Frequently asked questions.
Deciding to look into an autism or ADHD assessment is a big step, for you or for your child. These answers explain how we work at The Adolphus Practice (TAP), what to expect at each stage, and why we take the time we do. If your question isn't here, please get in touch. We're always happy to talk things through.
About TAP and our approach
Who are The Adolphus Practice?
The Adolphus Practice is an independent, family-run practice specialising in autism and ADHD assessments. It is run by Dr Katie Adolphus, our Clinical Director, and Kathryn Adolphus, our Director. Together they lead a team of qualified, experienced clinicians, including both employed and independent professionals, each with the relevant professional registration. Our team includes clinical psychologists, speech and language therapists and a specialist GP, all experienced in assessing and working with autistic people and people with ADHD. This brings a wide range of specialist knowledge and experience to every assessment. We have long-standing working relationships with many of our clinicians, so we know and trust the quality of their work. Most of the families and adults who come to us have been recommended by someone we've already worked with.
Who leads the clinical team?
Our clinical team is led by our Clinical Director, Dr Katie Adolphus, a Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years' experience. Katie began working in the NHS in 1995, qualified as a Clinical Psychologist in 1999, and has worked independently since 2009. Her experience spans specialist hospital settings, including Great Ormond Street Hospital, as well as Community CAMHS and coordinating autism services in a London borough.
Katie has also contributed to research into childhood anxiety at the University of Reading, lectured at the University of Exeter, has provided regular training on neurodivergence for the Judicial College and regularly supervises other clinicians working in this field. She is known for being knowledgeable, understanding and a good listener, and for working collaboratively with the people and families she supports.
What does "neuro-affirmative" mean at TAP?
It means we see neurodivergence as a difference to be understood, not a deficit to be fixed. Whoever you are, and whatever you're bringing, you'll be met with respect and curiosity in a safe space. Our assessments look at strengths as well as challenges. We use respectful, non-judgemental language, and we listen to how each person describes their own experiences. Our aim is to help you or your child make sense of your experiences and find the right support to thrive.
How is TAP different from other assessment services?
We are not a conveyor-belt service. We deliberately keep our numbers small, working with around 20 families each month. That gives us the time to offer every person the best possible assessment experience:
Time to talk first. Every assessment begins with a Pre-Assessment Consultation, so we can understand your story before recommending anything.
Honest advice. If a full assessment isn't the right next step, we'll tell you, and suggest other support or services instead.
One lead clinician. You'll have a named lead clinician who gets to know you throughout the process.
NICE compliant. Every assessment complies with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
Safe Space Alliance members. We're proud members of the Safe Space Alliance, which recognises spaces that are safe, welcoming and inclusive for LGBTQIA+ people.
Collaborative expertise. Diagnostic decisions are often made collaboratively, drawing on the specialist areas and many years of experience across our team.
Face-to-face where it matters. Observational assessments take place in person at our Devizes office. Occasionally, we carry out adult ADHD assessments entirely online. If we can't gather enough evidence this way, we'll arrange an in-person appointment.
Your voice in the report. You'll see a draft and can tell us about anything that needs correcting or clarifying.
A timely process. Once your assessment starts, we aim to complete all appointments within one calendar month.
Are your assessments NICE compliant?
Yes. All our autism and ADHD assessments comply with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. NICE sets the national standards for assessment and diagnosis in England. This means your assessment follows the same evidence-based standards expected of NHS services, carried out with the time and care that set TAP apart.
Are you registered with the CQC?
Not yet, because autism and ADHD assessments are not currently a regulated activity, so the Care Quality Commission (CQC) can't register services like ours. We welcome tighter regulation. We're actively working towards an in-house prescribing service, which will allow us to start the CQC registration process ahead of it becoming a requirement for assessment services. It will also benefit our clients, allowing them to have their full journey with TAP. For us, the point of regulation is to protect the quality of assessments, and that's something we already take very seriously.
Who do you assess?
We assess both children and adults for autism, ADHD, or both together (a combined assessment). We assess for autism from age 3 and for ADHD from age 6, with no upper age limit for either.
At your Pre-Assessment Consultation we'll talk through which assessment, if any, best fits what you're noticing.
Do you assess people who are often missed?
Yes, and this is an area of particular experience for us. We often work with people who fall outside statutory referral criteria, who mask heavily, or whose experience of neurodivergence is largely internalised. These are people whose needs can easily be overlooked, and a careful, unhurried assessment can make all the difference.
Before your assessment
Do I need a referral from my GP or school?
No. You can book directly with us through our website, starting with a Pre-Assessment Consultation.
What is a Pre-Assessment Consultation (PAC)?
The PAC is a video call with one of our clinicians and the first step for everyone. It's a chance to share what you've noticed, ask questions, and talk through whether an assessment is right for you or your child, and which one. We see it as an important part of good practice: it means we only recommend an assessment when it's genuinely helpful. If a full assessment isn't the right step, we'll explain why and suggest other sources of support.
What happens after the PAC?
There's no pressure to decide on the day. Some people are ready to go ahead straight away, and others like time to think it over. Both are absolutely fine. If you decide to proceed, we'll place you on our waiting list for a specific month and email you to confirm it.
How long will I wait?
After the PAC, we'll tell you which month you're on the waiting list for. We'll contact you about two months beforehand with a firm offer of assessment dates, and earlier if dates become available sooner. We also sometimes have short-notice cancellations. Just let us know if you'd like to be offered these.
Can both parents be involved in a child's assessment?
Yes, and we encourage it. Good practice means including the views of everyone with parental responsibility. If parents are separated and only one is at the PAC, we'll give you some information to share with the other parent. We understand family situations can be complicated, and not being able to include both parents doesn't automatically mean we can't proceed. We'll talk it through with you sensitively.
How can I prepare?
You don't need to do anything special. We'll send you any forms in advance. It can help to jot down examples of things you've noticed over time, at home, at school, at work or in relationships. Strengths and interests count too: they're an important part of the picture.
Your assessment
What does an autism assessment involve?
We use a range of internationally recognised assessment tools, chosen to suit each person. Assessments include questionnaires to gather information (for children, these are completed at home, and at school by someone who knows your child well, or by other settings, tutors or coaches if your child doesn't currently attend school), plus three appointments:
Developmental interview (online, about 3 hours). A detailed conversation about development and day-to-day life, with parents or carers, or with the adult being assessed.
Observational assessment (in person in Devizes, about 1 hour). A relaxed, activity-based session, adapted to the person's age. Adults are welcome to bring a support person.
Feedback meeting (online). We share and explain the outcome and talk through next steps.
What does an ADHD assessment involve?
As with autism, we use a range of internationally recognised assessment tools. Assessments include questionnaires to gather information (for children, these are completed at home, and at school by someone who knows your child well, or by other settings, tutors or coaches if your child doesn't currently attend school), plus three main appointments and often a school visit:
Interview (online, 1.5 to 2 hours). With parents or carers, or with the adult being assessed.
School visit (if appropriate). One of our team discreetly observes your child in their everyday school setting. We arrange this directly with the school.
Observational assessment (in person in Devizes, about 1.5 hours). Adults are welcome to bring a support person. Occasionally, adult ADHD assessments are carried out entirely online. If we can't gather enough evidence this way, we'll arrange an in-person appointment.
Feedback meeting (online). We share and explain the outcome and talk through next steps.
Can I have an autism and ADHD assessment together?
Yes. Autism and ADHD often occur together, and a combined assessment (a separate autism assessment and ADHD assessment, carried out alongside each other) gives a fuller picture of how someone experiences the world. We'll discuss whether this is right for you at your PAC.
How long does the whole process take?
We aim to complete all assessment appointments within one calendar month. The feedback meeting usually takes place one to two weeks after the in-person appointment. That gives the team time to review everything carefully, rather than rushing to a conclusion.
Who will carry out the assessment?
Every assessment has one named lead clinician who guides you through the process, and decisions are often made collaboratively, drawing on the specialist areas and years of experience within our team. This means your outcome benefits from a breadth of expertise, not just one perspective.
Can you make adjustments for my child or me?
Of course. The structure of our assessments is fairly fixed, because each part is designed to build a thorough, NICE-compliant picture. Within that structure, we can be flexible where needed, and we want the assessment to feel as comfortable as possible. Please tell us about any sensory needs, communication preferences, or anything that helps you or your child feel at ease, such as breaks, a familiar object or knowing what to expect in advance. Adults can bring a friend or relative to the in-person appointment.
Will my child understand what the assessment is for?
We encourage everyone to understand what their appointments are for, in a way that suits their age.
Younger children. Parents often explain that the appointments are to help everyone understand them better and know what will help them.
Secondary-age young people. A member of our team meets with them beforehand to talk through what the assessment involves and answer any questions. We make sure they understand, and agree to, having an assessment.
We're always happy to talk this through with you at your Pre-Assessment Consultation.
How do you make sure the outcome is accurate?
Getting it right matters enormously, so our assessments are designed to guard against misdiagnosis:
They're not brief. We spend hours getting to know you or your child.
They include face-to-face time. Every child assessment, and most adult assessments, has an in-person element.
They're joined up. Once scheduled, appointments generally take place within one month, and one lead clinician brings everything together into one clear, consistent answer.
They look at the wider picture. For children, we speak to parents, carers and teachers. If your child isn't in mainstream school, we can speak to tutors, alternative provision staff or sports coaches. Adults are invited to bring someone who knows them well, if they're comfortable doing so. We also welcome any previous reports.
They look beyond one label. Our assessments are titled autism, ADHD or both, but in practice they're much broader. We consider other or additional explanations, such as mental health, trauma and learning, to understand your whole experience.
After your assessment
What happens at the feedback meeting?
Your lead clinician will explain the outcome clearly and kindly, and give you plenty of time for questions. We'll talk about what the findings mean day to day: strengths, areas where support might help, and practical next steps. Many people find this meeting brings a real sense of understanding and relief.
What will the report include?
You'll receive a detailed, personalised written report. It describes how you or your child thinks, communicates, learns and experiences the world, including strengths. It sets out our diagnostic outcome and the evidence behind it, along with individualised recommendations for home, school, college or work. The report is sent electronically and securely, with password protection.
Is the outcome just a yes or no?
No. A good assessment should be accurate and comprehensive, and should help explain what's causing any difficulties and how they affect daily life. Our assessments are needs-led and, we hope, helpful in themselves. At the end, you should have a clear, coherent picture that makes sense to you and points to the adaptations and support that will help.
Can I comment on the report before it's finalised?
Yes. We send you a draft within 20 working days of your final appointment. You then have 5 working days to let us know about any corrections or points that need clarifying. Once any revisions are made, your final report is sent to you. We think it's important that the report feels accurate to you.
Will I definitely get a diagnosis?
We can't promise a particular outcome, and we wouldn't want to. Our decisions follow current diagnostic guidelines and criteria, our clinical training and experience, and the evidence gathered. We take this responsibility very seriously. If our conclusion is different from what you expected, we'll talk it through with you openly and reflect your views in the report. In a small number of cases (around 3%), we describe a person's profile in detail rather than giving a diagnosis. Whatever the outcome, you'll come away with a much clearer understanding and practical recommendations.
Can I share the report with my GP, school or employer?
Yes. The report belongs to you, and many people share it with their GP, school, college or employer to help put the right support in place. We won't share it with anyone outside the family without your explicit written consent. If you need another copy, just ask.
Do you offer support after the assessment?
We see your assessment as the start, not the end. Your report includes tailored recommendations, and we signpost you to trusted colleagues who can provide follow-up support based on what will help you or your child. We also have plans to offer more in-house post-diagnostic support, so that more of that help can be offered within TAP. Alongside this, we're actively working towards an in-house prescribing service. Together, these will mean you can have your full journey with TAP, from first conversation to assessment and the support that follows, with a team who already knows you. Many families come back to us later when another family member would like an assessment.
Do I need a diagnosis to get support?
Not always. Support, adaptations and advice should follow need, and shouldn't depend on first getting a diagnosis. That said, a good diagnosis can still help make sense of a person's experiences and point towards the right help. If you're unsure whether an assessment is the right step, your Pre-Assessment Consultation is a good place to talk it through.
Fees and practical information
How much does an assessment cost?
Every assessment starts with a Pre-Assessment Consultation, which costs £200 and is paid when you book.
An autism assessment, including your written report, costs £2,200. An ADHD assessment, including your report, costs £1,700, plus school visit travel if needed. A combined assessment is a separate autism assessment and ADHD assessment carried out alongside each other, so the cost is the two fees added together: £3,900, plus school visit travel if needed.
To secure your assessment dates, we ask for a non-refundable booking fee of £250 (or £500 for a combined assessment), which is deducted from the total.
If we've already worked with someone in your family, the Pre-Assessment Consultation for a second or subsequent family member is discounted by £100. You can select this option when you book online. School visit travel is charged at 65p per mile beyond 5 miles from our Devizes base. Our fees reflect the time, care and clinical expertise that go into every assessment, drawing on the combined experience of our specialist team.
How and when do I pay?
Once we offer your assessment dates, a non-refundable booking fee secures them. It's due within 3 days of the offer. The remaining balance is due 14 days before your first assessment appointment, and the date will be on your invoice. If you're finding payment difficult, please talk to us as early as possible so we can plan together.
Can I use health insurance?
Please let us know before booking if you plan to use health insurance. We'll need your policy name, policy number and an authorisation code, and you'll be responsible for any excess.
Where are appointments held?
Interviews and feedback meetings are held by video call, so you can join from home. In-person observational assessments take place at our office in Devizes. School visits, where needed, take place at your child's school.
What if I need to cancel or change my dates?
Please tell us as soon as possible. You can cancel your PAC for a refund (minus a £10 admin fee) if you let us know at least 48 hours beforehand. In-person appointments are harder to move because of clinician and room availability, but we'll always do our best to help. Full details are in our Terms and Conditions, which you'll receive before your assessment.
How do you look after my information?
We take confidentiality seriously. Your information is kept in a secure, UK GDPR-compliant practice management system. Sensitive documents we send you are password-protected or shared through secure file transfer.
Still have questions?
We'd love to hear from you. To book a Pre-Assessment Consultation or ask us a question, please use the contact button on this page. Our friendly admin team can help with any questions about the process, dates or invoicing.