Frequently asked questions

About our service

 

Q. What autism assessment services do you offer in Farnham, Surrey?

We provide bespoke specialist autism assessments, combined autism & ADHD assessments, and standalone ADHD assessments for children, young people and adults. We follow a multi-disciplinary approach in line with NICE guidance.

​

Q. Do you assess both children and adults?

Yes. Autism assessments are available from age 2+. ADHD and combined Autism+ADHD assessments are available from age 5+.

​

Q. Do you recognise PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profiles and the presentation in girls/women?

Yes — our clinicians are experienced in recognising the demand-avoidant profile and also the way autism can present in girls and women.

​

Q. Do you prescribe ADHD medication?

No. We assess and diagnose ADHD but don’t prescribe medication. If medication is indicated, we’ll advise on next steps with private prescribers or the NHS.

​

How the assessment works

​​

Q. What’s included in every assessment?

A bespoke selection of screening tools, depending on the needs of the client. For autism, a 3Di or ADI-R developmental history interview with a highly trained diagnostician, an ADOS-2 observation with two highly trained diagnosticians, a comprehensive report with recommendations, and an optional feedback session to go through findings and next steps.

​

For ADHD we use the DIVA or ACE, Conner’s and QBCheck.

​

Q. Are your assessments compliant with NICE and accepted by public services?

Yes. This is a very common question! We follow NICE guidelines and our reports are written so they can be accepted by the NHS, Local Authority and Mindworks.

 

Q. Who will carry out my assessment?

A highly experienced, multi-disciplinary team (each with 10+ years’ experience), including at least two of the following: Consultant Paediatrician, Clinical Psychologist,  Highly Specialist Speech & Language Therapist or Occupational Therapist. The Clinical Director, Lisa Mayatt, a Highly Specialist Speech and Language is your point of contact throughout and is involved in all assessments.

​

For ADHD the appointment is with a Consultant Paediatrican or Clinical Psychologist with significant additional training and expertise in the presentation of ADHD

​

Q. Do you offer a free initial consultation?

Yes — a free 15-minute phone consultation with our Clinical Director ahead of booking.

​

Practicalities & location

 

Q. Where are you based and what’s the clinic like?

We’re in South Farnham, Surrey. The clinic is a calm, homely annex with a large waiting room, outdoor seating and parking on site — designed to reduce anxiety on the day. We have tea / coffee facilities, biscuits and a client toilet on site. 

​

Q. Do you assess people from outside Surrey?

Yes — many clients travel from the wider South-East and we have had clients from all over the UK e.g. Cornwall and Wales. If you have specific access needs, let us know so we can help.

​

Q. Can you make adjustments for sensory or anxiety needs?

Absolutely. Please tell us what helps and we’ll accommodate where possible. We pride ourselves in the bespoke assessments we offer. All of our clinicians are trained to offer a flexible, low demand approach to assessments. Our priority is client comfort and we routinely ask about what might help each client prior to meeting them in the clinic. 

 

Reports, recognition & support

 

Q. What do I receive after the assessment?

A detailed diagnostic report with clear recommendations for home, school/college or work, and signposting to appropriate support. A feedback session is also offered to talk through any questions.

​

Q. Will your report help with school support or an EHCP?

Yes — the report can be used as diagnostic evidence as part of EHCP processes. Where needed, we can also provide EHCP/Expert Witness tribunal reports for Speech, Language & Communication via our linked service.

​

Q. Do you liaise with schools or other professionals?

We incorporate information from school and other professionals where relevant liaise with them as part of the assessment process. 

​

Q. Do you offer post-diagnostic guidance?

Yes — the feedback session focuses on understanding the profile and practical next steps, and we include tailored recommendations in your report. We can also discuss with you anything that you feel might specifically help you or your family member. You know them best so we are keen to work with you to ensure the report is as useful as we can possibly make it.

​

Booking, fees & timing

 

Q. How much does an assessment cost?

​

• Autism assessment (child or adult): £1,950
   

• ADHD assessment (child or adult): £1,750
   

• Combined Autism + ADHD (age 5+): from £2,950

​

Prices are transparent and confirmed in writing when you book.
 

Q. What’s the current availability/wait time?

Typically our waiting time is 1-4 weeks. We are able to keep our waiting lists down as we have access to a range of clinicians who can often offer extra appointment slots when required. 

​

Q. Do I need a GP referral?

You can contact us directly to discuss your situation. If a referral letter or additional information would help, we’ll advise during your free consultation.

​

Q. What’s the best way to get started?

Email lisa@autismassessmentsfarnham.co.uk to book your free 15-minute consultation.

 

Autism, ADHD & profiles

 

Q. How do you decide between an autism-only assessment and a combined Autism+ADHD assessment?

If both autism and ADHD are suspected, a combined pathway looks at both conditions within one integrated process and report (recommended for clarity where symptoms overlap).

​

Q. Do you assess co-occurring needs (e.g., language, sensory differences or mental health conditions such as anxiety)?

Yes — our multi-disciplinary approach considers communication, language, sensory processing and mental health across settings.

​

Q. Which diagnostic criteria do you use?

We use the DSM-5 as part of a NICE-aligned process to include gold-standard instruments (ADOS-2, ADI-R/3Di) and clinical best practice within a multi-disciplinary team.