Kent, Essex, East Sussex, Cambridge, Oxford and UK Wide Online ADHD
We are known to be thorough, and our clinicians are highly experienced, caring, and supportive. We listen to our clients, and we go ‘over and above’ to provide the best care that we can.
We are committed to providing the highest standards of care through continuous learning, research and reflective clinical practice. Our approach is rooted in evidence-based methods, ensuring that every assessment is carried out with utmost skill and expertise.
We believe in building connections between clinicians and clients, taking the time to understand each client’s unique story rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
We tailor our services to meet the specific needs and complexities of each client. Our care is focused on the individual’s needs, acknowledging their experiences and strengths, while ensuring they are understood in all aspects of their development.
We recognise the importance of building strong, trusting relationships with those we asses. Through open communication and empathy, we connect with individuals creating a safe, supportive space for them to feel heard, understood and valued.
Everything taken care of straight away, the whole process explained simply, emails and questionnaires sent promptly, booked appointments on the forst phone call, gathered info. Friendly and welcoming team, put myself and my son at ease. Fully understood his triggers and sympathetically set the environment and assessment up to avoid those triggers. They answered any questions I had pre and post assessment. They were very supportive. We were so happy we down done the private route to get our sons diagnosis. I recommend to anyone who is thinking of getting a diagnosis for themselves or a loved one.
I was so impressed with their knowledge and professionalism. They were caring and thoughtful with our daughters case. We felt in good hands and were pleased with the thorough and thoughtful nature of the report with lots of advice and ideas for support. And as a clinical psychologist myself I am quite fussy!
As a parent, I’ve had a positive experience with Kent and Essex Autism Service Ltd. The team is professional, compassionate, and truly dedicated to supporting my child’s needs. They provide personalised care and helpful resources that have made a significant difference in our journey. I highly recommend their services for anyone seeking autism support.
Consultant correspondence was very helpful and re-assuring prior to booking an appointment for my daughter to be assessed. My daughter was made to feel very relaxed and settled throughout the process. My daughter came away from her assessment feeling very positive by the diagnosis given. A very satisfied mother and daughter.
All of the staff we met/had contact with were extremely professional, and quick to respond to any queries. My child was assessed by Dr Donaldson who was extremely personable and made them feel at ease throughout the process, and would have no hesitation in recommending both Dr Donaldson and the service generally.
To discuss your requirements or ask for more information
At your desired time and location
For your high quality diagnostic assessments
Follow up sessions, referrals, signposting and therapy where required
Autistic people share two core features: difficulties with social communication and social interaction, and restricted patterns of behaviour, interests or activities. Autism is a neuro-developmental difference, so signs will be present in the early developmental period. Many parents and individuals may not become fully aware of the differences until social demands become higher and/or the individual is in a challenging setting or environment. Autistic people may experience the following:
Many autistic people develop strategies to interact with others, such as mimicking other people’s behaviour or mannerisms.
The most recently developed diagnostic system DSM-5 specifies Autism Spectrum Disorder and Social (pragmatic) Communication Disorder.
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
PDA is increasingly understood as a behaviour profile that is seen in some autistic people. People with this particular diagnostic profile are driven to avoid everyday demands and expectations to an extreme extent. This demand avoidant behaviour is rooted in an anxiety-based need to be in control. PDA is not a classification that can be diagnosed, but it can be helpful when diagnosticians specify if such a behavioural profile may be present.
Girls and Woman with Autism
There is an increasing understanding about the way that Autism manifests in girls and women, and how their ability to “mask” their differences can lead to them being overlooked. Girls may cope socially by observing their friends and mimicking their mannerisms and interests. They may appear compliant and shy to their teachers and family friends. They may have one special friend and struggle in larger groups. When the social world becomes more complex as they grow older, the differences may become more apparent or visible. Many girls and women “cope” with the day at school or work, and then release the tension in the safety of their home. Teachers and work colleagues may be confused to learn the different ways an autistic person behaves in different environments.
If you think that you or your child may be autistic, it may be worth considering an assessment. In some areas there are local NHS services that offer assessments, so we would advise you to speak to your GP in the first instance. If you wish to opt for a private assessment, please contact us by phone or email to find out more about starting the process.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity that are inconsistent with the child’s developmental level. For a diagnosis, the behaviours and difficulties associated with ADHD must interfere significantly with an individual’s functioning.
The DSM-5 criteria, defined by the American Psychiatric Association (2013), include three subtypes of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, and combined presentation. DSM-5 criteria require onset of symptoms by age 12 (but not necessarily causing impairment). Symptoms must have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is inconsistent with the child’s developmental level and have caused impairment directly on social and academic/occupational activities.
People with ADHD have difficulties with:
There are three types of ADHD; predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive and impulsive; and combined presentation (both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive).
We assess children from 6 years old and adults for ADHD alongside an assessment of autism. Please note that we also provide ADHD only assessments.
Our clinicians are experienced in assessing people who have complex or additional needs. For example, many of our clients have comorbid ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), executive function problems, sensory processing disorder, Irlens Syndrome (visual stress), dyslexia, intellectual or learning disabilities, mental health problems and genetic syndromes. We specialise in assessing girls and women, who have learned to “mask” their symptoms. We are also trained and experienced in screening for comorbid Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) alongside an assessment of autism.
Unfortunately, we are not in the Right to Choose scheme. As a private service, it is really important that we have availability for our clients to be seen within weeks of being referred, so are not planning to join the scheme at this time.
No, as a private service we accept self-referrals. Please call or email to start the process.
Of course! It can be particularly difficult if someone else, such as a school teacher or counsellor has suggested an assessment and it isn’t something you had considered. In the first instance, you can speak to one of our knowledgeable administrators, but if you wish to speak to one of our clinicians, we will arrange a telephone call with you.
Our waiting times do vary at different times of the year, but usually we will be able to see you within 4-6 weeks. The assessment takes around 1-2 weeks to complete and you receive the written report within 2-3 weeks of the final face-to-face appointment.
Yes, you can use ClearPay to pay some of the fees over a six week period following your assessment. Please speak to our administrators for more information.
Yes, we often provide assessments that are funded by insurers such as Bupa and Healix. Please speak to our administrators for further information. If we aren’t registered with your particular insurer, you may be able to pay for the assessment and claim the funds back.
Our assessments and diagnostic reports are comprehensive, we use assessment tools recommended by NICE (NHS) Guidelines and our clinicians are highly trained and experienced. To date, our assessments have been accepted by the NHS and other statutory services. We have been assessing privately for nearly 10 years and have never had a diagnosis refused by another organisation. We have also been commissioned by NHS services, social services and schools to conduct assessments.
We do offer individual therapy but we have limited capacity so there may be a wait for this (approximately 3 months). We also provide regular online Q&A sessions for parents of children diagnosed with autism and/or ADHD, so you are welcome to come along at any time. There are some fantastic local private, statutory and non-statutory services that we will signpost you to, and our clinicians work hard to create links with these services and be aware of what is currently available. If you need any further advice or support that you cannot find elsewhere, we will try and help as much as possible. For example, some parents or adults benefit from a follow up session post-diagnosis, and we are more than happy to provide this. In general, our door is open, so we encourage our clients to stay in touch and ask if they have any questions or concerns.
We provide a comprehensive assessment of ADHD. We do not provide medication or advice about medication but we can refer you to a psychiatry service for medication review. There will be additional costs for this service. Access to medication on the NHS varies according to your local service, and waiting list times and requirements for additional assessment will also vary.
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Speak to us if you’re interested in booking an assessment or if you have any queries we can help you with.
Mon - Fri (09:00 - 17:00.
Closed Sat & Sun)
The Autism and ADHD Service
The Marlowe Innovation Centre
Marlowe Way
Ramsgate
CT12 6FA
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