Screening Forms

Prior to a confirmed booking for a face-to-face assessment, the completion of detailed screening forms will be completed by the person requesting the assessment or family member and school/education provision.

Face-to-Face Assessment

The face-to-face assessment will take up to 2 hours with regular breaks if required. This will include a full developmental history and a thorough review of the historic and presenting challenges.

By the end of the assessment a provisional diagnostic outcome may be given. Although further information gathering may be required by the assessing clinician before the final outcome is made.

MDT and Diagnosis Confirmation

There is a process of discussion with other members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) to ensure the correct formulation and diagnosis is confirmed. Aimee works with a number of other senior health care professionals including Clinical Psychologists and Consultant Psychiatrists who also have a specialist interest in this field.

Additional Observations

If further detailed observation is required due to complexity and need for clarity, this will be discussed as part of the assessment. These additional interventions would be indicated if there are significantly conflicting reports/information or observations made by the assessing clinician.

These additional observations may incur an additional fee for travel, time and additional report writing.

These additional services may include:

A visit to the school or education setting to undertake an additional observational assessment

An ADOS informed semi-structured, assessment of communication, social interaction, and play or imagination.

Qb Check

If ADHD is a condition being assessed the QbCheck will be included as part of the assessment process but may take place on a different date due to the length of time required. The QbCheck is an online module taking between 30-40 minutes to complete. The QbCheck enables healthcare professionals to objectively measure the core ADHD symptoms which are - inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The data-driven test allows for evidence-based and objective data to be included in the detailed assessment carried out by Aimee Pritchett.

*It is important to note that following a full diagnostic assessment, a diagnosis of Autism and/or ADHD is not guaranteed. If there is not enough evidence to support the formal diagnostic criteria, then no diagnosis will be made.

The robust referral and screening process will reduce the likelihood of patients going through an assessment with The Specialist Mental Health Nurse if this isn't the appropriate service to access.