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Our Mental Health and Well-Being Supports include a full range of assessment and diagnostic options for:

  • Autism

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD)

  • Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

  • Developmental Trauma and/or Complex Trauma

  • Cognitive and Developmental assessments

  • Mental Health

  • Sensory Profiles

Diagnostic and Assessment Pathway

A key element within our approach is experience in working with complex cases where superficial features which suggest, for example, autism, might in fact be associated with trauma rather than neurodevelopmental difference.

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Our approach is also formulation driven in that we seek to help individuals find solutions and explanations for their distress. And so, if we are asked to complete a diagnostic assessment for autism for example, regardless of the outcome of the assessment, we will always include practical recommendations and signpost towards next steps and tailored supports where appropriate. Where appropriate, in such reports we will also recommend any adjustments required in the system around a person, such as at home, school, college, services and/or in the workplace.

Diagnosis and Assessment for Autism, ADHD and More

The following is an overview of some of the typical diagnostic and assessment pathways we offer. If you are unsure which services you require, please submit a referral where one of our experienced clinicians can advise you further:

  • Diagnostic assessments for autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), attention deficit disorder (ADD), Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Complex PTSD), AIM3 assessments looking at harmful sexualised behaviours, and more. For more information on Autism Diagnostic and Specialist Assessments, follow the links below:

  • Diagnostic clarification in complex cases so as to accurately understand a person’s needs and differentiate between overlapping conditions such as trauma pathways, ADHD and autism. This question is often asked regarding children in looked after care settings where features of complex trauma and childhood neglect might mirror features associated with autism or ADHD.

  • Re-evaluation or second opinion on past diagnostic assessments where it is felt clarification or review is appropriate. This question for example arises for individuals who might not have been able to access compete assessment during the Covid-19 pandemic, or where diagnostic overshadowing and emphasis on a primary condition has led to other difficulties being overlooked or dismissed. We also work with adults who feel autism has been overlooked in their life and take care to keep an open mind for overlapping pathways which might explain client difficulty.

  • More generally, our lead psychologist team can assist where assessment or diagnosis is required in any area of mental health so as to inform need or adjustments in a person’s life, such as in cases of anxiety, depression, trauma or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

  • Stress and sensory profile assessments, in order to provide guidance within the assessment and diagnosis process.

  • Cognitive and developmental assessments profiling for deficits in cognitive ability (e.g., dyslexia, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, attention, concentration, working memory, processing speed) and developmental stage (e.g., social and emotional intelligence), identifying where strengths and weaknesses lie.

  • Behavioural assessments, looking at intensity and frequency of distressed behaviours in order to identify specific interventions and resources that may be necessary in order to set goals and manage distress.

  • Contributing to risk assessments.

  • Emotional well-being and mental health assessments, looking at self-esteem, hopelessness, anxiety and depression.

  • Supporting families to understand and interpret diagnoses by liaising with families, parents and carers to understand, for example, the impact of an autism diagnosis, and provide guidance around implementing practical support for an individual.

  • Assessments and observations around practice for organisations and services supporting individuals, including assessing practical, organisational and individual support needs. Our clinical and training team can also provide guidance and coaching for supporters (carers, family members, support workers, and providers) in order to implement practical and organisational needs with service users. In addition, our clinical team are involved in assessing an individual’s needs and working with already assessed needs alongside other professionals and key stakeholders, such as occupational therapists.

  • We are able to facilitate assessments remotely using online tools such as Zoom, a video conferencing system. All assessments are conducted under the supervision of a senior team member. Observations are also possible remotely, and there is strict guidance within Studio 3 to ensure that this information is not permanently stored. All of the components of direct face-to-face assessment is contained within the online process, including, for example: gathering a developmental history of the individual from a family member or anyone with substantial knowledge of the developmental history from when the individual was a young child, a sensory-based assessment (including interoceptive awareness), online interviews with the individual and members of their family to review the DSM-V criteria for diagnosing autism and how the criteria may apply to the individual, and finally a diagnostic opinion. Ongoing support and training, including counselling for family members and staff, can also be offered online.

For further information or to discuss options around seeking an assessment or diagnosis, please submit a referral.

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