Neurodiversity Series: How to Choose a Reliable Adult Autism and/or ADHD Assessment Service
As awareness of neurodivergence grows, more people are exploring whether they might be autistic, have ADHD, or both. This rising interest has led to the emergence of numerous neurodevelopmental assessment services, each claiming to provide answers. However, not all services are created equal, and knowing what to look for is key to ensuring a thorough, respectful, and professional experience.
Here, we outline essential "green flags" (positive signs) and "red flags" (warning signs) to help you choose a service that aligns with neuroaffirmative principles.
Green Flags: What to Look For in a Good Assessment
- Qualified Professionals - Ensure that the clinician has appropriate credentials and is registered with a recognised regulatory body.
- Positive Client Reviews - Look for reviews from individuals who have engaged with the service in the past. Platforms like Trustpilot or Google Reviews can provide insight into others’ experiences.
- Adherence to Best Practices - A good service follows established guidelines for assessing neurodivergence in adults. If this information isn’t readily available, ask them directly about the standards they follow.
- Experienced Clinicians - The clinician should have specialised training in neurodevelopmental assessments and several years of experience in autism and/or ADHD. If you have specific identity characteristics, such as being a woman, having a learning difficulty or disability, or coming from a particular cultural background, the clinician should demonstrate an understanding of these experiences and tailor the assessment process to meet your unique needs.
- Supportive Communication - You should feel comfortable asking questions about the assessment process, either through email or an initial consultation. A reliable service will welcome these inquiries and provide clear, reassuring answers.
Red Flags: When to Look Elsewhere
- Pressure Tactics - If a service pushes you to book quickly or uses a hard-sell approach, it’s best to avoid them.
- Limited Communication or Inflexibility - A lack of opportunity to ask questions or request adjustments suggests the service may not prioritise your individual needs.
- Inexperienced Clinicians - Neurodevelopmental assessments are complex and require extensive knowledge and skill. Avoid services where clinicians have limited experience working with neurodivergent adults.
- Narrow Focus on Neurodivergence Only - The clinician should have a well-rounded understanding of developmental history, mental health, and trauma. This broader perspective is crucial for a thorough assessment.
Choosing the right service is essential for an empowering and accurate understanding of your neurodivergence. Taking time to evaluate your options ensures that the process will be supportive, affirming, and tailored to your needs.
Moving Forwards
You can find out more about the neurodevelopmental assessment process at Join Psychology on our Adult Autism Assessment and Adult ADHD Assessment pages. You can check out reviews from our clients on the Testimonials page on our website. If you’d like to begin your assessment journey with Join Psychology, you can get in touch with us here.