What to Expect
Who Carries out the Assessment
Your child will be assessed by a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and a Clinical Psychologist, both of whom are registered with the relevant UK regulatory bodies, such as the GMC and HCPC.
Diagnostic Criteria and Tools
We use internationally recognised standards when making a diagnosis. Assessments follow DSM-5 criteria, and we use gold-standard tools such as the 3Di (a standardised developmental interview) and the ADOS-2, a widely respected observational assessment.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Depending on your child’s needs, we may also involve other professionals such as a Speech and Language Therapist. We gather information from your child’s school or nursery, typically through reports or questionnaires, to build a comprehensive picture. If a direct school observation is needed, this can also be arranged at an additional cost.
The Final Report
The outcome of the assessment is a detailed written report, which draws on clinical findings and input from individuals who know your child well. It includes a clear diagnostic statement, evidence for the diagnosis, and a description of how the findings affect your child’s daily life. The report is signed and dated by the responsible consultant psychiatrist, including their professional registration details, and is always followed by a discussion with you about the diagnosis and next steps.
Recognition and Acceptance
Our reports are designed to meet NICE guidelines and are routinely recognised by local authorities, schools, and agencies such as the DWP for Disability Living Allowance or EHCP applications.
Timeframes
The entire process typically takes between two and three months. It begins with an initial session involving both the young person and their parents, during which the consultant psychiatrist gathers a detailed developmental history and conducts the 3Di interview. This is followed by a separate appointment with the clinical psychologist for the ADOS-2 assessment. After these sessions, the multidisciplinary team meet to discuss findings before a final feedback session takes place with the consultant psychiatrist. The written report is usually ready about four weeks after the feedback, although there can be delays if school information takes longer to arrive.
Fee Structure
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