Autism & ADHD Assessments for Children & Teens

Private Clinical Psychologist | Derbyshire & UK-wide

When you’re starting to wonder whether your child may be autistic or have ADHD, the hardest part is often the uncertainty.

You may feel unsure whether you’re overreacting, missing something important, or simply lacking the right framework to understand your child. Many parents come to us after months, sometimes years, of feeling dismissed, confused, or stuck in limbo.

At Percuro Psychology, we provide high-quality, neuroaffirming autism and ADHD assessments for children and young people. Our assessments are designed not just to answer diagnostic questions, but to offer clarity, reassurance, and practical next steps for parents — whatever the outcome.

👉 You don’t need to be certain to seek an assessment.
Uncertainty is often the reason families come to us.

→ Book an initial screening appointment
→ Or get in touch to talk through whether an assessment is right for your child

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Our Approach

Our autism and ADHD assessments follow NICE guidelines and are completed by a multidisciplinary team, including a Clinical Psychologist and Speech and Language Therapist.

What matters most to us is that you leave with:

• a clear understanding of how your child experiences the world

• insight into what helps your child and what doesn’t

• practical recommendations you can actually use at home and school

• confidence in how to support and advocate for your child

Whether or not a diagnosis is made, our focus is on formulation — understanding why your child is struggling and what will genuinely support them going forward.

Our approach is:

• Neuroaffirming — your child is not broken or deficient

• Parent-inclusive — parents are central to understanding and change

• Sensitive to masking, anxiety, and school-based distress

• Compassionate, clear, and evidence-based

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Is an Autism or ADHD Assessment Right for My Child?

Parents often contact us when:

• something doesn’t quite fit, but they can’t put their finger on it

• anxiety, emotional overwhelm, or school difficulties are increasing

• their child masks well at school but struggles at home

• they want clarity before things escalate further

• they want guidance — not just a label

👉 You don’t need to be sure.
Many parents seek assessment to stop second-guessing themselves and understand their child better.

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What Is Autism (ASC)?

Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person experiences social communication, sensory information, routine, and flexibility of thinking.

Every autistic child is unique. Many are insightful, creative, and deeply focused, while also finding certain environments or demands overwhelming.

Autistic young people may:

• prefer routine and predictability

• experience sensory sensitivities

• struggle with social interaction or communication

• mask their differences, particularly in school

• experience high levels of anxiety or exhaustion

Masking is especially common in teenagers and girls, which can make autism harder to recognise.

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What Is ADHD?

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental difference affecting attention, self-regulation, and impulse control. It may involve inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity — or a combination.

For a diagnosis to be made, these differences must be present across settings (e.g. home and school) and significantly impact day-to-day functioning.

Young people with ADHD may:

• struggle with concentration, memory, or starting tasks

• appear restless or constantly “on the go”

• daydream, forget instructions, or feel disorganised

• experience emotional highs and lows

• mask well at school, then collapse emotionally at home

While we do not prescribe ADHD medication, our assessments provide a full diagnostic picture and tailored recommendations for home, school, and wellbeing. If medication is something you would like to explore, we can refer you to a  private child psychiatrist (with their own separate fees). If medication is prescribed and your child responds well, it is often possible for care to be transferred back to your GP under a Shared Care Agreement, once medication is stabilised and subject to GP agreement.

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Our Assessment Process

Initial Screening 

This first appointment is an opportunity to explore your child’s strengths, challenges, and current areas of concern. We’ll also review the information gathered from screening questionnaires completed by parents, school, and (where appropriate) your child.

Following this appointment, I will advise on the most appropriate next steps. This may include a recommendation for a neurodevelopmental assessment — such as for autism, ADHD, or both. If an assessment is not indicated at this stage, I will clearly explain the reasons why and provide helpful guidance on other forms of support that may benefit your child.

Neurodevelopmental Assessment

1. Developmental History Interview (Parents)

We explore early development, communication, play, routines, and emotional regulation to build a rich developmental picture.

2. Direct Assessment

Depending on the pathway, this may include:

• Autism assessment using gold-standard tools (e.g. ADOS-2)

• ADHD assessment including QbCheck and structured clinical interviews

Assessments are carried out with warmth, flexibility, and sensitivity.

3. Feedback Appointment

You’ll receive a 1-hour feedback session to discuss findings, recommendations, and next steps in clear, accessible language.

4. Written Diagnostic Report

A comprehensive report is provided within 3–4 weeks, including findings, diagnostic conclusions (if applicable), and personalised recommendations.

+ Optional Follow-Up

A follow-up session can support implementation, advocacy, and next steps.

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Fees & Pathways

Initial Screening Appointment – £275
(Deducted from the full assessment fee if you proceed)

Autism Assessment – £2,100
ADHD Assessment – £1,750
(Medication not prescribed)
Combined Autism & ADHD Assessment – £2,900

All assessments include school liaison, feedback, and a comprehensive written report.

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Why Families Choose Percuro Psychology

• Short waiting times — start within weeks, not months

• NICE-compliant, multidisciplinary assessments

• A calm, neuroaffirming approach

• Clear, practical, and detailed reports

• Experience with anxiety, masking, and school-based distress

• A joined-up understanding of your child’s strengths and needs

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Frequently Asked Questions About Autism & ADHD Assessments

How long does a private autism or ADHD assessment take?

Our full assessment process usually takes 6-8 weeks from your initial screening appointment to receiving your written report. This includes questionnaires, consultations, direct assessments, and a feedback session.

What’s the difference between NHS and private autism/ADHD assessments?

NHS assessments are free but often involve long waiting lists. With a private assessment, you can usually start within weeks. We also follow NICE guidelines, so our assessments are thorough, multi-disciplinary, and recognised by schools and other professionals.

Do you prescribe ADHD medication?

No, we do not prescribe medication. However, following an ADHD assessment, we are able to refer families to a private child psychiatrist to explore medication if appropriate and agreed. The psychiatrist will assess suitability, discuss benefits and risks, and prescribe if indicated. If medication is helpful and your GP is in agreement, care can often be transferred back to the GP under a shared care agreement once treatment is established. 

Will the diagnosis be accepted by my child’s school or GP?

Yes. Our reports are detailed, evidence-based, and widely recognised by schools, local authorities, and healthcare providers. While we don’t prescribe ADHD medication, our reports can be shared with your GP to support next steps. We are also able to refer on to a private child psychiatrist to discuss medication.

Do you assess teenagers and girls who may be ‘masking’?

Absolutely. We understand that many autistic and ADHD teens, especially girls, can present differently and often mask their difficulties at school. Our approach is sensitive, neuroaffirming, and tailored to pick up on these subtleties.

What if my child doesn’t meet the criteria for autism or ADHD?

Sometimes difficulties may be better explained by other factors. In these cases, we will explain our reasoning clearly and provide practical recommendations for home and school, as well as guidance on other forms of support.

Do you only see families in Derbyshire?

We are based in Matlock, Derbyshire, but families often travel from across the East Midlands (including Sheffield, Nottingham, Chesterfield, and beyond). For some parts of the process, we can also offer online appointments.

We’re here to answer your questions and help you decide if an autism or ADHD assessment is right for your child.

Get in touch today to book your initial screening appointment

Still unsure? Contact us and Dr Melita Ash will give you a call and talk through your needs and concerns.