30, 60 & 90 Minute Sessions With a Qualified & Insured Neurodivergent Counsellor
Thinking of Diagnosis ?
If you’re exploring the possibility of an Autism and/or ADHD diagnosis, there are several routes available, both free and private. It’s important to take your time, and research the professionals you choose to work with.
Many people feel more comfortable seeking an assessment through services led by neurodivergent professionals, as they often bring a deeper, lived understanding of neurodivergent experiences.
Be mindful that some clinicians may still use outdated or narrow criteria; often based on stereotypical presentations, such as those of young Autistic boys. This can mean that some people, especially women or late-diagnosed adults, may not always be recognised within traditional systems. Taking the time to find someone informed for example, in the later diagnosis of women, can make a real difference to your experience.
What are my options?
NHS
Clinical vs. Non-Clinical Autism Assessments
Right to Choose
You can request an NHS assessment by speaking with your GP, who can refer you to a local diagnostic service. Waiting times can vary, but assessments are free of charge.
Right to Choose
Clinical vs. Non-Clinical Autism Assessments
Right to Choose
In England, the NHS Right to Choose allows you to select your preferred provider for an Autism or ADHD assessment. This can be especially helpful if local NHS waiting times are long. To access this option, you’ll need a referral from your GP, and you can choose from any provider with an approved NHS contract.
Clinical vs. Non-Clinical Autism Assessments
Clinical vs. Non-Clinical Autism Assessments
Clinical vs. Non-Clinical Autism Assessments
For some people, receiving a formal clidiagnosis brings clarity, validation and access to additional support. For others, exploring their experiences through a non-clinical assessment may provide the understanding they're looking for.
If you’re exploring whether you might be autistic, it can help to know the different types of assessments
For some people, receiving a formal clidiagnosis brings clarity, validation and access to additional support. For others, exploring their experiences through a non-clinical assessment may provide the understanding they're looking for.
If you’re exploring whether you might be autistic, it can help to know the different types of assessments available.
Clinical Assessments: Often carried out by Psychiatrists or Clinical Psychologists, these provide an official diagnosis, which may help you access NHS support or accommodations/reasonable adjustments at work.
Non-Clinical Assessments: Offered by trained specialists or neurodivergent professionals, these provide insight and understanding into your experiences, even if they don’t give a formal medical diagnosis. Often a more affordable option and uses less deficit-focused language.
Which assessment is right for you?
There isn't one approach that's right for everyone.
For some people, receiving a formal clinical diagnosis brings clarity, validation and access to additional support. For others, exploring their experiences through a non-clinical assessment may provide the understanding they're looking for.
It's also worth noting that you don't necessarily need a formal diagnosis to ask for reasonable adjustments at work, as explored here by ACAS, or to begin exploring and accommodating your own needs.
Ultimately, it's about understanding what you're hoping to gain from an assessment and choosing an approach that feels right for you.
Hendrickx Associates
Berkeley Psychiatrists
Clinical vs. Non-Clinical Autism Assessments
Sarah Hendrickx completed my non-clinical Autism assessment. It is now also her daughter, Jess, who carries out the assessments.
Berkeley Psychiatrists
Berkeley Psychiatrists
Berkeley Psychiatrists
Dr Hearfield is a Consultant Psychiatrist and carried out my ADHD assessment. She has a particular interest in Autism and ADHD, holding a particular interest in exploring the symptoms of ADHD in women.
