Comprehensive Evaluation:

A thorough diagnostic interview, requires information from independent sources such as the partner or other family members, DSM-5 or ICD-11 symptom checklists, standardised behaviour rating scales for ADHD and other types of psychometric tests as deemed necessary (see below).

The diagnostic interview: ADHD symptoms (approximately 3 hours):
The single most important part of a comprehensive ADHD evaluation is a structured or semi-structured clinical interview, which provides a detailed history of the individual. A set of structured questions will be asked and a broad range of topics and relevant issues discussed covering all areas of interest.

All diagnostic criteria for ADHD will be reviewed, to determine how many of them apply to the individual, currently and since childhood. This enables further determination as to which ADHD symptoms are interfering with the client's life.

A diagnostic screening for other psychological disorders (approximately 2 hours):
ADHD rarely occurs alone, and research has shown that more than two-thirds of people with ADHD have one or more co-existing conditions. The most common include:
# Depression
# Anxiety disorders
# Learning disabilities
# Substance use disorders.

These conditions have symptoms that can mimic ADHD symptoms, and may, in fact, be mistaken for ADHD. It is essential that all co-existing conditions along with ADHD are diagnosed and treated; failure in treating co-existing conditions can lead to failure in treating the ADHD; or this can result in incorrect treatment of the individual for ADHD.

Questions about the individual health, early childhood development, academic and work experience, driving record, drug and alcohol abuse, family and/or relationships and social history will be asked. (See below)

Collateral Interview (Relative/Partner approximately 3 hours):

An essential element is to interview one or more independent sources, such as significant other (e.g. spouse, family member, parent or partner) who knows the person well. This procedure is not to question the person's honesty, but rather to gather additional information.

This will assist when looking for patterns that are typical in individuals with ADHD, and also determine what factors other than ADHD may be causing symptoms that look like ADHD.

Full assessment of needs, followed by a individually designed programme based upon the findings from the initial assessment. A range of therapeutic modalities dependent on the individual client's needs, and intellectual functioning capacity.

Pre & Post test evaluations to enable engagement and personal growth. Most individuals will benefit from between eight and 12 sessions, initially, but dependent on history and length of abuse, type of substance used, and the complexities of any underlying issues, a longer and more involved treatment plan will be discussed following the initial assessment, before any intervention is undertaken.

This Service will be available from May 2024.......

The chosen psychological measure to assess ASD, or Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC), is the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO).

The DISCO, crafted by the pioneering minds of Dr. Lorna Wing and Dr. Judith Gould is not just another diagnostic interview. It's a groundbreaking tool meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual's skills, deficits, and atypical behaviors.

It goes beyond the surface, allowing you to delve deep into the intricate layers of ASD manifestations.

Why Choose The DISCO?

Advanced Diagnostic Accuracy: The DISCO offers a holistic view, capturing the entire developmental journey and behavioral patterns, enabling more accurate diagnostic evaluations.

Versatile Application: Tailored for professionals working in a variety of settings from specialised autism multidisciplinary teams, to working with families and extended care networks; it is adaptable to individuals of any age and ability level, from profound learning disability to the superior range.

Empowered Decision-Making: DISCO moves beyond diagnostic categories, embracing a dimensional approach that provides actionable insights for personalised interventions, benefiting individuals across the spectrum.

Assessment: ADHD, ASD, IQ, Personality, Memory, Mental Wellbeing, and Substance Misuse etc.,
and Reflective Practice.

Adult & Juveniles (ages 16 +).

As a Chartered Scientist, Chartered Psychologist and Registered Practitioner Psychologist (Forensic) with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) provided a bespoke independent forensic psychological service, to criminal & civil justice, health and forensic services.

Specialist areas included: Assessment (e.g. IQ, Personality, Mental Wellbeing, Substance Misuse etc.), Intervention (Individual & Group) and Concept Based Therapeutic Communities (Personality, Offending & Addiction), Adult & Juveniles (ages 16 +), Road Traffic (failure to provide), Robbery, Fraud, Conspiracy, Narcotics, Offending Behaviour, Dangerousness, Violence and Organised Crime. Clinical Supervision and Reflective Practice.

Experienced in working with Registered Language and Sign Interpreters (MAKATON, BSL, ASL, French, German, Arabic, Polish, Pashtu, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Dutch, and Urdu)

Previous Availability: 24 Hour Service, 7 Days a week, UK, Isle of Man, Europe and English Speaking Countries/Clients.

Integrative Psychological Psychotherapeutic Practice; individually designed and tailored to meet client's unique characteristics.

For the highly motivated, a brief strategic intervention usually takes form anywhere between 5 and 8 sessions; for more intrenched and complex issues - these are normally structured into focused areas to be processed within clinical sessions.

Bespoke sessions arranged for Family Trauma Systems, Focusing, and Voice Therapy (by special arrangement).