Age Ranges and Assessment Pathways

• Children aged 6 years and above
Assessments can be offered when led by a Consultant Clinician (Consultant Clinical Psychologist or Consultant Psychiatrist). This option is available for families who would prefer consultant involvement, as well as for younger children or situations where additional clinical oversight is helpful

• Children aged 7 years and above
Assessments may be offered through our standard neurodevelopmental assessment pathway, led by appropriately qualified clinicians, with consultant oversight as required.

• Autism assessments from age 5
In some circumstances, autism assessments may be considered from age 5, where this is clinically appropriate and consultant-led.

We are always happy to talk with families about which pathway is the best fit.

 

We Can Usually Offer an Assessment When

• There are concerns about attention, activity levels, communication, social interaction, sensory processing, or routines that may relate to ADHD and/or Autism.

• Consent can be provided:

o By the individual themselves, where they have capacity or understanding.

o By a parent or carer for children who are not yet able to give consent.

• The individual is able to take part in the assessment process, either in person or online, with reasonable adjustments where needed.

 

When We May Recommend Waiting or Alternative Support

Sometimes, the most helpful option is to pause or redirect an assessment so that it is safe, accurate, and genuinely useful. This may happen if:

• Someone is currently experiencing significant mental health distress or is at high risk and needs urgent support first.

• There are unresolved medical or neurological concerns, such as a recent head injury, that need further investigation before an assessment can be accurate.

• Difficulties are strongly affected by active substance misuse.

• The assessment approach would not be the most appropriate way to understand needs at this time.

In many cases, assessments can be revisited later, once things are more settled or additional information is available.

 

What You Can Expect From Us

• Every enquiry is considered individually

• Decisions are explained clearly and kindly

• Reasonable adjustments are discussed to support participation

• We help families find alternative or additional support where needed

• We are open to reviewing decisions if circumstances change

 

Please Note

Our assessments are provided to support understanding, care planning, and reasonable adjustments. We do not provide assessments solely for court cases, tribunals, or legal proceedings.

 

A Final Reassurance

If an assessment is not the right step right now, this does not mean your concerns are not valid.
Our priority is always to make sure assessments are safe, appropriate, and genuinely helpful.

If you are unsure whether an assessment is right for you or your child, we are always happy to talk this through.