Autism & ADHD Assessment Hub

Autism & ADHD Assessment Hub: neurodivergent assessments in the UK

Autism & ADHD Assessment Hub is a private assessment centre specialising in neurodivergent profiles. Its team carries out autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia assessments for both children and adults, as well as a comprehensive neurodiversity screening service. The organisation states it has over 23 years of experience in conducting high-quality assessments.

Assessment services

The offering is organised into five main lines, each with different pathways for children and adults:

• Autism: child and adult assessments. Assessors are HCPC-registered psychologists, with a minimum of five years' experience working with autistic children.
• ADHD: child and adult assessments, with an approach tailored to the specific difficulties of each case.
• Combined autism and ADHD (AuDHD): joint assessments for children and adults that explore both profiles in an integrated way.
• Dyslexia: specialist assessments to identify differences in reading, writing and processing, with tailored support recommendations.
• Dyspraxia: assessments focused on coordination, motor skills and planning, aimed at understanding and managing everyday challenges.

In addition, a comprehensive neurodiversity screening service is offered to guide individuals towards the most appropriate assessment pathway.

Methodology and clinical standards

Assessment processes follow NICE guidelines for autism and ADHD, and SASC committee standards for dyslexia and dyspraxia, using recognised assessment tools as a benchmark. The team is made up of clinicians registered with the HCPC and GMC, including psychologists, psychiatrists, paediatricians, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and specialist assessors in specific learning difficulties (SpLD).

The organisation states it has specific experience and training in the presentation of autism and ADHD in women and girls, as well as in cases of masked or camouflaged autism and ADHD. The resulting reports are designed to facilitate access to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), exam access arrangements, the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) and workplace adjustments.

Team and approach

Clinical leadership is provided by Dr Zoe McGovern and Dr Jessica Donohoe, clinical psychologists with extensive experience in assessing and supporting neurodivergent individuals. The multidisciplinary team includes professionals with lived experience of neurodivergence. The approach is described as neurodiversity-affirming, focused on understanding both strengths and challenges, and seeks to provide a positive and empowering experience for individuals and their families.

Assessment process

The pathway is structured in seven steps: referral, initial consultation, diagnostic screening or observational assessment at the clinic, clinical interview, report writing, feedback session and notification to the GP. Assessments can be carried out in person or remotely, with appointments available in the evening and at weekends. According to the organisation's information, assessments are completed within 4 to 8 weeks from the initial consultation, although timescales may vary.

Reports and post-diagnostic support

Each assessment includes a detailed report and an individualised support plan with recommendations for post-diagnostic support. Reports are reviewed by the team to ensure quality. The organisation states that its assessments have a 100% acceptance rate from the NHS, local authorities, schools and other providers. Enquiries are answered within 2 hours and the team is available by phone and online to answer questions.

Coverage and locations

The organisation operates across the UK through a network of local centres called hubs. The website lists hubs in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with locations such as Durham, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Alderley Edge, Chester, Liverpool, Manchester, Preston, Bradford, Hull, Leeds, Sheffield, York, Derby, Leicester, Lincoln, Nottingham, Northampton, Birmingham, Hereford, Solihull, Shrewsbury, Worcester, Coventry, Stoke-on-Trent, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Colchester, Ipswich, Norwich, Luton, London, Brighton, East Kent, Maidstone, Milton Keynes, Isle of Wight, Oxford, Portsmouth, Reading, Southampton, Surrey, Bristol, Dorchester, Exeter, Plymouth, Poole, Taunton, Truro, Bournemouth, Cardiff, Swansea, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen and Belfast.

Pricing and access

The organisation states it operates a fixed-price, all-inclusive policy, with no hidden or variable costs. The website mentions the possibility of an initial consultation for a reduced fee. It also clarifies that it does not participate in the NHS Right to Choose programme.