDA or ADHD.

Why do we structure our assessment like we do?

We are holistic and inclusive in our approach to assessments. We take a person-centred approach, which considers the whole person, rather than specific 'symptoms'.

Our assessment is really comprehensive and considers Autism Spectrum Disorder, Pathological Demand Avoidance, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, learning needs and mental health as standard.  We believe this is really important as it has been evidenced in research that if you have one of these neurodevelopmental differences, you are 80% (or more!) likely to have another neurodevelopmental difference.  Therefore if we were to only assess for one of these diagnoses, you would most likely still not have a full understanding of your presentation and how all the different parts of those interact.

Who completes the assessment?

Our diagnostic team is considered a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) as we have staff from several different professional backgrounds involved.  This is important as it gives a broader set of observations to enrich the assessment, and ensure it is objective and rigorous.  

It is also stated within NICE Guidance that an assessment should be completed by an MDT with a diagnostic lead clinician who is either a Clinical Psychologist or Psychiatrist. Our Clinical Psychologist oversees all parts of the assessment and MDT discussion, before finalising any outcomes and discussing this at your feedback appointment.

Our present diagnostic team is made up of Clinical Psychology (both qualified and assistant practitioners) and Learning Disability Nursing colleagues.

Is it accepted by other services?

Our assessments follow NICE guidelines and are led by an appropriate diagnostic clinician (in our case a Clinical Psychologist) and so should be accepted by all other services.

Currently in Coventry and Warwickshire, our assessments have routinely been accepted by NHS, Higher Education, Employment and Local Authority colleagues.  It is important to note that with Coventry and Warwickshire specifically the Child NHS Neurodevelopmental Service will accept rigorous private assessments, however the Adult NHS Neurodevelopmental Service will not currently accept private diagnoses for assessment or ongoing support within their services. This is true for all private assessment providers, including Right to Choose (RTC) providers.

We have clients visiting from all over the UK and Europe, and to date, our assessments have been routinely accepted by NHS, Education, Higher Education, Employment and Local Authority colleagues across the UK. In any cased where information is queried, we work with you to provide the information required to ensure the diagnosis is accepted.

How much does it cost?

Our assessment is priced in two parts.

First, you would have an initial assessment appointment to discuss whether a full assessment is indicated and if so, consider how to best tailor that assessment for the individuals needs. This is priced at £295.00 which must be paid to secure your assessment.  This amount is non-refundable.

If you progress to a full neurodevelopmental assessment, this is charged at a further £3200.00 which can either be paid in full or separated by up to 3 payments. The full amount or first instalment is due 7 days prior to your full neurodevelopmental assessment appointment. If an appointment is cancelled with more than 48 working hours notice, we will refund the amount paid to you. Cancellations with less than 48 working hours notice will incur the full fee.

If further assessments are required during the assessment process, these will not be charged for.

What if I already have an ASD diagnosis?

As we believe it is really important to have a full understanding of an individual’s presentation, we do not separate out our assessment process to look at one area in isolation.  However we realise that some people have received an ASD or ADHD diagnosis but still do not fully understand their own presentation and we are committed to helping individuals find a holistic understanding of themselves.  We aim to build the information you have from any singular assessment, and encompass that with our usual comprehensive approach, including a cognitive assessment, QbTest, consideration of mental health and sensory screening as required, resulting in a holistic and broader understanding of the individual.

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As such, we have developed a bolt-on Neurodevelopmental Assessment with an ADHD focus which costs £1795.00.  

This assessment is for people who have undergone an ASD assessment, whether a diagnosis was made or not, and will help to build a fuller picture of the individuals needs and identify any further diagnoses such as ADHD as indicated. This assessment aims to build you the full understanding our comprehensive assessment provides, with taking into account previous isolated assessments completed.

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We also now offer a bolt-on Neurodevelopmental Assessment with an ASD focus which costs £2395.00.

This assessment is for those who have undergone an ADHD assessment, whether a diagnosis was made or not, and will help to build a fuller picture of the individuals needs and identify any further diagnoses such as ASD as indicated.

Both our ASD and ADHD focussed assessments will require you providing evidence of any previous assessments completed and their outcomes prior to commencement.

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