Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Service
What type of service do you provide?
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We provide specialist assessment and treatment for children, young people, and adults. Our main areas of work include ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, and a range of mental health difficulties.
Our approach is structured and based on evidence. We use a series of appointments so we can build a full and balanced understanding, rather than trying to make decisions in a single, brief session.
How are you different from other private providers?
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We aim to provide high-quality care at fees that remain proportionate and realistic for families.
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Who will I see?
Assessments are conducted by an experienced doctor, specialist nurse prescriber or appropriately qualified senior clinician working within a structured clinical framework.
All assessments are reviewed carefully and documented in a detailed report.
ADHD Assessments
How is an ADHD assessment carried out?
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Our ADHD assessments are completed over several stages. This usually includes:
A detailed developmental history, a comprehensive clinical interview, review of school or workplace information, standardised rating scales, clinical observation, collateral information from someone who knows the person well
For children and young people, we require information from at least one teacher. For adults, this is usually a partner, family member or someone who knows them well.
How many appointments are required?
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ADHD assessments typically take place over four separate appointments. This allows sufficient time to gather information, reflect carefully and ensure diagnostic accuracy.
Will my GP accept the diagnosis?
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Many GPs do accept well-structured private assessments. However, shared care arrangements are always at the discretion of the GP practice.
We provide detailed reports to support this process, but we cannot guarantee that shared care will be accepted.
Do you use QB testing or other computer scoring systems for diagnosis?
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While we used to use QB testing as part of our assessments, we have stopped doing so. Research into computer-based attention tests shows that sensitivity and specificity typically in the range of around 70–85%, meaning that approximately 15–30% of cases may be misclassified (Berger et al., 2017; Arrondo et al., 2024; Bellato et al., 2024).
In practical terms, a significant proportion of individuals with clinically confirmed ADHD can score within the normal range, and those without ADHD may show atypical results. For this reason, our team believes that ADHD diagnosis should be based on a comprehensive clinical assessment that considers developmental history, symptoms across settings and functional impairment, rather than relying on computer testing.
Autism Assessments
How is an autism assessment completed?
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Autism assessments include:
Detailed developmental history, exploration of social communication and interaction, review of sensory differences, collateral information, school or workplace feedback, structured diagnostic assessment observations.
We take time to understand the full developmental picture rather than focusing only on current presentation.
Do you assess adults for autism?
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Yes. We assess both children and adults. The structure of the assessment varies slightly depending on age and background information available.
After Diagnosis
What happens if a diagnosis is made?
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If a diagnosis is confirmed, we will:
Provide a detailed written report, explain the diagnosis clearly, offer practical recommendations, discuss treatment options, provide guidance for school or workplace adjustments
What if no diagnosis is made?
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Not receiving a diagnosis can still be helpful. We will explain our clinical reasoning clearly and provide recommendations based on the difficulties identified.
Medication
Do you prescribe medication?
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Yes, where clinically appropriate.
If medication is started, we follow a careful titration process and monitor physical observations in line with national prescribing guidance.
What physical checks are required?
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Before starting ADHD medication and during dose adjustments, we require: Height, Weight, Blood pressure, Heart rate
These can be completed at home, at a pharmacy or in our clinic.
Shared care is an arrangement where your GP prescribes medication under an agreed plan while we provide specialist oversight.
Acceptance of shared care is always at the discretion of the GP practice.
If shared care is not accepted, prescriptions can continue privately.
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What is shared care?
Reports and Documentation
Will I receive a written report?
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Yes. A comprehensive written report is provided following assessment.
This includes: Background history, assessment findings, diagnostic reasoning, recommendations.
Reports are written clearly so they can be understood by families, schools and GPs.
Can you complete EHCP or supporting letters?
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Yes. Completion of detailed forms such as EHCP documentation can be provided.
As these are time-intensive documents, they are usually charged separately. Please see our Fees page for our current charges.
Fees and Appointments
How much does an assessment cost?
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Our fees are structured to reflect the multi-appointment nature of the assessment.
Full fee information is available in the Fees page of the website or can be provided on request.
We aim to keep fees transparent and proportionate, with no unexpected add-ons.
Are there any hidden charges?
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No. Any additional costs, such as extended reports or third-party forms, will be discussed with you in advance and are available to view on our Fees page.
How do I book an appointment?
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You can:
Complete our online enquiry form
Call the clinic directly
A member of our team will respond and guide you through the next steps.
Waiting Times
How long is the waiting time?
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Waiting times vary depending on demand, but we usually aim to complete the assessment process within six weeks of your initial enquiry.
Confidentiality and Safety
Yes. All of your information is kept confidential and handled in line with professional and data protection standards.
As part of our usual practice, we share relevant assessment information with your GP to support safe and coordinated care. We will only share information with other professionals with your consent, unless there is a safeguarding concern or a legal requirement to do so.
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Is the service confidential?
What if there are safeguarding concerns?
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If we identify significant risk or safeguarding concerns, we have a duty to act in line with statutory guidance. This may include liaising with appropriate services to ensure safety.
Schools and Professionals
Yes. With parental consent, we can communicate with schools to gather information and provide recommendations.
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Do you liaise with schools?
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Can professionals refer directly?
Yes. Referrals from GPs, schools and other professionals are welcome.