ADHD & Autism Diagnostic Service
Dorset Psychological Services regularly engage in diagnostic assessments for individuals with possible ADHD or Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This includes both children and adults.
How is ASD/ADHD diagnosed?
There are no diagnostic biomarkers for ASD or ADHD. Both are diagnosed based on information gathered from a detailed social history, psychometric questionnaires, corroborative reports and the observation of specific characteristic behaviours.
What can I expect from the diagnostic report?
Within a report you can expect a summary of the client’s background and early life including friendships, family, schooling etc. The report will also summarise the struggles they have currently in work/college and relationships before using the diagnostic criteria (DSM-IV or ICD-10) as a basis to either confirm or eliminate the likelihood of a diagnosis. The results of multiple psychometric questionnaires will be analysed and used to further evidence the conclusion. The report will conclude by making suggestions regarding best practice in supporting the client within the workplace/learning environment with signposting information of national and local support groups and agencies included. You will be supplied with both a full diagnostic report and a summary report (excluding a lot of the personal details) that you can use with employers etc.
How long does a diagnosis take?
Most individuals complete the assessment interview within two to three hours, but some individuals can take longer. The report will be completed in draft form within 3 weeks and then there may be a request at this stage for clarification of details or further information. The final report will be emailed within 4 weeks of you first meeting for the assessment.
Is there a difference between an ADHD/ASD diagnosis made in the NHS versus privately?
There would be no difference between the validity of a privately funded versus an NHS assessment. It is similar to if you were seeking an assessment for something like back pain privately. Most professionals that provide private assessments also work within the NHS. As long as the professional is appropriately qualified, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and adheres to the NICE guidelines regarding assessment then it will be equally as valid (https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/NG87 / https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg142). We have never experienced of any issues with the validity of our reports or recommendations.
How is ASD/ADHD diagnosed?
There are no diagnostic biomarkers for ASD or ADHD. Both are diagnosed based on information gathered from a detailed social history, psychometric questionnaires, corroborative reports and the observation of specific characteristic behaviours.
What can I expect from the diagnostic report?
Within a report you can expect a summary of the client’s background and early life including friendships, family, schooling etc. The report will also summarise the struggles they have currently in work/college and relationships before using the diagnostic criteria (DSM-IV or ICD-10) as a basis to either confirm or eliminate the likelihood of a diagnosis. The results of multiple psychometric questionnaires will be analysed and used to further evidence the conclusion. The report will conclude by making suggestions regarding best practice in supporting the client within the workplace/learning environment with signposting information of national and local support groups and agencies included. You will be supplied with both a full diagnostic report and a summary report (excluding a lot of the personal details) that you can use with employers etc.
How long does a diagnosis take?
Most individuals complete the assessment interview within two to three hours, but some individuals can take longer. The report will be completed in draft form within 3 weeks and then there may be a request at this stage for clarification of details or further information. The final report will be emailed within 4 weeks of you first meeting for the assessment.
Is there a difference between an ADHD/ASD diagnosis made in the NHS versus privately?
There would be no difference between the validity of a privately funded versus an NHS assessment. It is similar to if you were seeking an assessment for something like back pain privately. Most professionals that provide private assessments also work within the NHS. As long as the professional is appropriately qualified, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and adheres to the NICE guidelines regarding assessment then it will be equally as valid (https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/NG87 / https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg142). We have never experienced of any issues with the validity of our reports or recommendations.