We can assure you that our diagnosis is based on international standards such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-5 TR and ICD-11 which are followed worldwide. We follow robust assessment guidelines which are based on NICE * (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) guidelines followed by the NHS. We only use trained professionals who are experts in their field to undertake assessments. Hence our diagnosis has been well accepted in the England and Wales. So far not a single authority in England and Wales has challenged or not accepted out diagnosis. We are happy to work collaboratively with the NHS services including primary care such as your GP. We get requests for assessments from all parts of UK We have undertaken assessments for children resident in ​ Bedfordshire Bristol Buckinghamshire Cambridgeshire Derbyshire East Sussex Greater London Harrow Hertfordshire Herefordshire Isle of Wight Kent Lincolnshire Merseyside Middlesex Wales Warwickshire West Essex West Yorkshire Wiltshire ​ * The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent organisation responsible for driving improvement and excellence in the health and social care system in UK. Our diagnosis has been well accepted in the UK. Please seek views of your local health and education services to gain clarity on their views on private assessments if you wish. We are happy to discuss individual situations with you.

We offer a mixture of telephone and face to face appointments in most circumstances. These are arranged at a time that is mutually convenient to both parties. We endeavour to have face to face appointments for every child.

The following cost applies to self-paying parents/carers ​ INITIAL ASSESSMENT Initial Assessment for up to 60 minutes: £400 This assessment is offered when there is lack of clarity of what diagnosis to progress with or for other specific situations like assessment of sleep problems etc. This is not the cost of Autism or ADHD or Dysrpaxia assessment which will be separately provided on request. FOLLOW UP ASSESSMENT Follow up to 30 minutes: £200 to £250 dependent on complexity Please note follow up assessments cannnot be converted to Autism or ADHD or Dyspraxia assessment COST of ADHD or ASD: The cost of Autism and ADHD assessment depends on a number of factors including the age of the child and complexity of presentation. We request parents to contact Autism Doctor for specific cost relevant to their child. OTHER Any additional time spent over the set limit for assessment, when available, may incur cost of £200 per 30 minutes or part thereof. Please note specialist assessments by other professionals such as Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist and Clinical or Education Psychologist, investigations etc. may incur additional cost if not advised initially. ​ All investigations requested as a part of assessment are not included in the assessment cost. They are payable directly to the concerned third party. There is a small charge for medication prescriptions outside of consultation appointment for example repeat prescriptions. ​ Cancellation charges: Any cancellation without a prior notice of at least 48 hrs may be subject to administrative charge of £100/- to cover admin/ room hire fees etc. ​ Please pay to the invoice using BACS ( bank transfer) prior to the appointment.

We are able to offer the first appointment usually within 4-6 weeks of us receiving the referral information on our electronic system. The reports take up to 4 to 6 weeks or so after the last assessment is completed or the information received in most circumstances.

Broadly speaking as per the guidelines, Autism Assessment includes No two Autistic children are the same so there may be variations in assessments of individuals. The assessments can be a mixture of above steps ie while taking history we may also observe the child or young person. The most important contribution in the assessment of Autism is that of clinical history. We tailor this part of the assessment to each child based on the standardised recommendations. ​ The assessment is often multidisciplinary which means more than one expert is involved. ​We recommend the right experts who will be able to assess your child for specific aspects of Autism such as their social interaction and communication style etc. You will be given a clear plan of what assessment tests are being offered that meet your child's needs ​ In rare circumstances where all of these steps may not be possible, Autism Doctor will suggest alternative options, again keeping best practise at the core of assessment. ​ For Autism assessments we use a combination of assessment tools depending on the presentation of the child or young person. For Autism some of the following assessment tools/methods may be used.

The Developmental, Dimensional and Diagnostic Interview (3Di) is a parental interview usually undertaken as a telephone appointment. The child is not required for this assessment. One or both parents can join in this interview. It takes about 60 minutes to complete in most circumstances. ​ The aim of this interview is to establish how likely it is that your child has symptoms of Autism. ​ During this interview the interviewer uses a framework of questions that cover verbal and non-verbal communication, social relations as well as rigid, repetitive, ritualistic and sensory behaviours of your child. There are often choices of answers to the questions. The interviewer may give you those options as appropriate. The interviewer will ask you some examples of statements that you may have made e.g.: “he always takes things literally” as today he said “it can’t rain cats and dogs as they are animals not raindrops falling from the sky”. At the end of the interview there will be a report generated for review by the main clinician who will analyse this information alongside other information. The final outcome of a diagnosis depends on all the information collected and observations made. ​ The 3Di outcome does not mean that the diagnosis is confirmed. The clinician will confirm the diagnosis after collating information from other sources, developmental history and other tools for assessments and information from the 3Di interview. Please note that the terms Asperger’s, Autism are currently not in use as they are all now merged into Autism Spectrum Disorder. ​ You will be guided throughout the interview. If at any stage you are not sure please ask.

The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) is a diagnostic interview used in determining whether or not children have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Administering the ADI-R does not directly involve the child—instead, it is an interview conducted by a trained professioanal with the child’s parents or other caregivers. The ADI-R focuses on the developmental history of the child as well as current problems. It is a very detailed and therefore lengthy assessment that can be undertaken using teleconsultation. It is helpful when some symptoms of ASD are not apparent when interacting directly with the child in a face-to-face assessment.

Overview of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2) The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2) is a practical assessment tool used by trained clinicians to evaluate communication skills, social interactions, and imaginative play in individuals who may have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Developed by Dr. Catherine Lord and her team, the ADOS-2 ensures that ASD-related symptoms and behaviours are observed consistently across different clients, clinicians, and settings. It is widely recognised as the “gold standard” in ASD assessment. Who Can Benefit from the ADOS-2? The ADOS-2 is suitable for people of all ages, from as young as 12 months old through to adulthood. To participate effectively, individuals need to have at least a 12-month developmental level and should not have significant sensory or motor impairments, such as blindness, deafness, or being wheelchair-bound. The ADOS-2 is versatile because it consists of several modules. Clinicians select the appropriate module based on the individual’s language ability (ranging from non-verbal to verbally fluent) and their age. What Happens During an ADOS-2 Assessment The ADOS-2 itself takes about 30-60 minutes to administer. When toddlers or young children are assessed, parents may be asked to remain in the room, mainly to observe, although the clinician might ask them to interact with the child at certain points. For teenagers and adults, the ADOS-2 is typically conducted with only the client and the clinician present. After the Assessment The ADOS-2 results, along with the rest of the comprehensive evaluation, are reviewed with the family after the assessment. This is usually at a follow-up session arranged to go over the results and discuss recommendations. Families will also receive a detailed written report with recommendations at the end of the assessment. Important Considerations Although the ADOS-2 is recognised as the “gold standard” for assessing ASD, it’s important to remember that it is just one piece of the puzzle. The ADOS-2 alone is not sufficient to diagnose ASD. It should always be part of a comprehensive evaluation that typically includes the person’s developmental history, input from parents and other key individuals, observations during and outside of the ADOS-2, and the professional judgment of experienced clinicians.

BOSA, or Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism, is a newer diagnostic tool in the assessment of Autism. It is an adaptation of another tool used for assessment of autism in children, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2). It provides opportunities for a parent to engage with the child through semi-structured activities, creating a context in which to observe symptoms of autism. ​ It involves you as parent to administer series of timed activities with your child using standardised toys and activities. You will be given instructions on how to administer these on the day. The instructions are fairly simple and no preparation is required. ​ The clinician will observe, ask additional questions as required and analyse the observation and report it. The main clinician will confirm the final diagnosis after collating information from other sources, developmental history and other tools for assessments and information from the BOSA.

ADHD Assessment requires careful consideration of the child’s history and behaviour at home, and how it correlates with the child's presentation in another setting such as at school. We use tailor made tools to take a standardised DSM-5 criteria based history and correlate it clinically. No two children with ADHD are the same, hence adaptations may be required for assessments. Typically the ADHD assessment includes

Qb check also referred as Qb test is a computer based test that looks for the three important measures of ADHD. It is a screening tool which provides objective information to aid the assessment of ADD/ADHD. The test uses age and gender matched comparisons to assess a child’s ability to concentrate, their movement and impulsivity. The Qb Test results are used in conjunction with other ADD/ADHD assessment tools to aid clinical judgement. The test usually lasts for 15 to 20 minutes. A camera is used to track your child’s movements but your child won't be filmed during the test. We will need you to complete the rating scale based on DSM 5, describing patterns of behaviour associated with ADHD. You should select the option that best describes the test takers behaviour during the last six months. We need your consent to perform a QB check. A separate consent form is requested. The test takers date of birth, gender and test taker ID will be saved in the database and displayed on the QbCheck report. Before the test When testing young children, it might be a good idea to ask if they need to use the toilet before starting the test since it is not possible to take a break during the QB test. Chewing gum or similar are not allowed during the test and should be removed before starting the session. Eating or drinking is not permitted during the test. Please remove your child’s coat or jacket prior to the assessment if applicable. Both parents and children are requested to ideally turn off or completely mute, not leave on vibrate or sound, any mobile phones to prevent any kind of notifications. You may wish to use the flight mode on instead. Before starting the test your child will get instructions and take a practise test. The test should be completed in one go. During Test There will be a computer check first. There will be a practice test after that. Then there will be a real test. Your child will sit comfortably on the chair or stool provided. Your child will be seated about 60 centimetres from the camera. The camera won't film you child during the test. During the camera check the test taker ( your child) will be able to see their own image on screen. This is however not recorded during before or after the test. Instead the computer will only track the test takers ( child’s) movement based on the outline of their face . The parents or guardians should leave the room after the instruction video. Your presence in the test room could cause distraction for the test taker and should therefore be avoided during the test. Before starting the practise test, we will check whether your child has understood the instructions. We would be happy to repeat the instructions if necessary. We will be seated behind your child during the assessment. After the test The recommended action after the QB test depends on the result. This may vary per test taker. The result provides information about the likelihood of ADHD like symptoms. The report may not be available immediately to share with you but can be sent to you at a later date. Other Information If for some reason even after explanation, it is not possible to conduct the test up to four times, the test will be discontinued. Your child will be expected to respond to all consecutive targets and not only to identical pairs. Your child can wear glasses if they normally do, during the assessment. The whole process could take up to 30 to 45 minutes in total. We may not be able to start the actual test if we are not sure that the test taker has really understood the instructions. A report will not be made available when a test is not completed or when a test taker disengages for longer than two minutes during the test. A completed test is required for an accurate norm group comparison and therefore a result cannot be generated in case of an incomplete test. One can discontinue an ongoing test by pressing the escape button. Once interrupted, it is not possible to restart an interrupted test. For more details on a Qb Test:

Paediatricians are best suited to establish a good developmental history which is essential for a diagnosis of Autism. Paediatricians can also consider other possible diagnosis including serious conditions like epilepsy, Developmental Delay, Dyspraxia, medical syndromes, and other a range of medical diagnosis. Paediatricians are specifically trained for medical examination of children and young people. NICE guidelines recommend physical examination as an essential part of diagnostic assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Most clinicians working for Autism Doctor have experience of working in the NHS. Our lead clinician Dr Deepshikha Thakur works for the NHS at Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust. She is the lead doctor for Autism and principal Investigator of KASPAR research project related to interventions in Autism. In addition she is the Designated Medical Officer (DMO) in West Hertfordshire. She has strategic role in supporting children and young people with Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND).

Yes we do. Our lead clinician Dr Deepshikha Thakur is recognised by major insurance providers such as ​ Aetna Aviva AXA BUPA Cigna Healix Vitality Health You will need to obtain an authorisation code to book the first appointment. ​ Speak to your insurance provider if you are not sure. You will need an authorisation code and a GP referral letter​ prior to contacting us for any assessment under insurance. Please contact us for individual circumstances.

There are often long and unclear pathways for assessment of Autism and other Neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) , Developmental Delay, Dyspraxia etc. Lengthy waiting times for assessment is frustrating to families and in the absence of clear diagnosis parents and professionals may not be able to adequately support the child's needs. Delayed diagnosis can lead to increased stress and strain on relationships. It can also deny the child the help they need. ​Research has established that early interventions can be effective for many children.

We offer assessments of children and young people from birth to 16 years and 11months.

Yes we do. Please discuss individual circumstances with us.

Our lead clinician Dr Deepshikha Thakur is recognised by major insurance providers such as ​ Aetna Aviva AXA BUPA Cigna Healix Vitality Health ​ Speak to your insurance provider if you are not sure. You will need an authorisation code prior to contacting us for any assessment under insurance. ​ Please contact us for individual circumstances.

The DSM-5, or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, is a comprehensive classification of officially recognised psychiatric disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). It is widely used by clinicians around the world. Here are some key points about the DSM-5: Purpose: The DSM-5 provides standardised criteria and language for the diagnosis of mental health disorders, ensuring consistency and reliability across various professionals and settings. Structure: The manual is organised into chapters based on different categories of mental health disorders. Each disorder is described in terms of diagnostic criteria, associated features, prevalence, development and course, risk and prognostic factors, culture-related diagnostic issues, and functional consequences. Diagnostic Criteria: For each disorder, the DSM-5 outlines specific symptoms and the duration and severity required for a diagnosis. This includes a set of diagnostic criteria that must be met, as well as a differential diagnosis section to distinguish the disorder from similar conditions. Revisions: The DSM-5 represents the most current revision, released in May 2013. It updates and replaces the DSM-IV-TR, reflecting new research findings and changes in the understanding and conceptualization of mental health disorders. Examples of Disorders: The DSM-5 includes a wide range of mental health conditions, such as neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder), schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, bipolar and related disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, dissociative disorders, somatic symptom and related disorders, feeding and eating disorders, and more. Use in Practice: Mental health professionals use the DSM-5 to diagnose patients, inform treatment plans, and communicate with other healthcare providers. It also plays a critical role in research, as it provides a common framework for studying and understanding mental health conditions. Cultural Sensitivity: The DSM-5 includes guidelines for considering cultural variations in the presentation and diagnosis of mental disorders, emphasising the importance of cultural competence in mental health care. Overall, the DSM-5 is an essential tool in the field of mental health, providing a systematic and evidence-based approach to diagnosing and understanding mental health disorders. You may come across the term DSM -5 based history which simply means we have used the framework to take relevant history and assess systematically against the diagnostic criteria of a condition like Autism or ADHD.

All our assessments are based on recommended standard or national guidelines such as National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines and Diagnostic statistical Manual-5 (DSM-5). For COVID-19 we follow Public Health England Guidelines for face-to-face assessments. We are undertaking some assessments online as per new protocols in order to provide safe and standardised care. Please refer to our COVID-19 safety policy. ​ Diagnostic tools are specific to your child's needs.

Yes we offer assessments by different clinicians such as speech and language therapist, clinical psychologist, education psychologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist etc. as required for the child. ​ Our clinicians are handpicked and experts in their field and have experience of working with children and young people.

A lot of parents often want support in the Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process. At a small additional cost we can help with completing the medical information on the EHCP form when requested by the local education authority following our assessment.

It is helpful to understand why you have come to us for an assessment. If we understand this we can help you best. ​ We need information from other sources for a comprehensive assessment. For most children who are in an educational setting, we will request school information via parents. ​ We also request parents to send all relevant previous assessments and reports e.g. Speech and Language Therapist (SALT), Clinical Psychologist assessments or Education Psychologist reports, ideally prior to the initial assessment.

NICE recommends that the autism assessment team should include: paediatrician and/or child and adolescent psychiatrist speech and language therapist clinical and/or educational psychologist The autism team should either include or have regular access to the following professionals if they are not already in the team: paediatrician or paediatric neurologist child and adolescent psychiatrist educational psychologist clinical psychologist occupational therapist The autism team should either have the skills (or have access to professionals that have the skills) needed to carry out an autism diagnostic assessment, for children and young people with special circumstances including coexisting conditions such as severe visual and hearing impairments, motor disorders including cerebral palsy, severe learning (intellectual) disabilities, complex language disorders or complex mental health disorders looked-after children and young people. At Autism Doctor we are proud to offer assessements that fit in with NICE Guidelines

The symptoms of Autism can vary widely from person to person, but some of the common signs include: - Delayed or no speech development - Difficulty in making eye contact - Repetitive behaviours such as hand flapping, rocking or spinning - Avoidance of physical contact and touch - Difficulty in understanding social cues and body language - Lack of interest in playing with peers - Difficulty in adapting to changes in routine - Sensory sensitivities such as being oversensitive to noise, lights, or textures It is important to note that not all individuals with Autism will display all of these symptoms, and some may have additional symptoms not listed here. If you suspect that your child may have Autism, it is important to seek an evaluation from a qualified healthcare professional.

In high functioing Autism the signs are: Verbally fluent but not able to hold conversations Melt downs and Emotional Dysregulation Obsessional Interests or Deep knowledge