Autism & ADHD Assessments
Bournemouth, Dorset & Online
Seeking an autism or ADHD assessment as an adult can feel both hopeful and daunting. Many people come to assessment after years of wondering, masking, or feeling misunderstood. My approach is respectful, affirming, and paced around you, with the aim of helping you understand yourself more clearly and finding support that works for you.
I offer assessments to adults only (18+) from my clinic in Bournemouth and online. I recognise the wide variety of ways autism and ADHD can present, particularly in women and people who have learned to adapt, mask, or compensate over time. My assessments are informed by current NICE guidelines for adult autism and ADHD, while remaining flexible, person‑centred, and responsive to individual lived experience. Whether the assessment confirms a diagnosis or not, I always aim to ensure individuals are left with a clearer understanding of themselves and how they came to be who they are, including their individual strengths and challenges.
Assessment Process
Screening
The process begins with validated screening questionnaires. These help identify whether an in‑depth assessment is appropriate and which areas to explore further. Screening also gives you an early opportunity to reflect on your experiences and what has led you to seek an assessment. I often advise that both autism and ADHD screening measures are completed due to the high co-occurrence rates between them.
Assessment
Assessment sessions involve in‑depth clinical discussions and structured tools appropriate for adult autism and/or ADHD assessment. These sessions are collaborative and you are encouraged to share examples from your real life. Sessions are conducted in a calm, supportive way, with space to pause or regulate if needed.
Where possible and appropriate, I also gather information from someone who knew you in childhood (such as a parent, carer, or older relative) or who knows you well as an adult. This can be provided through questionnaires, written input and/or an individual meeting. I understand that third‑party information is not always available. If it isn’t, we work thoughtfully with your own account and other supporting evidence where available, i.e. school reports or past medical files.
Follow Up & Report
Following the assessment, you will receive a detailed written report and given the opportunity to attend a follow up session. This gives you space to ask any questions, reflect on the outcome and explore what it means to you. It is also a chance to discuss next steps and recommendations.
Please Note: I do not prescribe medication following ADHD assessments. I can signpost to private prescribers but if you are wanting to seek medication via the NHS please discuss with your GP first before pursuing a private assessment.
