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1,350
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An Autism assessment for children can offer several benefits, such as helping others understand their unique differences, providing a sense of belonging, offering educational accommodations, and family life and mental health.
Child ADHD Assessment
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a developmental difference that affects how a person processes information due to differences in how they focus, maintain attention and organise their thoughts. People with ADHD often have unique strengths and challenges. ​The challenges are usually associated with environments and situations that are not suited to meet their unique needs.
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ADHD can be considered a type of neurodiversity. Neurodiversity is a concept that recognises neurological differences, such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and others, as natural variations of the human brain rather than 'conditions' that need to be 'fixed.' This perspective values the diverse ways people think and process information.
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When we consider ADHD and neurodiversity together, it suggests that experiencing ADHD is a way of being and is not inherently defective or disordered. This approach encourages acceptance, inclusion, and support. This is something The Autism Pathway is passionate about.
ADHD is characterised by a range of traits that can vary from person to person but generally fall into two main categories: inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
People with ADHD may show predominantly inattentive traits, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive traits, or a combination of both (combined presentation). It’s important to remember that ADHD exists on a spectrum, and not all traits are present in every individual.​
Core features of ADHD
Inattentive Traits:
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Differences in sustaining attention, with a great focus on passions (hyperfocus) and less focus on other tasks and information
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Struggling to multitask and start new projects
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Unintentionally making mistakes or overlooking details
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Trouble organising tasks and activities
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Becoming easily distracted by unrelated stimuli
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Finding it difficult to remember things in daily activities​​​
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Hyperactive/Impulsive Traits:​
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Finding quiet environments challenging due to the need for movement and speech
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Feeling restless or constantly "on the go" and enjoying movement and activity
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Ethusiasm about sharing information, which can lead to interrupting others or shouting out​
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Other Common Traits:
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Strong emotional reactions
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Low confidence and self-esteem
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Sleep difficulties
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Finding it hard to estimate or manage time
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Benefitting from help to plan, prioritise, and make decisions​​​
The Autism Pathway recognises an individual's strengths as well as differences and challenges.
Strengths of ADHD:
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Creativity due to an ability to "think outside the box".
Resilience and Determination to overcome challenges.
Spontaneity and a drive to explore new ideas and experiences.
What to expect from a Child Autism assessment with us
High Energy and Enthusiasm
due to an ability to hyperfoccus on interests and passion.
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1. Screening Information
The first step of our assessment process is to complete some screening information so that we can find out more about your child and determine together if an assessment is the right next step. It's also an opportunity for you to ask more about our assessments and let us know of any needs or preferences your child may have. This can be done by telephone or via a form.
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2. Questionnaires
We will ask you and your child to complete some Questionnaires online. These will help us to find out more about your child's early development, educational history, mental and physical well-being, and areas of strength and need.
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3. Parental/Informant and Child Interview
A clinical interview will be arranged at a convenient time and day. This will be done online.
During this interview, a trained clinician may ask you further questions about the questionnaires and information you have already submitted. The clinician will also ask you and your child questions that specifically relate to ADHD using a Diagnostic Interview for ADHD (DIVA). They will also observe how your child presents during the interview, as well as ask questions. This appointment lasts two hours and takes place online. Generally, children do not need to attend this meeting.
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4. QBCheck (if indicated)
The QBCheck is a reliable and validated computer-based test which measures and assesses different aspects of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. It is completed by your child. It is administered remotely in your own home using your computer’s web browser and takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. We will send you detailed instructions and a voucher code to remotely access the QbCheck test. We will only ask your child to complete a QBCheck if we feel it is required. There is no additional cost if this happens.
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5. Liaison with School
With your permission, we will ask your child's school to complete some questionnaires about their presentation in school.
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6. Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Meeting
Once all the assessments are complete, the assessing clinician will review all the information gathered. The information will be considered alongside the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria to conclude. At this stage, we may request additional information from you, your child, or their school/college to help formulate an outcome.
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7. Outcome & Feedback
You will receive a copy of the full report to read at your own pace. We will then arrange an online feedback meeting with a clinician you met previously to review the findings and discuss the recommendations for the 'next steps'.
Support
Our reports will outline recommendations for the best next steps for your child following your assessment.
This may include signposting to relevant services, including those who offer post-diagnostic support and further information to aid the understanding of ADHD.
Suggestions for school-based accommodations and EHCP. We will also provide information about specific aspects that arise during your child's assessment (e.g., emotion regulation, communication preferences, sensory differences, learning challenges and sleep difficulties). These supports aim to help you and your child cope with daily challenges.
We can also discuss medication options.
The two main types of medication are stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulants are fast-acting medications which work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters (dopamine and norepinephrine) in the brain, which help improve focus and self-control.
Non-stimulant medication takes longer to start working, and you may need to take it for longer to feel the effects.
Side effects of these medications can be discussed with a prescriber.
Your Options for Medication
At The Autism Pathway, we understand the importance of receiving an ADHD diagnosis and also receiving the right support for your child. To ensure our clients have a seamless and supported journey, we offer clear pathways for accessing ADHD medication:
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The Autism Pathway offers a medication pathway through partnerships with our psychiatrists. We can refer you to one of our specialist psychiatrists who can assist you and your child with medication and monitor their progress and dosage levels. This is called titration. Several appointments are usually required to reach a stable level of medication and monitor for side effects. These appointments usually take place monthly.
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Psychiatrist medication consultations are approximately £400.​​
Private Care
If you choose to return to NHS care, you can share your child's report with your GP so that they can explore medication and monitoring options with you. Please note that not all GPS do this, and it is strongly recommended that you discuss with your GP what options are available to you prior to being assessed privately if this is the path you wish to take.
NHS Care