Diagnostics FAQ's
Why get a diagnosis for a child?
Children often wonder, "Why am I different?" Giving them an answer can bring relief, clarity, and boost wellbeing. After helping hundreds of kids, we’ve seen how transformative that understanding can be.
Is an adult diagnosis worthwhile—even if I’ve coped until now?
Curiosity matters. It’s never too late to find out why some things feel easy and others don’t. From age 7 to 60+, our clients have gained clarity and comfort after diving in. If you’re reading books, listening to podcasts, or resonating with autistic creators, you deserve your answers.
Do we diagnose Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)?
Yes! PDA falls under the autism spectrum. We factor it into our assessments at no extra cost, no add-ons needed.
Can you support highly masking women and girls?
Absolutely. We specialise in calm, gentle assessments for women over 25 who often mask or fear invalidation. We offer tailored support, respect, and care throughout. With over 100 years’ combined experience, you’re in excellent hands.
Will schools recognise the assessment?
Yes. We follow NHS/HSE-approved procedures (including Conners-4), so schools accept our reports. Children who do well in class can still be neurodivergent, and of course valid.
Can I upgrade from a single to a combined ADHD + ASD assessment later?
Definitely. You can switch at any stage—priced the same as if you’d started with the combined package.
Can I talk to someone before committing?
Of course. We offer free 15 minute consultation calls to answer any questions which you might have.
Who can get assessed?
Anyone aged 7+ who's a good fit for assessment. If you're not suitable after screening, we'll refund your deposit.
Are your assessments compliant with NICE guidelines?
Yes. Our multi-disciplinary team follows NICE, NHS, and HSE standards, led by accredited clinicians.
Will the NHS/HSE accept your diagnosis?
The vast majority of our clients have no problems having their report recognised by the NHS or HSE.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes! You can spread the cost over three interest-free payments.
Why do I need to give consent?
We follow GDPR and safeguard your privacy. Your consent lets us collect data—like medical history—to complete a thorough and accurate assessment.
What happens after booking?
Once you book, we send you questionnaires for you and relevant parties. These must be completed before your diagnostic interview.
How does the diagnostic interview work?
We'll schedule a secure video or in-person interview once your questionnaire is in. ADHD interviews last up to 2 hours; autism interviews up to 3 hours. You’ll meet with a registered clinician, and have plenty of time to ask questions.
What’s in the diagnostic report?
Your full report (up to 30 pages) will include interview findings, questionnaire results, diagnosis, and personalised aftercare recommendations.
Do we prescribe medication?
At the moment, we don’t. Medication is only discussed after diagnosis, and only if clinically recommended. We can refer you to private psychiatric support. Most clients begin with lifestyle or therapy approaches.
Clinical Training FAQ's
Is this certified training?
Yes! You will be certified through Autism Services Group after successful completion of the training.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, we can offer up to 3 instalments if you want a payment plan.
Is this training validated and recognised internationally?
Yes! Our training programmes are internationally recognised by our fully qualified team.
Will this training add to my CPD?
Yes! [give CDP count for ADOS-2, ADI-R, combined and post training peer group)
How much does our courses cost?
- ADOS-2: £550
- ADI-R: £395
- Combined: £895 (Instead of £945, saving of £50!)
- Post training peer-support: £30 p/m (TBC)
- Coding consistency workshop: (Coming soon)
Who are the trainers?
Sarah Phelan, founder of ASG is the Trainer. Her BIO is visible here.
How does this training compare with other trainings in the market? What is ASG doing in this training which no one else has done?
1.) Autism Services group typically offers these trainings sessions at a lower price than most other providers.
2.) Unlike most trainings, the ADOS-2 training is a 3 day course instead of 2 days.
3.) Autism Services Group is offering post-training peer support and refresher workshops as well. These workshops are open to all, rather than limiting it for ASG certified only.
4.) The team of Autism Services Group is responsive and aims to ensure quality practices when it comes to the use of these tools. To ensure this, the team is prompt when responding to the queries from people.
When is the training?
The training schedule is on the website. If the dates presented don't suit, please send us an email and will let you know when our next training courses will be put on.
Will we be certified as 'trainer' after this course?
The answer is no. You will be a certified practitioner after completing these trainings, i.e. you are not authorised to offer certification to others. To be a certified trainer, there are additional requirements to be completed.
What is the duration of this training?
- The daily schedule of each course is from 9am – 5pm (UK time)
- ADOS: 3 days
- ADI-R: 2 days
- ADOS-2/ ADI-R Combined: 5 days
- Peer-support sessions: TBC
- Coding consistency workshop: TBC
Is it online or face-to-face?
We offer a mixture of both online and in person training sessions. We will specify which options are available for each date.
Who is the training suited towards?
Training in the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) is typically available to professionals who have a background in psychology, psychiatry, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, education, or related fields—essentially anyone qualified to assess or work with individuals with developmental disorders.
Here’s a quick breakdown of who can train:
Eligible Professionals:
- Psychologists (clinical, school, neuropsychologists)
- Psychiatrists
- Speech-language therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Paediatricians
- Social workers or counsellors with relevant experience
- Educational diagnosticians or special educators with diagnostic roles
- Graduate students or trainees under supervision
Official guidance from the University of San Francisco (who created the ADOS-2 course) is that you do not need a specific qualification to attend training, but you do need relevant clinical experience, along with a solid understanding of autism and child development, although the appropriate qualifications outlined above are best-placed to conduct the assessments.
You also need to be able to have the competence to work at a graduate level given the complexity of the assessment.
Professionals who wish to understand how the ADOS-2 works to be able to support families through the process, or to provide support into schools are able to attend trainings. To actually administer and interpret the ADOS-2 in practice, most institutions require formal clinical qualifications alongside ADOS-2 certification along with relevant professional insurance and, potentially, supervision.
We may ask for you to provide evidence of IELTS for a degree program or HCPC registration in the UK.
We require a good understanding of both written and spoken English.
Call us today
Registered in the United Kingdom. ASG are a team of consultants who specialise in the diagnosis and support of autism, ADHD, other associated conditions and mental health needs.
UK Call: 07979 535 569
Ireland Call: 0877 182 466
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