A multi-disciplinary assessment involves clinicians from different disciplines inputting into the assessment process and decisions regarding the outcome. We have clinical psychologists and a speech and language therapist. Although not every clinician will see your child, we hold a panel review to agree outcomes regarding diagnostic assessments, which will include clinicians from more than one discipline. This ensures a robust process. We may also liaise with professionals outside of our clinic, with consent, such as Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists, Occupational Therapists and Educational Psychologists.

NICE guidelines (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) and SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) are evidence-based clinical recommendations for health and care. They set out the care and services suitable for most people with a specific condition or need, and people in particular circumstances or settings. Assessments for neurodevelopmental conditions should follow the guidance set out by NICE and SIGN guidelines, which can be found at www.nice.org.uk and https://www.sign.ac.uk.

This is a question we are regularly asked, particularly when it comes to child and adolescent assessments as parents are often understandably keen to ensure that an assessment they pay for privately will be recognised and used to access further support where necessary. There is no legal basis upon which an assessment can be rejected simply because it was conducted privately, as long as it was conducted in accordance with the guidelines and by suitably trained and experienced practitioners. All professionals at Glasgow NeuroCare are registered with a regulatory body to ensure that we continue to adhere to high standards of professional practice. We all currently, or have previously, worked within the NHS, in child and adult services. It is important to note that our remit is to conduct neurodevelopmental assessments and to clarify whether an individual meets the criteria for a diagnosis of one or more neurodevelopmental conditions. The report will include all of the information considered in making decisions regarding diagnostic thresholds. We do not usually provide specific advice regarding what support a child will need in school, or which specific educational setting should be able to meet their needs and if specific advice in this regard is required, the assistance of an Educational Psychologist should be sought.

The ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) is a semi-structured, standardised assessment of communication, social interaction, and play or imaginative use of materials for individuals who have been referred because of possible autism. It is conducted by one of the clinicians in-person, following the initial assessment and only if indicated from the screening and developmental assessment interview. The ADOS is scored and a report completed, which is sent to the clinician who conducted the initial assessment. The panel then review the ADOS, alongside all of the other assessment information, to assist in decision making regarding diagnosis. The ADOS is not used in isolation to diagnose autism. It tends to take around 45-90 minutes.

No, we offer a robust screening service during which we collect detailed information from you (initial assessment interview) and others (schools, employers, family members where appropriate). Screening measures are also considered before we proceed to the full assessment. If we do not feel there is likely to be enough evidence for a diagnosis, we will discuss this with you and make recommendations. See the fees section for details of the initial screening fee.

No, we accept referrals directly from individuals.

Payment is required in advance of any appointments via Stipe payment link, which will be emailed from our admin email: hello@glasgowneurocare.co.uk. We currently do not accept insurance payments. We can provide an invoice receipt for clients to claim back from insurance providers, but our payments are usually taken directly from clients. We do not accept cheque or credit card payments. You will be sent an invoice with payment instructions.

Yes, we offer a 10% discount for families or individuals being assessed from the same family.

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is not a recognised diagnosis in its own right, so cannot be formally diagnosed due to it not appearing in any of the diagnostic manuals that diagnostic clinicians are required to follow. It is considered a behaviour profile in Autism, characteristic of avoidance of everyday demands and expectations, to an extreme extent. While we cannot assess and diagnose PDA in its own right, if our assessment identifies extreme demand avoidance as a behaviour profile, we will refer to it and signpost to more information and resources parents and carers (autism.org.uk).

We believe you should only pay for what you actually need. Rather than charging upfront for a full assessment, our staged approach means you pay as you go; stopping at the point that's right for you. Stage 1 — Screening £120 Stage 2 — Neurodevelopmental Assessment £695 Stage 3 — Full assessment £875 (only if Stages 1 & 2 are supportive) How this works in practice: If assessment stops at Stage 2: £120 + £695 = £815 total You'll receive a written summary report, even without a diagnosis. If you go through all three stages: £120 + £695 + £810 = £1,625 total A full report is provided regardless of outcome.

Stage 1 — Screening This varies and is largely dependent on how quickly you and your informant (such as a school or family member) return the questionnaires. We'll keep you updated on progress throughout. Stage 2 — Neurodevelopmental Assessment The assessment itself takes around 2–3 hours. This is conducted online, though in-person appointments are available on request (an additional charge applies). Stage 3 — ADOS Assessment The in-person assessment takes between 45–90 minutes and is carried out at either The Wellbeing Rooms in Stepps or a clinic room in Glasgow city centre, depending on the day.

Your report will be delivered within 6 weeks of your Stage 2 neurodevelopmental assessment, provided the ADOS (Stage 3) is booked in sufficient time.