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Specialist private autism and ADHD assessments, support and consultation for children and adults in South London and Kent. Experienced team trained in ADOS, DISCO and other gold-standard diagnostic tools. Formerly part of Medway Community Healthcare.
Location: Kent
Areas covered: Kent, Medway, South London, Dartford, Gravesend
About Multidisciplinary Psychology and Speech Therapy Services
Some practices combine psychology and speech and language therapy expertise within a single multidisciplinary team. This approach allows for comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments that consider both the child's cognitive and communication profiles together, leading to more joined-up recommendations for support.
For families seeking autism or ADHD assessments, a combined psychology and SLT service can streamline the process by reducing the number of separate appointments needed. The team can assess social communication alongside broader neurodevelopmental functioning, providing a thorough and efficient diagnostic pathway.
Assessment reports from multidisciplinary teams carry significant weight in EHCP applications and tribunal proceedings. The team works collaboratively to produce a comprehensive report with shared recommendations, ensuring that all aspects of the child's needs are addressed in a coordinated way.
Areas Served
- Kent
- Medway
- South London
- Dartford
- Gravesend
Specialisms
- autism -- Assessment, diagnosis and support for autistic children and young people
- ADHD -- Assessment and support for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- social communication -- Help with the social use of language, conversation skills and non-verbal communication
- neurodevelopmental assessment -- Comprehensive assessment for conditions such as autism and ADHD
Before Your First Appointment
To get the most from your initial consultation, here are some things to consider:
- Bring relevant documents -- gather any previous reports (e.g. from school, NHS, or other professionals), letters from your child's SENCO, and any diary notes you have kept about your child's development or behaviour.
- Know what to expect -- most first appointments involve an initial assessment or consultation. The professional will want to understand your child's history, current difficulties, and what you hope to achieve. A written report with recommendations typically follows.
- Prepare your child -- explain in age-appropriate terms that they are going to meet someone who will play with them or talk to them, and that this person is there to help. Reassure them that it is not a test they can fail.
- Questions to consider asking -- How long is the assessment process? What will the report include? How many sessions might be needed? Can you provide strategies for home and school? What are the costs and are there any funding options available?
Helpful Resources
These SENDPath guides may be useful as you explore your options:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the advantage of a combined psychology and SLT assessment?
A combined assessment allows the team to evaluate both cognitive functioning and communication skills together, providing a more complete picture of the child's needs. This is particularly valuable for autism assessments, where social communication is a core area. The team can produce a single, coordinated report with joined-up recommendations.
Will a private assessment be recognised by the NHS and schools?
Yes. Assessments carried out by HCPC-registered psychologists and RCSLT/HCPC-registered speech and language therapists are valid clinical assessments regardless of whether they were obtained privately. Schools and local authorities should recognise these assessments for EHCP applications and support planning.
How long does the assessment process take?
A combined psychology and speech therapy assessment typically involves multiple appointments over several weeks. The psychology component may take 3-5 hours, and the speech and language assessment 1-2 hours. A comprehensive report is usually available within 2-4 weeks of the final session. Contact the provider directly for their current timescales.
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