Autism and ADHD Neurodevelopmental Assessment
Autism & ADHD Assessments in Brighton
At our Brighton clinic, we provide comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments for adolescents and adults throughout Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, and the surrounding areas. We support people who are seeking a private autism or ADHD diagnosis, alongside those who want a broader understanding of their neurodevelopmental profile due to overlapping autistic and ADHD traits.
Our multidisciplinary team provides evidence-based assessments in line with NICE guidelines, providing clear recommendations to support education, employment, and everyday life.
Who We Support
We support a wide range of people at our clinic, including students, LGBTQ+ individuals, parents of neurodivergent children and older adults. We also work with high achievers who have used their neurodivergent strengths effectively to succeed, sometimes at a personal cost through masking, overwork, or burnout.
The Benefits of Choosing Flint Healthcare
We are dedicated to providing a supportive, thorough, and person-centred assessment experience. Our unique approach includes:
- An Experienced, Multidisciplinary Team: Our clinicians are highly experienced in the field of neurodiversity. The service is led by Dr James Fallon, who works for NHS Neurodevelopmental Services and was a senior academic at Brighton and Sussex Medical School for a decade. All assessments are led by a Consultant Psychiatrist and Specialist Nurse or Psychologist and include a review of your mental and physical health across your life course.
- Diagnosis on the Day: Our multidisciplinary team approach means you will not have to wait for a diagnosis; you will receive it on the day of your assessment.
- Rapid Access: We offer rapid access to assessments without holding a waiting list. We are adaptable to your individual needs and work with you to ensure you get the assessment you need in a time frame that suits you.
- A Thorough and Tailored Process: Our assessments are detailed, building a full understanding of you as a person and your individual neurodevelopmental profile. We embrace a neuro-affirmative, strengths-based approach.
- Integrated Support:
- For those diagnosed with ADHD who wish to explore it, we offer an easy transition into medication titration.
- Support for reasonable adjustment letters for workplaces, schools, and universities is included as part of our standard service.
- We are experienced in understanding the physical health associations with neurodevelopmental conditions, including POTS, hypermobility, and gastrointestinal disturbance and can provide advice and guidance to GPs as needed.
Take the First Step
If you are ready to better understand your neurodevelopmental profile, our team is here to help. Get in touch to arrange your assessment.
What Does the Assessment Process Include and How Much Does It Cost?
The neurodevelopmental assessment process may include:
- Comprehensive clinical interviews
- Developmental history
- Standardised assessment tools and questionnaires
- Behavioural observations
- Review of school reports or previous records
- Collaboration with parents, carers, schools, or other professionals where appropriate
Following the assessment, you will receive:
- A detailed diagnostic report
- Clear feedback and recommendations
- Guidance for educational, workplace, or therapeutic support
Our Assessment Pathways & Pricing
We offer two pathways to suit your needs:
- Autism Only Assessment: £1,995
- Combined Autism and ADHD Assessment: £2,395
We offer a single, transparent price for all ages. View our full assessment and treatment fees.
What Happens During a Neurodevelopmental Assessment
Our assessments take place in person at Flint Healthcare premises. These are quiet and well-appointed rooms in the Woodingdean area of Brighton.
The appointment generally lasts around three hours, incorporating a couple of short comfort breaks. During this time, we will cover your current situation as well as your developmental history and discuss how you have been affected by potential autism / ADHD symptoms throughout your life. We may also screen for other developmental conditions.
Our team have been trained in multiple assessment tools in relation to neurodiversity. Over the years, we have developed an approach to clinical assessment which incorporates elements of each. In regard to autism assessment, we most closely follow the DISCO assessment model developed by the Lorna Wing Centre. In relation to ADHD, we tend to use the DIVA tool in most cases.
Bringing Background Information
If possible, please bring a family member or someone who has known you since childhood to your assessment. Their input can help us understand your early development and life experiences.
It is also helpful to bring any relevant information from childhood, such as:
- School reports
- Educational statements
- Medical records
If this is not possible, please do not worry. You can still go ahead with the assessment, and we are experienced in working with people who do not have access to this information.
Possible Outcomes
There are three possible outcomes from a neurodevelopmental assessment:
- Diagnosis of Autism / ADHD confirmed: We will provide you with a brief diagnostic letter within 48 hours. We will then compile a full diagnostic report which will be emailed to you and sent to your GP, typically within two weeks.
- Diagnosis of autistic / ADHD traits: This indicates that there are elements of autism or ADHD present, but that full diagnostic criteria has not been met. We can still provide details on support / adjustments needed, as we would for any other outcome. You will receive a diagnostic letter and full report.
- Autism / ADHD not confirmed: If this is the case, we will look for alternative explanations for the difficulties you have encountered (including any other potential diagnoses). Due to our screening process this is an uncommon outcome. We will provide a full report within two weeks.
Will I Receive a Diagnostic Report?
Yes. Following the assessment, a detailed report is typically provided.
The report may include:
- Assessment findings
- Diagnostic conclusions (where applicable)
- Strengths and areas of difficulty
- Recommendations for support, education, workplace adjustments, or therapy
This report can often be shared with healthcare professionals, schools, universities, or employers when appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Autism and ADHD Neurodevelopmental Assessment
An assessment may be helpful if you or your child experience any of the following:
- Difficulty with attention or concentration
- Hyperactivity or impulsivity
- Social communication differences
- Sensory sensitivities
- Struggles with emotional regulation
- Executive functioning difficulties
- Challenges at school, work, or in relationships
- Feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, or “different”
- Periods of burnout
Benefits may include:
- Greater self-understanding
- Diagnostic clarity
- Identification of strengths and support needs
- Access to appropriate services and accommodations
- Educational or workplace recommendations
- Improved support planning for individuals and families
Many people find that an assessment provides valuable insight and a clearer path forward.
A comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment uses evidence-based tools, clinical expertise, developmental history, and multiple sources of information to provide a thorough evaluation.
No single test determines a diagnosis. Instead, clinicians consider all available information to reach informed conclusions and recommendations.
Yes. A full neurodevelopmental assessment may include evaluation for ADHD symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, executive functioning difficulties, and related challenges.
Diagnosis is based on recognised diagnostic criteria and a comprehensive review of the individual’s history and current functioning.
Yes. A comprehensive assessment may evaluate social communication, behaviour patterns, sensory experiences, developmental history, and other characteristics associated with autism spectrum disorder.
Clinicians use recognised diagnostic frameworks alongside standardised assessment measures and clinical judgement.
An autism assessment focuses specifically on evaluating whether an individual meets diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum condition.
A full neurodevelopmental assessment takes a broader approach, exploring multiple areas of development and functioning. It can assess for autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, developmental differences, and other related concerns within a single comprehensive evaluation. This integrated approach provides a fuller understanding of an individual’s neurodevelopmental profile, helping to inform tailored support recommendations.
A comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment builds a rounded picture of how a person thinks, feels, behaves, and experiences the world.
Unlike an assessment focused on a single concern, it looks at multiple areas of functioning, including:
- Cognitive strengths and differences
- Behavioural and emotional patterns
- Developmental history and day-to-day functioning
- The way different needs and traits may overlap
This broader view helps ensure that any diagnosis, recommendations, and support plans are based on a fuller understanding of the individual.
A comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment may help identify:
- Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Learning differences
- Developmental coordination difficulties
- Language and communication differences
- Intellectual disabilities
- Executive functioning challenges
The assessment may also identify co-occurring conditions and provide recommendations for support.
Yes. Neurodevelopmental assessments are available for adults as well as children and adolescents. Many adults seek assessment after recognising lifelong difficulties with attention, social communication, organisation, sensory processing, or learning. An assessment can provide clarity, diagnosis where appropriate, and recommendations for workplace, educational, and personal support.
Preparation may include:
- Completing questionnaires before appointments
- Providing relevant school, medical, or previous assessment reports
- Bringing examples of concerns or challenges
- Preparing information about developmental history
For children, it can help to explain that the assessment is designed to understand how they learn and experience the world.
We gather information in advance of your assessment, and you can choose the approach that suits you best:
- Forms and screening tools: Ideal if you prefer to take your time and provide detailed information in writing before your appointment.
- Advance developmental call: A good option if completing forms or written content feels overly time consuming or challenging. We can arrange a telephone or video call with you or a family member to gather developmental information before your face-to-face appointment. This usually takes one to two hours.
Coverage varies depending on your insurer, policy, location, and the type of assessment being undertaken. It is advisable to check directly with your insurance provider before booking an assessment to determine eligibility and reimbursement options.
Medical Review
The information on this page has been written and reviewed for accuracy by Dr James Fallon | BMBS BSc (Hons) PGCert Psych and Med Ed MRCPsych
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Make an Appointment
Booking an appointment is easy and confidential.
Simply call or email and our helpful staff will arrange your appointment for a convenient time.