For most people considering a neurodiversity assessment, the practicalities are one of the biggest unknowns. How long will it take? What will actually happen at the appointments? What comes next? And how will the results be communicated and used?
These are sensible questions, and the uncertainty around them can be one of the things that puts people off taking the first step. So this is a straightforward guide to what the process actually looks like at Neuropathways Clinic, from your first enquiry through to the support available after diagnosis.
How long does the whole process take from start to finish?
For most clients, the full assessment process from initial enquiry to receiving a written report takes between six and eight weeks. This covers the pre-assessment questionnaires, the clinical appointments themselves and the feedback session.
Urgent appointments are available where clinically appropriate, and extended timelines can be arranged to suit individual circumstances. The best way to get a clear picture of timescales is to discuss your situation during the free discovery call – our team will give you an honest estimate based on current availability and the type of assessment you need.
What does the assessment process involve, step by step?
Step 1: The free discovery call
Everything begins with a short phone or video call – usually around twenty to thirty minutes. This is not a clinical appointment. It is simply a conversation to understand your concerns, answer your questions about the process, discuss costs and timelines, and establish whether an assessment is likely to be helpful. There is no pressure and no commitment at this stage.
Step 2: Pre-assessment questionnaires
Before your clinical appointments, you will be asked to complete a set of standardised questionnaires. These gather information about the areas relevant to the type of assessment you are having – attention, executive function, social communication, sensory experiences and so on. For children, we will also ask for input from a parent or carer, and sometimes from school. These questionnaires take place in your own time and can be completed online.
Step 3: The clinical appointments
Most assessments involve two structured clinical appointments. These can take place in person at our Uddingston clinic in Glasgow or Swansea, or via secure online video – using exactly the same NICE-compliant tools as our in-person appointments.
During these appointments, a qualified clinical psychologist will work through the assessment tools relevant to your referral. This involves structured interviews, observation and, in some cases, cognitive tasks. The sessions are designed to be thorough but not stressful – our team will explain what is happening at each stage and give you plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
Step 4: The feedback session and written report
Once the assessment is complete, you will have a feedback session with your psychologist. This is where the results are explained to you in plain, clear language – not clinical jargon. You will receive a comprehensive written report that covers the findings in full, sets out any diagnosis clearly, and includes practical recommendations for school, university, the workplace or healthcare providers.
The report can be shared with whoever needs it – a GP, a school SENCO, an employer’s occupational health team or a university disability service. It is your document, and you are in control of where it goes.
Step 5: Post-diagnostic support
Receiving a diagnosis is the beginning, not the end. At Neuropathways Clinic we offer a range of support options after assessment, designed to help people translate their new understanding into practical, everyday strategies.
What post-diagnostic support is available?
Post-diagnostic support looks different for different people. Some clients want one-to-one coaching to build routines, manage energy, improve focus or navigate work and relationships. Others benefit from therapy to process the emotional weight of a late diagnosis and understand their history in a new light. For families and parents, we offer sessions that help everyone understand what the diagnosis means and how to support their child or family member effectively.
Our post-diagnostic support is provided by the same team who carry out the assessments, which means there is no hand-off to a different service. You already have a relationship with your psychologist and they already understand your history.
Do the appointments have to be in person?
No. All of our assessments can be carried out fully online via secure video. Online assessments use exactly the same clinical tools and are conducted by the same multidisciplinary team. Many clients find online appointments more convenient, particularly for the pre-assessment and feedback stages. For some parts of the assessment – particularly for children – in-person appointments can be preferable, but this is something we can discuss with you at the discovery call stage.
What if I have had previous assessments or reports?
If you have previous reports from school, a GP, an occupational health provider or another clinic, we are happy to review them as part of the process. They are not required – but they can be helpful in building a fuller picture, particularly for adult assessments where there may be school-age records that shed useful light on earlier patterns.
How much does an assessment cost?
Assessment costs vary depending on the type of assessment and the complexity of the individual’s presentation. We provide clear cost information during the discovery call and are happy to give you a written estimate in advance. Funding options include workplace schemes, Disabled Students’ Allowance, private health insurance, and interest-free instalments – all of which we can discuss and support you in applying for.
What is the first step?
The first step is simply getting in touch. A free discovery call takes around twenty to thirty minutes and gives you a clear picture of whether an assessment is right for you, what it would involve, and what it would cost. There is no commitment involved – just a conversation.
Neuropathways Clinic offers ADHD and autism assessments for people of all ages, with no GP referral needed. We are based in Uddingston, Glasgow and Swansea, and offer secure online appointments. Book your free discovery call at here or call 0330 202 0283.
