OUR AUTISM & ADHD SERVICES
What happens during an assessment
We understand that waiting for an Autism or ADHD assessment, and not knowing what to expect, can feel worrying.
This page explains, step by step, what usually happens during a neurodevelopmental assessment, so you know what to expect before, during, and after appointments.
While some details may vary slightly depending on the pathway and individual needs, all assessments follow recognised clinical standards and guidance.
Our goal is to make the assessment process feel less like a clinical appointment and more like a supportive conversation. We prioritise your comfort and ensure that your voice and your child/young person’s voice is heard every step of the way.
Before the assessment
Referral and initial contact
How the referral happens depends on the pathway:
- NHS pathways: your GP sends a referral
- Self-pay pathways: you contact us directly
Once a referral is accepted, our team will:
- Contact you to explain the next steps
- Check whether any reasonable adjustments are needed (for example, communication, sensory needs, or accessibility)
Questionnaires and information gathering
Before the assessment, we will ask for information to help us understand strengths, needs, and everyday experiences.
Please note that we cannot progress with an assessment until all questionnaires and forms have been completed and returned to us.
This may include:
- Questionnaires for parents or carers
- Questionnaires from school or education settings
- Self-report questionnaires (where appropriate)
- Background and developmental history
Completing these forms fully and returning them promptly helps avoid delays.
Clinical triage
Once questionnaires are returned, our clinical team reviews the information.
This helps us to:
- Confirm the most appropriate assessment pathway
- Decide whether an Autism assessment, ADHD assessment, or combined assessment is needed
- Plan the assessment in a way that best meets the individual’s needs
You’ll be contacted to confirm the next stage.
The assessment appointment
Who you’ll see
Assessments are carried out by appropriately qualified clinical teams, which may include:
- Psychiatrists
- Paediatricians
- Psychologists
- Occupational therapists
- Speech and language therapists
For children and young people, assessments are designed to be child/young person and family centred.
What the assessment involves
The assessment may include:
- A detailed discussion about development, health, education, and daily life
- Review of questionnaires and reports
- Direct interaction with the child or young person
- Observations of communication, social interaction, attention, and behaviour
For some assessments, this may also include:
- Structured observation tools (such as ADOS for Autism)
- School or educational observations, where appropriate
After the assessment
Outcome and feedback
After the assessment:
- The clinical team will explain the outcome clearly and sensitively
- You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions
- If a diagnosis is made, this will be explained in a clear, accessible format
If a diagnosis is not made, we will still offer guidance and signposting where helpful.
Written report
You will receive a written report following the assessment.
Reports include:
- What was assessed and how
- The outcome or diagnosis
- The reasons for the decision
- Recommendations and next steps
Reports are written to be:
- Clear and accessible
- Suitable for sharing with GPs, schools, or other professionals (with consent)
After diagnosis: what happens next?
Every assessment includes post-assessment guidance, regardless of the outcome. Whether through our 10-week psychoeducation program for local pathways or our services for private clients, we ensure you have a clear, supported path into the next stage of your journey.
Depending on the pathway and individual needs, this may include:
- Signposting to local or national support services
- Advice for home, education, or work
- Psychoeducation and information sessions
- Discussion of further support or treatment options (where commissioned)
More detail about ongoing support is available on: What Happens After an Assessment
Different types of assessments
You can find more detail about specific assessments here:
- ADHD Assessment (Children & Young People)
- Autism Assessment (Children & Young People)
- Combined ADHD & Autism Assessment (Children & Young People)
These pages explain what’s specific to each type of assessment.
All assessments at Provide Wellbeing:
- Follow NICE guidance
- Use recognised diagnostic criteria
- Are delivered by trained, experienced clinical teams
- Respectful, inclusive, and person-centred
TALK TO US TODAY ABOUT
Neurodevelopmental Services
Call 0300 303 9966, email
provide.wellbeing@nhs.net
or complete the form below…
Testimonials
Parent / Guardian of RO, Autism Assessment Customer
The practitioners on the day were clearly very experienced and cleverly managed to get my daughter away from me for the assessment, which I’d not expected. Getting the result so quickly on the day was great and the whole experience was nowhere near as stressful as I feared it would be.
Parent / Guardian of CA, Autism Assessment Customer
Really lovely friendly place with a calm environment for everyone.
Parent / Guardian of HB, Autism Assessment Customer
Very efficient service and really lovely staff members. Hannah made my daughter feel very comfortable.
Parent / Guardian of EA, Autism Assessment Customer
Fantastic service from start to finish! The support over the phone was excellent, and I was kept updated throughout the entire process. During the assessment, both my son and I were made to feel completely at ease. The consultation afterwards was kind, compassionate, and very professional.
Parent / Guardian of CR, Autism Assessment Customer
I don’t think it could have gone any better, all of the team were fantastic, super welcoming and reassuring. Loads of support, cannot recommend enough.
RR, ASD and ADHD Assessment Customer
From booking to getting the assessment completed everything was easy, the service was great and we are very happy with the outcome.
Parent / Guardian of CW, Autism Assessment Customer
Once again, we were treated as a family with respect and care. Provide Wellbeing we are so grateful that you are able to offer neuro-developmental services, and always recommend you to others. Thank you so much!
Parent / Guardian of LT, Autism Assessment Customer
Everyone was so lovely, from the initial telephone consultation several months ago, right through to the day of the appointment.
Parent / Guardian of AV, Autism Assessment Customer
It’s taken us 10 years to get a diagnosis for our daughter after no one listening to us. We can now get the help and support our daughter well deserves! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
NT, Autism Assessment Customer
I was made to feel like an equal, an adult, even a friend. The assessment was a casual conversation where we chatted back and forth. Thank you for making me feel less alone and confused in the way I think and feel.
Parent / Guardian of AR, Autism Assessment Customer
To the special lady who in depth and sensitively took the time to tell us about what she found in the assessment and delivered our son’s diagnosis to us. I’ll be forever grateful.
Parent / Guardian of IE, Autism Assessment Customer
Really simple quick and easy process from start to finish. Absolutely wonderful and caring staff who were so good with my child and were so patient and kind when explaining everything. Couldn’t be more grateful for the team.
Parent / Guardian of EM, Autism Assessment Customer
From day one the service we have received has been exceptional.
Parent / Guardian of AM, Autism Assessment Customer
All of the staff at Provide Wellbeing were welcoming and thorough in their assessment. I highly recommend this professional service.
Parent / Guardian of ER, Autism Assessment Customer
All the team were really nice and kind and put me and my daughter at ease. They explained everything very well and made sure my daughter understood as best she could.
Parent/Guardian of GF, Autism Assessment Customer
The staff were very welcoming, they made the experience very playful for my son. As parents we felt listen to and not rushed.
Parent/Guardian of EK, Autism Assessment Customer
An excellent experience, everything was explained in great detail and we felt like we had the time to discuss anything else we needed to. My son was able to ask any questions he had too.
Parent/Guardian of MC, Autism Assessment Customer
Quiet and bright clinic, perfect for my daughter, and the team are lovely and very informative.
Parent/Guardian of DS, Autism Assessment Customer
Overwhelmingly positive. All staff were so professional, and talked about and to my Son in a positive, kind way. It was so refreshing.
Parent / Guardian of BR, Autism Assessment Customer
The team were incredibly approachable and friendly, which made us feel comfortable and heard throughout the entire process. We truly appreciated the clear communication and the care with which they explained the findings. It was evident that they took the time to ensure both my son and I fully understood the diagnosis, which meant a […]
Support you can trust
Our team provides actionable insights, no matter where you are on your journey, and offers expert advice to help you or a family member on your road to a diagnosis. Our ASD and ADHD services are suitable for children and young people seeking a diagnosis.
