Autism & ADHD Assessments for Children & Teens – Private Psychologist Derbyshire, UK
Many parents come to us after months (or years) of feeling dismissed, confused, or unsure where to turn. At Percuro Psychology, we offer comprehensive, neuroaffirming autism and ADHD assessments for children and young people. Our process follows NICE guidelines and includes input from a multidisciplinary team, including a Clinical Psychologist and Speech and Language Therapist. Our aim is not just to provide a diagnosis, but to offer clarity, compassion, and practical next steps that help your child thrive — at home, in school, and within themselves.
What is Autism (ASC)?
Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person experiences social communication, sensory information, routine, and flexibility of thinking. Every autistic child is unique — many are deeply insightful, creative, and focused, but may also find certain social, sensory, or emotional situations overwhelming or difficult to navigate.
Autistic young people may:
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Prefer routine and predictability
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Experience sensory sensitivities
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Struggle with social interaction or communication
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Mask their differences, especially in school
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Experience high levels of anxiety
What is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental difference marked by persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity that are not in line with what is typically expected for a child’s developmental stage.
For a diagnosis to be made, these behaviours must be present across settings (e.g., home and school) and significantly impact the child’s day-to-day functioning — whether in learning, relationships, or emotional wellbeing.
Children with ADHD may:
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Struggle with concentration, memory, or task initiation
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Be impulsive, active, or constantly ‘on the go’
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Daydream, forget things, or appear disorganised
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Experience emotional highs and lows
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Mask well in structured settings but collapse at home
While we do not offer ADHD medication, our assessments provide a full diagnostic picture and recommendations tailored to home, school, and wellbeing.
Our Assessment Process
1. Referral or Enquiry
You can self-refer or be referred by a professional. We’ll begin with an initial screening of your concerns to make sure we’re the right fit for your child’s needs.
2. Screening Questionnaires
We send validated screening tools to parents, school, and the young person (where appropriate) to gather initial information and perspectives from those who know them best.
3. Initial Consultation (with parents and child)
This meeting helps us understand your concerns in more depth and collaboratively decide whether an autism assessment, ADHD assessment, or combined assessment is most appropriate.
4. Developmental History Interview (with parents)
We explore early developmental milestones, social communication, play, routines, emotional regulation, and other relevant areas to build a rich picture of your child’s background.
5. Formalised Assessment
Depending on the referral pathway, this includes:
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Autism assessment using gold-standard tools (e.g., ADOS-2)
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ADHD assessment including QbCheck and structured clinical interview
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Assessments are carried out with warmth, care, and sensitivity, with adjustments made to support communication and engagement.
6. Feedback Appointment
You’ll receive a 1-hour feedback session to discuss findings, recommendations, and next steps in clear, accessible language. We’ll answer your questions and support you in understanding the outcome fully.
7. Comprehensive Diagnostic Report
You’ll receive your written report within 3–4 weeks. It includes detailed findings, diagnostic conclusions (if applicable), and tailored recommendations for home, school, and further support.
+ Optional Follow-Up Session
We offer an additional 1-hour follow-up to support implementation, answer new questions, and guide you in advocating for the support your child needs.
🤝 Why Choose Us?
- Short waiting times — start within weeks, not months
- NICE-compliant autism and ADHD assessments
- A kind, neuroaffirming approach — your child is respected as an individual with strengths.
- Reports that are detailed, clear, and practically useful
- Clinicians who understand anxiety, masking, and school-based distress
- A joined-up view of your child’s strengths, needs, and identity
Initial Screening Appointment – £140
This first appointment is an opportunity to explore your child’s strengths, challenges, and current areas of concern. We’ll also review the information gathered from screening questionnaires completed by parents, school, and (where appropriate) your child.
Following this appointment, I will advise on the most appropriate next steps. This may include a recommendation for a neurodevelopmental assessment — such as for autism, ADHD, or both. If an assessment is not indicated at this stage, I will clearly explain the reasons why and provide helpful guidance on other forms of support that may benefit your child.
Assessment Pathways and Fees
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Autism Assessment (includes full report and feedback session): £2,100
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ADHD Assessment (includes full report and feedback session. Please note: We are unable to prescribe medication): £1,750
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Combined Autism & ADHD Assessment (includes full report and feedback session): £2,900
All assessments follow a structured, gold-standard approach and include school liaison and personalised recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Autism & ADHD Assessments
How long does a private autism or ADHD assessment take?
Our full assessment process usually takes 4–6 weeks from your initial screening appointment to receiving your written report. This includes questionnaires, consultations, direct assessments, and a feedback session.
What’s the difference between NHS and private autism/ADHD assessments?
NHS assessments are free but often involve long waiting lists. With a private assessment, you can usually start within weeks. We also follow NICE guidelines, so our assessments are thorough, multi-disciplinary, and recognised by schools and other professionals.
Will the diagnosis be accepted by my child’s school or GP?
Yes. Our reports are detailed, evidence-based, and widely recognised by schools, local authorities, and healthcare providers. While we don’t prescribe ADHD medication, our reports can be shared with your GP to support next steps. We are also able to refer on to a private child psychiatrist to discuss medication.
Do you assess teenagers and girls who may be ‘masking’?
Absolutely. We understand that many autistic and ADHD teens, especially girls, can present differently and often mask their difficulties at school. Our approach is sensitive, neuroaffirming, and tailored to pick up on these subtleties.
What if my child doesn’t meet the criteria for autism or ADHD?
Sometimes difficulties may be better explained by other factors. In these cases, we will explain our reasoning clearly and provide practical recommendations for home and school, as well as guidance on other forms of support.
Do you only see families in Derbyshire?
We are based in Matlock, Derbyshire, but families often travel from across the East Midlands (including Sheffield, Nottingham, Chesterfield, and beyond). For some parts of the process, we can also offer online appointments.
We’re here to answer your questions and help you decide if an autism or ADHD assessment is right for your child. Get in touch today to book your initial screening appointment.
