How it works

1. 01

   Step 1: Enquiry

   Tell us whether you're looking for an Autism, ADHD or Combined assessment, and whether it's for you or your child.

   Learn more

   Use the enquiry form, WhatsApp or phone. A short message is enough; there's no need to share detailed histories at this stage. A GP referral is not required.

2. 02

   Step 2: Initial Consultation

   An online conversation of around 30 minutes (usually) about your concerns and the most appropriate pathway.

   Learn more

   The Initial Assessment Consultation usually takes place online and lasts around 30 minutes. It is an initial discussion to:

   • understand the reason for your enquiry and your main concerns
   • establish whether an Autism, ADHD or Combined pathway may be appropriate
   • explain the assessment process
   • answer your initial questions
   • discuss the appropriate next steps

   It is not a diagnostic assessment, and no diagnosis is made during this consultation.

3. 03

   Step 3: Information Gathering

   Relevant developmental, clinical and background information is gathered.

   Learn more

   We begin by gathering relevant background information to build a comprehensive picture. Depending on age and pathway, this may include:

   • developmental history
   • medical and mental health history
   • educational history
   • current strengths and areas of difficulty
   • relevant questionnaires and rating scales
   • information from parents or carers
   • information from school or college, where appropriate
   • for adults, information from a partner, relative or another appropriate informant, where relevant
   • previous reports or assessments, where available
   • other developmental, psychological or contextual factors that may help explain your presentation

   Not every source is needed in every case. Information gathering is tailored to the individual and the pathway. Contacting anyone else, such as a school or relative, is discussed with you first and done with consent.

4. 04

   Step 4: Assessment

   The appropriate specialist assessment is carried out by our clinical team.

   Learn more

   The assessment depends on the pathway:

   • Autism, Children & Young People: Includes both the ADI-R and the ADOS-2, alongside developmental, clinical and school information where appropriate.
   • Autism, Adults: Includes both the ADI-R and the ADOS-2, together with a detailed developmental and clinical history and supporting information.
   • ADHD, Children & Young People: Follows an ADHD-specific pathway, separate from the Autism assessment. Diagnosis is never based on a questionnaire or QbCheck result alone.
   • ADHD, Adults: Follows an ADHD-specific pathway, separate from the Autism assessment. Diagnosis is never based on a questionnaire or QbCheck result alone.
   • Combined Autism & ADHD, Children & Young People: Brings together the relevant components of both pathways, including ADI-R and ADOS-2 alongside the appropriate ADHD assessment.
   • Combined Autism & ADHD, Adults: Brings together ADI-R and ADOS-2 with the appropriate adult ADHD assessment, including DIVA-5 and other relevant clinical and informant information.
5. 05

   Step 5: Clinical Review

   The information is carefully considered and brought together by the appropriate clinicians.

   Learn more

   Once the assessment components are complete, the information is brought together and reviewed clinically. Where appropriate, this includes multidisciplinary discussion involving the relevant clinicians.

   The review considers the developmental history, clinical assessment, the Autism or ADHD-specific assessment findings as applicable, questionnaires, observations, information from home, school or informants, and any relevant reports. No conclusion is based on a single assessment score or tool.

6. 06

   Step 6: Report

   A comprehensive written report explains the findings and recommendations.

   Learn more

   After the clinical review, you receive a comprehensive written report, which includes:

   • the reason for assessment
   • relevant developmental and clinical information
   • the assessment components undertaken
   • findings
   • the clinical conclusion
   • strengths and identified areas of need
   • individualised recommendations
   • suggested next steps, where appropriate
7. 07

   Step 7: Feedback & Next Steps

   The findings are explained, and we talk through recommendations and next steps.

   Learn more

   A feedback appointment is offered to explain the findings and give you the chance to ask questions. If the evidence does not support a diagnosis, the findings are still explained and documented, with strengths, areas of need and recommendations.

YASS Healthcare operates primarily online and by appointment. Face-to-face appointments are available by prior arrangement where appropriate.