Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of an assessment?
- An assessment offers you an opportunity to explore whether or not you meet the full diagnostic criteria for Autism or AuDHD. This could provide you with an answer to something you have been questioning for a long time. Like finding a missing piece to a puzzle or finally having an explanation as to why some aspects of your life have always felt difficult.
- Receiving a diagnosis may help you feel validated and confident to share this aspect of your identity with others and to cultivate a more authentic and compassionate relationship with yourself.
- While a diagnosis of Autism or AuDHD doesn’t guarantee financial benefits, it will entitle you to reasonable adjustments in education and the workplace which can make a big difference to your confidence and how you perform in these environments.
What are the disadvantages of an assessment?
- You may not meet the threshold for a diagnosis, and this can be disappointing if you have held high hopes of receiving a diagnosis. It can therefore be helpful to consider how you would feel if you didn’t receive a diagnosis? Initial screening is helpful as it allows an opportunity to explore and discuss this.
- Having a diagnosis can exclude you from specific jobs in the armed forces. If you feel your driving is impaired because of Autism or AuDHD, or from medication associated with these conditions, you are required to let the DVLA know. A diagnosis of Autism or AuDHD does not need to be declared to the DVLA, only if it impairs your driving ability.
- It’s not always possible to predict how you will react to receiving a diagnosis. Some people need time to process what receiving a diagnosis means to them and this can be unsettling for some people, while for others it feels like a very positive step.
Do you provide ADHD medication?
We do not prescribe medication; however, Poole Autism Practice is in partnership with Malvern Hills Private Practice who offer a prescribing service with an experienced pharmacist working in ADHD services. Before embarking on a private assessment, we recommend you:
- Check with your GP whether your NHS ADHD service would prescribe ADHD medication following a private assessment?
- Check whether your GP practice would take over prescribing (shared care) once you have been stabilised on ADHD medication from a private prescriber?
- We would also recommend you look at the costs of private prescribing, to see if it is affordable.
Will my report be accepted?
There are two aspects to a valid assessment and therefore, your report being accepted.
- Your assessment meets the NICE guidelines for the assessment of Autism and ADHD. Your assessor has worked in a specialist autism diagnostic service within the NHS and follows the same assessment procedure and protocols in private practice.
- It’s important your assessing clinician is competent to carry out diagnostic assessment. NHS England’s 2023 guidance on A National Framework for Delivering Autism Assessment Pathways, report that clinical psychologists are qualified to conduct each component of an Autism assessment.
- While our reports meet guidelines and professional standards, we would always recommend that you check with a particular organisation ahead of diagnostic assessment, that they will accept a private report.
Could I get an assessment on the NHS?
Most regions have a local Autism and ADHD diagnostic service. There are specific eligibility criteria and waiting times that vary across regions. It is always worth speaking with your GP to see if you would be eligible for an NHS assessment, especially if you feel it is significantly impacting on multiple key areas of your life and you have a high level of need.
How do I prepare for my Autism assessment?
- You can decide if you would like someone to accompany you in the appointment, as some people find it easier to speak when they have someone familiar accompany them.
- Speaking to someone who knew you in childhood forms part of the diagnostic assessment. You could consider in advance if you have a relative or close family friend who would be willing to contribute to the assessment by giving information on what you were like in childhood. Or whether you have a trusted relative, friend, or partner who has known you well for many years in adulthood.
- The interviews will be structured and guided by the clinician; you do not need to prepare anything in advance. There are no trick questions or tests. We cover your family history, mental and physical health history, educational and work history. You will be asked about social aspects of your life, your interests, certain behaviours, how you go about everyday activities and whether you have any sensory differences.
If you have readily available school reports with specific information about your behaviour as a child, this can be helpful, but it’s not necessary if not available.
