A Parent’s Guide to Autism & ADHD Assessments for Children and Young People in Derbyshire
(Derby • Matlock • Chesterfield • Sheffield • Belper • Ashbourne)
When you’re worried about your child, the search for answers can feel overwhelming. Many parents I meet from Derby, Matlock, Chesterfield, Sheffield, Belper and Ashbourne describe feeling unsure where to start, confused by mixed information online, and worried about whether they’re “doing the right thing”.
If you’re exploring whether your child or teenager might be autistic, have ADHD, or experience traits of both, you’re not alone — and there is a clear, reliable path forward.
This guide explains what a high-quality autism and ADHD assessment involves, how it supports your child at home and school, and what to look for when choosing an assessment service in Derbyshire or the surrounding areas.
Why Parents Seek Assessments: When Everyday Struggles Start to Add Up
Not every child who struggles is autistic or has ADHD — but certain patterns are worth paying attention to. Parents often contact us when they notice:
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Persistent overwhelm or sensory sensitivity
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Meltdowns, shutdowns, or emotional intensity that seems “beyond their age”
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“Masking” behaviours at school and exhaustion at home
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Difficulty with organisation, focus or shifting attention
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Social confusion, loneliness or trouble understanding friendships
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School avoidance, anxiety, or a sudden decline in wellbeing
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Feeling “different” but not knowing why
Many parents say:
“I just want clarity. I want to understand my child so I can support them properly.”
A good assessment gives you exactly that — clarity, confidence, and a roadmap.
What Is a High-Quality Autism & ADHD Assessment?
(And why not all assessments are the same)
A thorough neurodevelopmental assessment for children and young people should follow NICE guidelines and use gold-standard tools so that the outcome is recognised by schools, local authorities, and healthcare teams.
A high-quality assessment includes:
✔️ 1. A detailed developmental history
Gathered through a structured interview with parents/carers.
✔️ 2. Direct assessment with your child or young person
Using validated tools:
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ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
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Standardised ADHD measures such as Conners 4, QB Check
✔️ 3. Multi-informant questionnaires
Completed by parents and school to understand your child across environments.
✔️ 4. Multi-disciplinary formulation
Ensuring the assessment captures communication, interaction, cognition, and behaviour.
✔️ 5. A clear diagnostic conclusion (if criteria are met) and formulation
Linked explicitly to DSM-5-TR or ICD-11 criteria.
✔️ 6. A comprehensive written report
Providing:
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Strengths
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Needs
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Individualised recommendations for home and school
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Support strategies
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Information that can contribute to reasonable adjustments, SEN support, or EHCP applications
✔️ 7. A compassionate feedback session
Where parents can ask questions, reflect, and understand what everything means for their child’s day-to-day life.
Parents often say the feedback session is the moment everything “clicks”.
Why Families Across Derbyshire Choose Private Assessments
Families from Derby, Matlock, Chesterfield, Sheffield, Belper, Ripley, Bakewell and Ashbourne often look for private assessments because they want:
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Shorter waiting times
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A holistic, not rushed, process
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An assessment that includes their child’s real lived experience, not just scores
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A report that genuinely helps school understand their child
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A team who looks at the whole child, including co-occurring anxiety, demand avoidance, masking, or sensory needs
Percuro Psychology provides autism and ADHD assessments for children and young people across Derbyshire and the East Midlands.
Families commonly travel to us from:
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Derby
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Matlock
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Chesterfield
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Sheffield
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Belper
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Ashbourne
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Bakewell
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Ripley
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Surrounding Derbyshire villages and wider areas
Assessment appointments take place in Derbyshire, with some components offered online where appropriate.
Step 1: Enquiry & suitability check
We discuss your child’s needs and determine whether a combined autism and ADHD assessment is appropriate.
Step 2: Intake questionnaires & background information
Parents complete developmental questionnaires and school are contacted for input.
Step 3: Direct assessment with your child
Using ADOS-2, structured activities, observations and standardised ADHD tools as appropriate.
Step 4: Multi-disciplinary discussion
A Clinical Psychologist and Speech & Language Therapist (SALT) or Occupational Therapist (OT) review all findings.
Step 5: Feedback session
You receive a clear explanation and have space to ask questions.
Step 6: Full written report
With recommendations tailored to your child’s needs at home and school.
How a Diagnosis (or Non-Diagnosis) Can Help Your Child
Parents often worry that a diagnosis will “label” their child. But more often, children feel seen, validated, and understood.
A clear formulation can support:
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Increased self-esteem and self-acceptance
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Reduced anxiety and overwhelm
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Access to reasonable adjustments
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Additional school support or early planning for secondary/transition
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Better communication between home and school
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Understanding from peers and extended family
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Improved emotional and sensory regulation
And most importantly — it gives you a shared language to understand your child’s needs.
Is a Private Assessment Right for Your Family?
It may be helpful if:
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Your child is struggling and you want clarity
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School are uncertain or see a different presentation to home
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Your child masks heavily or is very anxious
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You want a NICE-guideline assessment without long waits
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You want a thorough, compassionate process that sees the whole child
🌿 A Compassionate, Child-Centred Approach
Every child deserves to feel understood. Every parent deserves to feel supported, informed and empowered. A diagnosis is never the goal in itself — the goal is understanding.
At Percuro Psychology, we take a relational, respectful approach that honours your child’s strengths, neurodiversity and individuality.
📞 If You’re Considering an Assessment
If you live in Derby, Derbyshire, Matlock, Chesterfield, Belper, Ashbourne, Sheffield or the surrounding areas and are exploring an autism or ADHD assessment for your child or teen, you’re welcome to get in touch.
You don’t need to have everything figured out.
You don’t need to be certain.
You just need a starting point.
