Neurodivergence
Autism and ADHD assessments and support
We recognise and celebrate your diverse strengths and perspectives that come with neurodivergence.
We have both personal experience and professional passion in working with Neurodivergence and are trained to deliver ADOS and ADI-R assessments for the Diagnosis of Autism. We work closely with a number of psychiatrists to support and advise on the diagnosis of ADHD using the DIVA assessment.
We frequently experience the fight for diagnosis and support of Neurodivergence…so our assessments are both compassionate and supportive, focussing on beneficial next steps.
How We Support You
Expertise in Neurodivergence
Our team of highly trained therapists specialise in working with neurodiverse people, understanding the unique challenges and strengths associated with Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other neurodivergent identities.
Personalised Therapy
We believe in the power of individualised care. Our therapy services are tailored to meet your specific needs, considering the nuances of your neurodivergent experience, and ensuring a supportive and affirming therapeutic environment.
Neurodivergent Assessments
Our Gold Standard assessment services aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of your neurodivergent profile. This information is crucial for tailoring therapeutic interventions to best support your mental health and well-being.
Neurodivergence Coaching
Neurodivergence coaching is designed to support individuals with neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other related conditions.
Whether you're a parent seeking support for your neurodivergent child or an individual navigating the complexities of neurodiversity, neurodivergence coaching offers a transformative journey of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment.
Inclusive and Accepting
We foster an inclusive and accepting space that values and affirms neurodiversity. Our goal is to empower you, recognising your unique strengths and helping you navigate mental health challenges with resilience and confidence.
Parent and carers support group
We also offer, with Moai, a weekly Friday session to support parents and carers of neurodiverse children and young people.
Neurodivergent Assessments
ADOS Assessment
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is a widely recognised and standardised assessment tool used by professionals to evaluate individuals for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It plays a crucial role in providing an accurate diagnosis and guiding appropriate intervention strategies.
ADI-R Assessment
The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) is a widely respected and comprehensive diagnostic tool used to assess individuals for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Understanding the ADI-R assessment process is crucial for individuals and families seeking clarity about ASD diagnosis and treatment.
ADHD Assessment
Our DIVA ADHD assessments deliver a comprehensive understanding of an individual's neurodivergent profile. This knowledge is instrumental in tailoring support strategies, creating an inclusive educational environment that nurtures the unique strengths of each individual.
“When they assessed my son, they were so kind and supportive of him.
Sadly the wait for NHS diagnosis is just so long and I was getting really worried for him as he seemed to be heading downhill in his emotions.
Dr. Davey and Ms Goodgame kept referring to the ADOS assessment as the gold standard and I can completely see why. They were incredibly thorough and made me feel valid as a mother with concerns for her child. When they assessed my son, they were so kind and supportive of him. I was surprised how comfortable he became in a short amount of time.”
A Mother
“They were so open and friendly and made the experience really quite fun for Will.
Jenna and Patrick came to meet my son Will and I at our house for his ADOS and they were so open and friendly and made the experience really quite fun for Will.
They are so approachable and easy to work with and they talked us through what to expect and kept in touch with me afterwards to let me know time frames etc.
I would absolutely recommend them!”
A Parent
ADOS Assessment
The ADOS assessment process is a systematic and standardised approach to evaluating individuals for Autism Spectrum Disorder. It involves careful observation, scoring, and post-assessment discussions to provide a comprehensive picture of an individual's social communication and interaction skills. Understanding this process is essential for individuals and families seeking a diagnosis and guidance for addressing the challenges associated with ASD.
An ADOS Assessment is £700.00 (+ VAT).
Initial Consultation
The ADOS assessment process typically begins with an initial consultation. This is an opportunity for clinicians to gather essential information about the individual being assessed. During this stage, you can expect discussions about the individual's medical history, developmental milestones, behavioural concerns, and any other relevant information. This information helps in tailoring the assessment to the unique needs of the individual. This is usually with a psychiatrist who will then refer you over for the full ADOS assessment.
Observation and Interaction
The heart of the ADOS assessment is the direct observation of the individual's social communication and interaction skills. A trained clinician from TNW, will engage the individual in a series of structured and semi-structured activities designed to elicit specific social and communicative behaviours. These activities vary depending on the individual's age and language level. The goal is to assess the individual's ability to engage, communicate, and respond to social cues.
Standardised Scoring
During the observation and interaction phase, the clinician carefully scores the individual's behaviors using standardised criteria. These criteria are based on established guidelines that help determine whether certain behaviours are indicative of ASD. The clinician assesses various aspects of social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviours, providing a comprehensive view of the individual's strengths and challenges.
Post-Assessment Discussion
Following the observation session, the psychiatrist will typically schedule a post-assessment discussion with the individual or their caregiver. During this discussion, the psychiatrist will review the assessment results and provide feedback. This feedback may include a preliminary impression of whether the individual meets the criteria for an ASD diagnosis or not.
Comprehensive Evaluation
It's important to note that the ADOS assessment is just one part of a comprehensive evaluation process for ASD. Other assessments, interviews, and evaluations may be conducted alongside the ADOS to ensure a thorough understanding of the individual's condition.
Diagnosis and Next Steps
IIf the psychiatrist determines that the individual meets the criteria for an ASD diagnosis, they will discuss the diagnosis and its implications. This discussion often includes recommendations for interventions, therapies, and support services tailored to the individual's specific needs. A formal diagnosis can be a critical step in accessing appropriate resources and services.
ADI-R Assessment
The ADI-R assessment process is a thorough and standardized approach to evaluating individuals for Autism Spectrum Disorder. By assessing social, communicative, and behavioral domains, it provides valuable insights into an individual's behavior and aids in the diagnosis of ASD. Understanding this process is essential for individuals and families seeking clarity about autism and the guidance needed for addressing its unique challenges.
An ADI-R Assessment is £900.00 (+ VAT).
Initial Consultation
The ADI-R assessment typically begins with an initial consultation. During this meeting, a skilled clinician collects valuable information about the individual under assessment. This includes their developmental history, medical background, and current behaviours. The consultation helps in customising the assessment to the unique needs and characteristics of the individual.
Structured Interview
The core component of the ADI-R assessment is a structured interview. The clinician will engage with the individual's caregivers or family members, asking a series of standardized questions that cover various aspects of the individual's social, communicative, and behavioral development. These questions are carefully designed to elicit specific information and are based on established criteria for ASD diagnosis.
The Three Domains of ADI-R
The ADI-R focuses on three main domains of behaviour related to ASD:
Reciprocal Social Interaction: Questions in this domain assess the individual's ability to engage in social interactions, develop relationships, and respond to social cues.
Communication and Language: This section evaluates the individual's communication skills, including language development, gestures, and non-verbal communication.
Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors: The assessment explores the presence of repetitive behaviors, obsessions, and adherence to routines or rituals.
Standardised Scoring
Throughout the structured interview, the clinician scores the individual's responses based on established criteria. These scores are used to evaluate the severity and presence of ASD-related behaviours in each domain. A thorough and systematic scoring process ensures the reliability and validity of the assessment.
Post-Assessment Discussion
After completing the structured interview, the clinician will schedule a post-assessment discussion with the caregivers or family members. During this discussion, the clinician will review the assessment results, provide feedback, and discuss whether the individual meets the criteria for an ASD diagnosis.
Comprehensive Evaluation
It's important to note that the ADI-R assessment is just one component of a comprehensive evaluation process for ASD. Other assessments, observations, and evaluations may be conducted alongside the ADI-R to ensure a holistic understanding of the individual's condition.
Diagnosis and Next Steps
If the clinician determines that the individual meets the criteria for an ASD diagnosis based on the ADI-R assessment, they will discuss the diagnosis and its implications. This conversation often includes recommendations for interventions, therapies, and support services tailored to the individual's specific needs.
DIVA ADHD Assessment
The DIVA ADHD assessment process is a systematic and standardised approach to evaluating individuals for ADHD. It involves careful observation, scoring, and post-assessment discussions to provide a comprehensive picture of an individual's social communication and interaction skills. Understanding this process is essential for individuals and families seeking a diagnosis and guidance for addressing the challenges associated with ADHD.
An ADHD Assessment is £900.00 (+ VAT)
Initial Consultation
If you're seeking clarity about Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the DIVA assessment could be the key to unlocking a clearer understanding of your or your loved one's challenges and strengths.
The initial consultation is an opportunity for clinicians to gather essential information about the client.
During this stage, you can expect discussions about the individual's medical history, developmental milestones, behavioural concerns, and any other relevant information. This information helps in tailoring the assessment to the unique needs of the individual.
Get Started Today
If you suspect that you or someone you care about may have ADHD, the DIVA assessment can provide valuable insights and pave the way for effective support and management strategies.
Contact us to schedule a DIVA assessment and take the first step towards clarity and empowerment.
Let's navigate the journey of understanding ADHD together. With the DIVA assessment, you can gain clarity and embark on a path towards greater well-being and success.
What is the DIVA assessment?
TThe DIVA (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults) assessment is a comprehensive diagnostic tool specifically designed to evaluate ADHD symptoms in adults. Developed by experts in the field, the DIVA assessment provides a structured interview format to gather detailed information about an individual's behavioural patterns, cognitive functioning, and overall functioning in various life domains.
Why choose the DIVA assessment?
The DIVA assessment offers several benefits:
Accuracy: The structured format of the DIVA assessment ensures a thorough evaluation of ADHD symptoms, leading to more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Tailored Support: By gaining a deeper understanding of ADHD symptoms and their impact on daily life, individuals can access personalized support and interventions to address their specific needs.
Evidence-Based: The DIVA assessment is based on established diagnostic criteria and guidelines, ensuring reliability and validity in the evaluation process.
How does the DIVA assessment work?
During the DIVA assessment, our trained clinician conducts a thorough interview with the individual or their caregiver. The interview covers a wide range of topics, including:
Developmental History: Understanding early childhood development and any relevant family history of ADHD or related conditions.
Current Symptoms: Exploring the presence and severity of ADHD symptoms across different domains, such as attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Impact on Functioning: Assessing how ADHD symptoms impact daily life, including academic or work performance, relationships, and overall well-being.
Co-occurring Conditions: Identifying any co-existing mental health conditions or learning disabilities that may be contributing to or exacerbating ADHD symptoms.
Contextual Factors: Considering environmental factors and life circumstances that may influence ADHD symptoms, such as stressors at work or school, family dynamics, or lifestyle factors. this discussion, the psychiatrist will review the assessment results and provide feedback. This feedback may include a preliminary impression of whether the individual meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis or not.
Comprehensive Evaluation
It's important to note that the DIVA assessment is just one part of a comprehensive evaluation process for ADHD, should you wish to gain a full diagnosis and consider medication.
For patients who wish to only gain understanding around their ADHD symptoms and a bespoke report, this can be taken independently.
At The Nurture Works, we do not rush the process of diagnosis, we ensure we have a wealth of data. Multi disciplinary meetings with expert clinicians take place to ensure we have the evidence for the appropriate diagnosis and have consider all psychological and environmental factors.
We work with a number of other psychiatrists who offer assessments, interviews, and evaluations will be conducted alongside the DIVA.
This ensures a thorough understanding of the individual's condition. The psychiatrist and clinician will hold an MDT meeting and ensure the report meets the Gold Standard for diagnostics, ensuring NHS shared care.
Diagnosis and Next Steps
IIf the psychiatrist determines that the individual meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will discuss the diagnosis.
This discussion often includes recommendations for interventions, therapies, and support services tailored to the individual's specific needs. A formal diagnosis can be a critical step in accessing appropriate resources and services.