TRUE NORTH
PSYCHOLOGY
General Questions
Q1.
What types of neurodivergence assessments do you offer?
We offer comprehensive assessments for: 1. Adult ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) 2. Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC/ASD) 3. AuDHD (combined Autism and ADHD presentation) All our assessments are align with NICE guidelines and use DSM-V criteria for diagnosing adults. Our assessments are also neurodiversity-affirming, and trauma-informed. They're designed to understand you as a whole person (including internal experiences of neurodivergence), not just identify symptoms.
Q2.
What makes your assessments different?
Our assessments are: - Developed by neurodivergent professionals and informed by the neurodivergent community who have lived experience - Comprehensive and holistic - we look beyond symptoms to understand your lived experiences - Specialised for late-diagnosed adults, particularly those who are high-masking, "high-functioning," with internal experiences of neurodivergence that may not be obvious to others. - We specialise in understanding experiences of women, non-binary individuals, LGBTQIA+, and those with trauma histories - NICE guidelines compliant and widely recognised by GPs, employers, and educational institutions - Flexible - conducted online with ADHD-friendly processes (breaks, extended timelines if needed) just cope with its symptoms.
Q3.
What is the aim of your neurodivergence support?
Our support aims to help you: - Understand and appreciate your unique neurodivergent mind - Thrive with your neurodivergence, not just cope with symptoms - Progress towards your personal aspirations - Cultivate a stronger connection with your genuine identity - Recognise your worth and embrace your whole self Our approach isn't about transforming you into someone you're not. Instead, we focus on empowering you to engage fully in life now, with practical strategies for managing challenges while celebrating your neurodivergent strengths.
Assessment Process
Q4.
What is the process for getting a neurodivergence assessment?
1. Book a FREE 15-minute online screening call - No obligation, we'll answer your questions and determine if an assessment is right for you 2. Complete initial screening questions and attend your screening consultation 3. If suitable, book your assessment (payment made at time of booking) 4. Complete pre-assessment questionnaires (including a questionnaire/interview from someone who knows you well) Attend assessment session(s) - 5. Up to 3-4.5 hours, may be split across separate sessions based on your needs 6. Receive your detailed diagnostic report within 2-8 weeks 7. Attend follow-up session to discuss results, recommendations, and next steps
Q5.
How long does the assessment take?
Assessment sessions typically involve: 1. ADHD assessment: Up to 3 hours (can be split across multiple sessions) 2. Autism assessment: Up to 3.5 hours (can be split across multiple sessions) 3. AuDHD assessment: Up to 4.5 hours (can be split across multiple sessions) If additional sessions are required for complex cases or co-occurring conditions, we'll discuss this with you early in the process.
Q6.
Are assessments conducted in person or online?
Our assessments are designed to be delivered effectively online via secure video for your convenience. We ensure the same high-quality, comprehensive assessment as in-person sessions. In-person assessments may be considered on a case-by-case basis - please enquire if this is your preference.
Fees & Payments
Q7.
What are your assessment fees?
1. ADHD Assessment: £1250 2. Autism Assessment: £1650 3. AuDHD Assessment: £2150 All fees include up to 15 hours of clinician time including preparation, assessment sessions, report writing, review with our multidisciplinary team, follow-up consultation, and liaison with other providers if necessary.
Q8.
What does the assessment fee include?
Your fee covers: 1. Assessment preparation and review of pre-assessment materials 2. Liaising with sources to support your assessment (school reports, medical records, etc.) 3. Assessment session(s) plus follow-up consultation 4. Review of findings with our multidisciplinary team to ensure accuracy and offer holistic recommendations 5. Comprehensive diagnostic report 6. Liaison with other service providers if necessary 7. Onward referrals as appropriate 8. Personalised post-assessment support resources
Q9.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, we offer flexible payment plans via direct debit: 1. 1st payment due at time of booking: 40% of the total assessment fee. 2. 2nd payment due at time of your assessment date: 40% of the total assessment fee. 40% 3. 3rd payment due 3 months following the initial assessment date: 20% of total assessment fee To arrange a payment plan, inform us at time of booking.
Q10.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
You can cancel or reschedule your assessment anytime up to 72 hours prior to your booking. Cancellations within this timeframe receive a full refund. If required pre-assessment documentation isn't received at least 72 hours before the assessment session, your assessor reserves the right to cancel your assessment without refund.
Assessment Outcomes & Support
Q11.
What are the possible outcomes of an assessment?
Possible outcomes include: 1. A diagnosis of ADHD, Autism, or AuDHD OR 2. No diagnosis, with identification of other factors contributing to your experiences 3. Recommendation for further assessment of co-occurring conditions 4. Personalised strategies and recommendations (provided regardless of diagnosis outcome) 5. Direct referral for medication if desired (ADHD assessments)
Q12.
What happens after I receive my diagnosis?
You'll receive a comprehensive diagnostic report with recommended support options, which may include: - Evidence-based strategies and/or psychological therapy - Organisational and time management techniques - Lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, sleep hygiene) - Workplace accommodation suggestions and Access to Work guidance - Medication recommendations (for ADHD, if you're interested) - Direct referrals to nutritionists, ADHD coaches, neurodiversity-affirming therapists, occupational therapists, or medication prescribers We discuss all recommendations together in your feedback session and provide ongoing post-diagnostic support resources.
Q13.
Do you prescribe ADHD medication?
We don't directly prescribe medication. However, we've partnered with a trusted neurodiversity-affirming ADHD & AuDHD prescribing clinic and provide direct onward referrals for those interested in exploring medication options. Important: While our assessments are informed by NICE guidelines and widely recognised, we recommend confirming with your GP that they accept diagnoses from non-NHS services if you're interested in arranging a shared care agreement for ongoing medication management.
Q14.
What if I need additional sessions beyond the initial assessment?
If additional sessions are required to complete your assessment (for complex presentations or co-occurring conditions), these will be charged at our standard rate of £120 - £150 per 50-minute session. We'll discuss this possibility with you early in the process.
Eligibility & Suitability
Q15.
Who are your assessments designed for?
Our assessments specialise in adults who've been overlooked, dismissed, or told "you can't have ADHD/autism because..." We have particular expertise with: - Late-diagnosed adults who've managed to mask or compensate for years - Women and non-binary individuals whose presentations don't fit outdated male-centric diagnostic criteria - "High-functioning" or high-masking adults who are professionals excelling at work but struggling privately - Entrepreneurs and creatives who are high-achievers compensating successfully - LGBTQIA+ community members and individuals exploring intersections of gender, sexuality, and neurodivergence - Trauma survivors (we use a trauma-informed approach recognising relational adverse childhood experiences) - AuDHD presentations where ADHD and autism traits overlap and interact
Q16.
I don't fit all the diagnostic criteria neatly - am I still eligible?
Absolutely. We specialise in complex presentations where neurodivergence is experienced internally rather than displayed obviously. You may be right for our assessment if you: - Experience neurodivergence internally but don't outwardly present as "typical" - Don't neatly fit all diagnostic criteria - Have been told you're "too successful" to be neurodivergent - Struggle despite outward appearances of coping well - Have experienced burnout or breakdown - Feel misunderstood by others (and yourself) - Wonder if it's ADHD, autism, or both
Q17.
What if I don't have someone who knew me in childhood for the observer questionnaire?
While childhood information is valuable, we can adapt the assessment process to your situation. We can work with: - Childhood documents (school reports, medical records) - Your own recollection of childhood experiences Information from someone who knows you well currently (partner, close friend, colleague) Don't let this be a barrier - contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Q18.
Do you assess children or adolescents?
Our service specialises in adult assessments (18+). We focus on late-diagnosed adults and those with complex presentations.
Practical Questions
Q19.
How long does it take to receive my assessment report?
You can expect to receive your comprehensive diagnostic report within 2-8 weeks (average time is within 3 weeks) of your final assessment session.
Q20.
What if I need support completing the questionnaires?
If you need assistance with pre-assessment questionnaires, please let us know. We can arrange a telephone call with a member of our team to guide you through completion.
Q21.
Will my assessment be recognised by my GP/employer/university?
Our assessments are aligned with NICE guidelines and meeting DSM-V diagnostic criteria for assessment. Assessments are conducted by HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologists trained to provide neurodevelopmental Autism & ADHD assessments for adults. They are widely recognised by: - GPs (though we recommend confirming acceptance for shared care agreements) - Employers (for workplace accommodations and Access to Work applications) - Educational institutions Disability services We provide comprehensive diagnostic reports that meet professional standards.