Neuroaffirming Assessments.
I provide comprehensive, neuroaffirming psychological assessments for adults exploring
autism, ADHD, or combined Autism and ADHD (AuDHD). I can also work with older
adolescents aged 16–17 where appropriate. For me, assessment is about more than
deciding whether a set of diagnostic criteria is met. It is an opportunity to make sense of
your experiences, understand how you have learned to navigate the world, recognise
your strengths and needs, and develop a clearer understanding of yourself. A diagnosis
may form an important part of that process, but it is not the only valuable outcome.
A Neuroaffirming Approach
My approach is person-centred and neuroaffirming. I understand autism and ADHD as
forms of neurodevelopmental difference rather than something that needs to be “fixed”.
At the same time, being neurodivergent in environments that are largely designed
around neurotypical ways of thinking, communicating and functioning can bring very
real challenges. Experiences such as masking, overwhelm, burnout, difficulties with
executive functioning, sensory differences or feeling somehow “different” can have a
significant impact over time. Rather than beginning with the question “What is wrong
with me?”, assessment offers an opportunity to explore: “How do I experience and
navigate the world, and what might help me understand myself better?” Whether or not
the assessment ultimately leads to a diagnosis, my aim is that you leave with a clearer
understanding of your experiences, strengths, needs and the kinds of support that may
be helpful.
The Assessment Process
1- Screening & Background Information
Before your initial consultation, you will be invited to complete some questionnaires
relating to autistic and/or ADHD experiences. These questionnaires do not diagnose
autism or ADHD on their own. Instead, they provide useful background information and
help us identify areas to explore in greater depth during your consultation.
2- Initial Consultation
We meet for a 90-minute initial consultation to explore what has led you to consider
assessment and what you hope to understand. We will discuss your current
experiences and relevant aspects of your developmental history, education, work,
relationships, mental health, strengths and challenges. We will also review the
information from your questionnaires and consider whether a more comprehensive
autism, ADHD or combined assessment would be helpful. If you decide to continue, the
next stage is tailored to the questions we are trying to understand rather than following
an identical assessment pathway for every person.
3- Comprehensive Assessment
Autism
An autism assessment involves exploring your experiences across your life, including
childhood development, relationships, communication, sensory experiences, routines,
interests, identity, and the ways you may have adapted to different social or
environmental expectations. Particular attention may be given to experiences such as
masking or compensating for differences, especially where these have made autistic
characteristics less visible to others.
Depending on your individual circumstances, I may use additional structured or
standardised assessment tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule –
Second Edition (ADOS-2). Where helpful and with your agreement, I may also invite a
parent, family member or another person who knew you well earlier in life to contribute
developmental information. This may include use of the Autism Diagnostic Interview –
Revised (ADI-R). These tools can provide useful information, but they are only one part
of a wider psychological assessment. Not every measure is necessary or helpful for
every person, and the assessment will be adapted accordingly.
ADHD
An ADHD assessment explores patterns of attention, organisation, executive
functioning, impulsivity, activity levels, emotional regulation and how these experiences
affect different areas of your life. We consider both childhood and adult experiences and
look at how your individual strengths, coping strategies and environment may have
influenced how ADHD-related differences have presented over time.
Where clinically useful, the assessment may include a structured interview such as the
Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA-5). With your agreement, information
from a family member or someone who knows you well can also be helpful, although
this will depend on your individual circumstances.
Combined Autism & ADHD (AuDHD)
Where both autism and ADHD are being explored, the assessment considers how these
different aspects of neurodevelopment may interact. Rather than viewing them as two
separate checklists, we look at your experiences as a whole and consider how different
traits, strengths, challenges and ways of adapting may fit together.
4- Feedback & Shared Understanding
Following the assessment, we meet for a dedicated feedback session. We will talk
through the findings together, including any diagnostic conclusions where appropriate,
but the conversation goes beyond diagnosis. We will consider how your experiences fit
together, what you have learned about yourself, and what this understanding might
mean for you moving forward. There will be time to ask questions and reflect on how the
findings sit with your own understanding of yourself.
5- Written Psychological Report
You will receive a comprehensive written report bringing together the information
gathered throughout the assessment. This will include the assessment findings,
psychological understanding of your experiences, any diagnostic conclusions where
appropriate, and personalised recommendations. Recommendations may relate to
workplace or educational accommodations, psychological therapy, everyday strategies,
further assessment, or other sources of support.
More Than a Diagnosis
For many adults, exploring autism or ADHD follows years of wondering why certain
aspects of life have felt different, difficult or unusually effortful. A thoughtful assessment
can provide a new way of understanding those experiences. It may help make sense of
longstanding patterns, recognise the impact of masking or adapting, identify previously
overlooked strengths and needs, and bring greater self-compassion. My hope is that the
assessment feels less like being examined and more like making sense of your life
together. Whatever the outcome, I want you to leave with a deeper understanding of
yourself and clearer ideas about what may help you live in a way that feels sustainable
and authentic to you.
Please note: These assessments are intended to support personal understanding,
diagnostic clarification and treatment or support planning. They are not designed for
medico-legal or forensic purposes.