Neurodevelopmental Services
High Quality Autism and ADHD Assessments and Post-diagnostic Support in Brighton and Hove
The only acceptance that really matters is self-acceptance.
Autism and ADHD Assessment and Post-Diagnostic support
At the Sussex Psychological Therapy Centre, we pride ourselves on clinical excellence and diagnostic integrity. Our assessments are comprehensive, led by clinical psychologists who have specific training in diagnostic formulation—a core skill psychologists have in making sense of people's experiences beyond diagnostic labels.
Diagnosing requires significant clinical expertise and goes beyond rapid, symptom-based assessments that fail to capture complex presentations, diagnostic masking, or overlapping conditions such as trauma and anxiety, which significantly increases the risk of diagnostic error.
Our assessment pathway adheres strictly to NICE guidelines to ensure that every assessment meets the rigorous standards required by GPs, educational institutions, and employers.
Transparent and Rigorous Assessments
Please note that this is a thorough diagnostic assessment process, and we do not guarantee a diagnosis. However, regardless of the outcome, you will receive a comprehensive report detailing all of the information gathered and used to inform any decisions, and clear recommendations will be made for any relevant support and accommodations that can be put in place.
Collaborative Medication Pathways and Ongoing Support
While our clinical psychologists do not prescribe medication, we work closely with specialist psychiatric prescribers within an established partnership programme. If medical intervention is clinically indicated following your assessment, we can seamlessly facilitate a referral to our trusted psychiatric partners for review and medication management. Furthermore, our commitment to your care extends well beyond the assessment report; we offer a continuum of specialist post-diagnostic support—including neuroaffirmative CBT and EMDR, Neurofeedback, and Post-diagnostic sessions —to help you implement practical strategies moving forward.
To find out more, call us on 0330 332 6283 you can book a free initial consultation with one of our clinical leads. Alternatively, schedule a callback using the button below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find out more?
You can book a Free Initial Telephone Consultation with one of our Clinical Leads, which can be booked here
What is the purpose of booking a pre-assessment?
The pre-assessment serves as an essential clinical safeguard and gateway before committing to a full diagnostic assessment. Its purpose is to review your developmental and clinical history, screen for alternative presentations or overlapping conditions (such as trauma and anxiety), and determine whether a formal diagnostic assessment is actually indicated. This rigorous vetting process protects clients from undergoing—and incurring the cost of—unnecessary full assessments if clinical indicators point elsewhere.
How does the process work?
We begin with a clinical pre-assessment interview with one or two of our specialists (such as Clinical Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, or Speech and Language Therapists). This acts as a vital clinical safeguard to determine whether a formal diagnostic assessment is clinically indicated, protecting you from unnecessary costs. If appropriate, the next stage involves a comprehensive diagnostic assessment spanning multiple appointments. We gather multi-source information, including developmental history, medical records, and collateral reports from education or home settings.
What Structured Assessments do you use?
Our pathway adheres strictly to NICE guidelines. We utilize recognized, gold-standard structured assessments—such as the ADOS-2, ACIA, and ADI-R for autism, and the ACE and DIVA-5 for ADHD—chosen based on individual clinical relevance. Child ADHD assessments also incorporate an objective QbCheck.
What is a QbCheck?
A QbCheck is a computerized test administered and interpreted by qualified professionals to provide objective measurements of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. It aids in the assessment of ADHD and can also evaluate treatment interventions over time. Results are interpreted by a Clinical Psychologist to inform the overall formulation and diagnostic outcome.
Do you guarantee a diagnosis?
As with any rigorous clinical assessment process, no one can guarantee a diagnostic outcome. However, regardless of the conclusion, you will receive an exceptionally comprehensive report detailing all gathered information, a clear psychological formulation making sense of your experiences beyond labels, and practical recommendations for support and accommodations.
How do you handle medication, ongoing support, and Shared Care?
While our clinical psychologists do not prescribe medication, we work closely with specialist psychiatric prescribers within an established partnership programme. If medical intervention is clinically indicated following your assessment, we can seamlessly facilitate a referral for review and medication management. Please note: Shared Care Agreements with NHS GPs are never guaranteed and remain entirely at the discretion of individual practices and local ICB policies. We also offer specialised post-diagnostic support—including adapted CBT, EMDR, Neurofeedback, and family sessions—delivered by clinicians who specialise in neurodivergence.
Are private assessments accepted by the NHS?
Our assessments are extremely comprehensive and led by senior clinicians who have extensive NHS backgrounds. While our process mirrors NHS standards and provides robust rationale, NHS trust policies on private pathways can vary. We always recommend discussing this directly with your GP or local trust.
What is a Cognitive Assessment?
A cognitive assessment evaluates how someone learns and processes information, examining verbal and non-verbal reasoning abilities, memory, and processing speed. These are available alongside Speech and Language assessments if clinically indicated.
Do you cover or acknowledge PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance / Pervasive Drive for Autonomy)?
Our reports are psychology-led and formulation-driven, meaning we focus deeply on making sense of individual experiences and nervous system profiles rather than relying strictly on rigid labels. However, if a profile of extreme demand avoidance is present and exploring this construct is helpful to you or your child, our clinicians are fully open to assessing, discussing, and incorporating this into your comprehensive clinical formulation and recommendations.
Do you use a neuro-affirmative approach?
Yes. We adopt a neuro-affirmative framework, viewing neurodivergence as a natural variation in human processing. We utilise standard diagnostic terminology (DSM-5 / ICD-11) solely so reports are accepted by statutory services, focusing primarily on individualised psychological formulations rather than pathologising labels.
How do I find out more?
To find out more about our adult autism and ADHD services Click Here
To find out more about our child autism and ADHD services Click Here
Book a Free Initial Consultation or Pre-Assessment Click Here
For general enquiries, schedule a call back at a time that is convenient for you.
Fees
How much does a diagnostic assessment cost?
Initial Pre-assessment (Adult 18+) £220 (60 Minutes)
Initial Pre-assessment (Child 7+) £300 (90 Minutes)
QB Check + Feedback £280
Formal Diagnostic Autism Assessment + (Adult) £1,900
Formal Diagnostic Autism Assessment (Child) £2,350
Adult ADHD Assessment £1,300
Adult ADHD Assessment + Cognitive Assessment £1,750
Child ADHD Assessment + QB Check £1,450
Child ADHD Assessment + QB Check + Cognitive Assessment £1,900
Joint ADHD and Autism Assessment (Adult) £2,650
Joint ADHD and Autism Assessment + QB Check (Child) £3,195
Additional consultation work £150 (60 Minutes)
Pre-assessment reports (if required) £120
Diagnostic Assessments - Reports are included
We allow plenty of time covered within the fee to gather all the information we need. Occasionally additional appointments are required to gather further clinical information to avoid an inconclusive outcome, which are charged at £150 per hour. This is only when there is more information to collate than we typically need. You will always be consulted in advance of any additional fees. Home / School Observations also incur additional fees.
