Assessment and Diagnostic Options

The comprehensive assessment and diagnostic options available for Adults (17+ years) are assessments of:

1. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
2. Asperger’s Syndrome (AS)
3. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
4. Tourette’s Syndrome

Professionally Recognised and Accepted Adult Diagnostic Assessments

It is vital that when seeking formal assessment for Adult Autism Spectrum Conditions and Adult ADHD that these are conducted using industry recognised and accepted assessment tools and methods.  The tools used within my work fulfil formal diagnostic criteria as dictated by the NICE Guidance (2010) for Autism and NICE Guidance (2018) for ADHD.

The assessment process involves formally recognised assessment tools and psychometric testing necessary for all the developmental conditions listed above.  The formal diagnostic assessment is complex and comprehensive which is necessary to ensure a conclusive outcome and will include:

• An initial fixed fee screening appointment lasting approximately 60-90 minutes (there may be an additional charge if this appointment lasts longer than 90 minutes)
• A variety of psychometric questionnaires for the client and family members/partners to complete which will then be scored and rated
• If mutually agreed that a full assessment is indicated, a full history and general assessment lasting 90-120 minutes
• For AS assessments this will involve the Adult Asperger’s Assessment (AAA)
• For ADHD assessments this will involve the Brown’s ADD Scales
• Developmental interview, for Autism conditions, this will include the use of the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO)
• Analysis of school reports and other letters and documents relevant to the assessment
• Psychometric testing of attention (for ADHD only)
• Feedback of results and recommendations
• Final detailed written report

• In some cases it may be necessary for me to use the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS) as well, though this is an additional assessment package and requires more time and will incur additional cost.

All diagnostic assessment will be handled confidentially and respectfully and careful consideration will be taken to ensure there is a significant clinical reason for undertaking such assessments.  All this will be decided and discussed at an initial screening assessment.

Important note regarding private assessments

I’m always mindful that the private route can be costly.  It’s understandable that people will therefore wish to shop around.  I would advise though that it is very important however, to make sure that the clinician / service chosen has sufficient qualifications, knowledge and experience and uses the appropriate assessment tools that will constitute an official diagnosis.

The NICE Guidelines for Autism (2014) and Autism Act (2009) stipulate the necessary requirements:

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/CG142/chapter/1-Guidance#identification-and-assessment

In both my private work, and more often in my current ADHD & Asperger’s NHS work, I encounter private assessment reports that lack necessary rigour and robustness necessary.  Regrettably, some of these are subsequently rejected by GPs and specialist services.

If a company is offering an assessment / diagnostic process that seems far cheaper than most, then there may well be a good reason for that, and clinicians may have a lot less experience, or experienced supervision and guidance than would be necessary.  Neurodevelopmental conditions are LIFELONG conditions, so if there is not consideration of childhood factors, then the assessment is not sufficiently robust.              

Diagnostic Assessment Fees:

• Initial Screening Assessment (fixed fee) £200 (there may be a further charge of £20 for every additional 10 minutes over the 90 minute duration)
• Clinical assessment rates per hour £110
• Paperwork, letters, reports per hour spent £110
• Travel incurred related to appointments per hour £50
• Late cancellation fees per hour if cancelled with less than 48 hours before the appointment – £55.  There will be a full hourly rate charge if cancelled less than 24 hours before
• Any follow-up work/psychological therapy per hour £110
• Basic letters such as diagnosis confirmation letters £60
• Payment can be made by cash, debit or credit cards, or bank transfer.

A full diagnostic assessment, which may lead to a diagnosis depending on the individual case (this can follow an initial screening assessment depending on the outcome) will take approximately seven or more hours to complete including administration and report/letter writing.  To make costing simpler, I’ve detailed prices below with assessment package prices:

Full Adult Asperger’s Assessment (17.5 yrs +) with long comprehensive outcome report – £885

(AS assessment cost including screening = £1085)

Full Adult ADHD Assessment (17.5 yrs +) with long comprehensive outcome report – £800

(ADHD assessment cost including screening = £1000)

[As a Psychologist, I do not prescribe medication.  Therefore following ADHD assessments, if there is consideration of ADHD medication, I have various contacts I can share including a Non-Medical Nurse Prescriber, Rebecca Salazar (see below), as well as local Consultant Psychiatrists and a Specialist Pharmacist Prescriber.  If helpful, please ask for more details of this process.]

ADHD Shine

Rebecca Salazar – Highly Specialist Nurse Prescriber

ADHD Shine is a remote service where Rebecca offers a highly experienced and professional, comprehensive and understanding service for people with a diagnosis of ADHD who wish to consider medication treatment for ADHD.

The website address is:  https://www.adhdshine.net/

CST Payment Information:

Payments can be made in cash, debit and credit cards, or by bank transfer.  Payment must be made 24 hours before the start of each appointment.

I generally recommend a follow-up appointment approximately two months after a diagnostic assessment which gives people the opportunity to address any questions, and discuss the impact of diagnosis / outcome.  It is common for a diagnostic outcome to cause varied, sometimes unexpected emotional responses which benefit from space to consider further.  This is not included in the assessment package, but generally felt to be very valuable.