Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

We offer diagnosis for all ages. In anecdotal evidence from our clients suggests that late diagnosis offers an explanation and understanding about where their previous difficulties have stemmed from. It also offers certainty and the starting point for change in which strategies can be put in place and self – understanding improved. Not all our clients who are diagnosed at later ages which to pursue medication and many consider their diagnosis as pivotal to lifestyle changes and self-development.

We provide a full list of recommendations on our report as well as offering a follow up session, in order to discuss further. However, treatment should address psychological, behavioural, occupational and educational needs (NICE, 2019) and our clients tend to pursue a variety of paths after diagnosis.

Some may share with their educational institution in order to obtain accommodations that assist their studies, others may share with their workplace similarly. Typical accommodations at university/ college may be : extended deadlines, extended exam times, one to one mentoring. Typical accommodations at work may include: help with administrative tasks, flexible working hours, physical accommodations (separate work spaces), help with daily task goals, more regular meetings with managers.

As ADHD and ASD are both disabilities, further support can be offered through disability for students or through government access to work programmes. Here accommodations such as dragon software, sit to stand desk, mentors, ADHD coaching etc can be gained through specific support with a diagnosis.

For some of our clients, recommended next steps may be to research coping strategies and techniques to support themselves. For others, therapy or coaching may be the next step.

A diagnosis can help with individuals’ self-understanding, enabling them to develop a more accepting attitude towards themselves. It allows a certainty around their symptoms which makes it easier to take on board tools and techniques specific to those with a neurodiversity. Importantly, it enables the individual to attune their life more suitably to their needs. Often, a few months after diagnosis, clients report living lives that are more self-compassionate and more suitably attuned to their neurodiversity. This improves mood symptoms and can reduce anxiety. It also increases their assertiveness and ability to advocate for their needs in different environments. Finally, a diagnosis can assist others close to the individual to become more understanding.

The pre-assessment lasts about one hour and screens for ADHD/ ASD and other comorbidities. It is designed to answer any questions about further assessment and provide you will our assessment of your current presentation and whether an assessment is suitable and whether we think enough neurodivergent symptoms are present to warrant further assessment.

The ADHD assessment involves a detailed interview with yourself and someone who has known you for a period of time. This may be a parent but sometimes parents are not suitable or available and therefore it might be a sibling, partner or long-term friend. They do not need to be present at the assessment if not available and can be contacted afterwards by the assessor. Before the assessment, there are a range of questionnaires that need to be completed by yourself and others in your life. The interview is also assisted by a CAARS psychometric assessment. The assessment tends to last between 2 and 2 ½ hours.

The ASD assessment involves two assessment sessions. The first, which is typically 2 ½ to 3 hours, involves yourself with an informant (parent or partner). The second, which is typically up to one hour, involves yourself only.

Recent statistics suggest that over 90% of adults and children within the UK are undiagnosed with ADHD. The current waiting time to access treatment for ASD and ADHD through the NHS tends to vary, but anecdotal evidence suggests anywhere between 12 months to 4 years in Scotland and similar times in the rest of the UK.

The desire by people to understand themselves and seek treatment for their symptoms is heavily impacted by these delays. For adults, for example, their symptoms may already have caused a burden on their mental health. For children, the wait for treatment, can mean significant delay in support provided, as well as misunderstanding by others about their behaviours which inevitably impacts on their self-esteem. This delay in treatment and understanding can impact on everyone within a household.

We offer an alternative option to these waiting times in a secure, confidential setting utilising a strong evidence-based approach. Our approach is supportive and affirmative yet also tailor made and sensitive to your individual need and circumstances.

There is an option to spread the cost on booking in. Your report will be issued once all costs have been recovered.

Yes you can bring someone to the assessment if that is helpful or feels more comfortable.

A referral is helpful although not essential as you can self-refer. However, if you have not spoken to anyone about your symptoms we would recommend booking for a pre-assessment initially. The fee of this session will be subtracted from any further assessment fees.

You may feel that this session is more thoroughly discussed without your child present. It depends on the age, understanding and sensitivity of your child. We do have a waiting area, however, your child will need to be supervised if brought along.

Medication for ADHD

Medication for ADHD is recommended by the NICE guidelines as part of ADHD treatment and has shown to be very helpful in reducing some of the ADHD symptoms enabling individuals to start to manage their lives more effectively. Although we cannot prescribe medication after diagnosis, we can offer a direct referral to psychiatrists and prescribers who can. Once your medication is titrated then the prescriber will contact your GP and your GP may take over the prescriptions as part of a shared care agreement.

We would encourage you to consult your GP first, as they may prescribe directly from our diagnosis. You should also ask if they will take part in a ‘shared care’ agreement with a private psychiatrist or prescriber.

We can provide a full list of referral partners for medication on request after diagnosis.

Typical prices for private medication are about £350 for initial prescription and then about £180 for further reviews.

Other Cognitive Assessments

Looking for a adult (16+) cognitive diagnostic assessment for dyslexia, dyscalculia and DCD/ dyspraxia?

We have links with a chartered psychologist who specialises in assessments in these areas.

ADHD Scotland can highly recommend Lorna Harrison who has carried out assessments for our clients and supports neurodiversity through her assessments. Her reports are comprehensive and provide a picture of strengths and weaknesses, recommendations for specific reasonable adjustments and supports for employees in the workplace or students in a learning context.

Looking for a dyslexia assessment for a child?

ADHD Scotland can recommend:

Robert T Johnstone
Chartered Psychologist and Educational Psychologist
  • 0141 956 1476
  • 6 Heathfield Drive G62 8AZ Milngavie
    East Dunbartonshire, Scotland, United Kingdom