Frequently Asked Questions
We update our FAQ's regularly to ensure we give you accurate information.
Get clear, comprehensive answers about our thorough evaluation process, certified specialists, and how we tailor assessments to meet individual needs.
Yes. We assess children, young people and adults who may be experiencing differences associated with autism, ADHD, or both. If you're unsure whether an assessment is right for you or your child, our team can help you decide on the most appropriate pathway.
Yes. Our assessments follow current NICE guidelines and are completed using recognised diagnostic tools by experienced, qualified clinicians. We use evidence-based approaches to ensure every assessment is comprehensive and clinically robust.
That's completely understandable. Our team will discuss your concerns, symptoms and history with you before booking to help determine whether an autism assessment, an ADHD assessment, or a combined assessment would be the most appropriate.
Yes. If, during the assessment process, it becomes clear that a combined assessment would be more appropriate, we will discuss your options and explain any additional requirements or fees before proceeding.
Our assessments are carried out by appropriately qualified clinicians using recognised diagnostic standards and NICE-compliant assessment processes. While many NHS services, schools, universities and employers accept independent diagnoses, acceptance of any private assessment is ultimately at the discretion of the individual organisation or local NHS service.
Consent forms ensure you understand the assessment process, how your information will be used, stored and shared, and your rights throughout your care. They also allow us to carry out your assessment safely and ethically.
Yes. Before confirming an assessment, we gather information to ensure the assessment is appropriate and that we can provide the most suitable service for you or your child. This helps us recommend the correct assessment pathway.
Booking is simple. Contact our team by phone, email or through our website. We will guide you through the booking process, answer any questions and arrange your appointments.
Questionnaires are sent electronically and can be completed securely online. They should be completed as fully and accurately as possible before your assessment appointments. If you need assistance, our team is happy to help.
Where possible, yes. School reports, previous assessments, medical information or reports from other professionals can provide valuable background information. However, if these are unavailable, you can still proceed with an assessment.
The diagnostic interview explores developmental history, current strengths, challenges and day-to-day functioning. For children, this usually involves parents or carers. For adults, we discuss your experiences across childhood and adulthood, alongside any available developmental history.
Your report provides a detailed summary of the assessment process, the information considered, clinical findings, diagnostic outcome (where appropriate) and personalised recommendations to support education, employment, healthcare and everyday life.
Absolutely. We value all feedback as it helps us improve our services. If you have concerns about any aspect of your experience, please contact us and we will investigate your complaint in line with our complaints procedure.
We offer a combination of online and in-person appointments.
All children must attend an in-person appointment for the observational part of their assessment, as this is an essential component of the diagnostic process.
Appointments with parents or carers, including developmental history interviews, feedback appointments and follow-up discussions, can often be completed online for convenience.
We hold in-person clinics in Limerick, Derry/Londonderry, Dublin, Belfast, Wexford, and at locations throughout the UK.
All children must attend an in-person appointment for the observational part of their assessment, as this is an essential component of the diagnostic process.
Appointments with parents or carers, including developmental history interviews, feedback appointments and follow-up discussions, can often be completed online for convenience.
We hold in-person clinics in Limerick, Derry/Londonderry, Dublin, Belfast, Wexford, and at locations throughout the UK.
Your assessment will usually include:
- Completion of questionnaires.
- Review of supporting information.
- A detailed clinical interview.
- Standardised assessment tools.
- Observation (completed in person for children).
- A multidisciplinary review where appropriate.
- A detailed written report and feedback appointment.
A chaperone is an independent person who is present during an appointment to provide reassurance, support and an additional level of safeguarding for everyone involved.
A chaperone may be offered or requested during appointments where it would help the individual feel more comfortable or where additional safeguarding is considered appropriate.
No. In most situations, having a chaperone is your choice. However, there may be exceptional circumstances where a clinician determines that a chaperone is necessary to ensure safe and appropriate practice.
Depending on the circumstances, a chaperone may be a trained member of our team or, where appropriate, a parent, carer or another responsible adult agreed by both you and the clinician.
Please let us know before your appointment wherever possible. We will do our best to arrange a suitable chaperone or, if necessary, rearrange your appointment.
Yes. You are free to pause, stop or discuss any concerns during your appointment. Our clinicians will always explain what is happening throughout the assessment and ensure you feel informed and supported.
If you obtain significant new information shortly after your assessment, please contact us as soon as possible. Our clinical team will advise whether the information can be considered or whether further review is required.
If you would like us to discuss your assessment with a family member, carer, GP or another professional, we will ask you to complete a consent form specifying who we can speak to and what information can be shared.
If you have questions or concerns about your report, please contact us. We will discuss your concerns with you and explain the appropriate review process. Our priority is to ensure you understand the assessment findings and have confidence in the information provided.
You will receive a certificate of completion from Autism Services Group.
- ADOS-2: £745
- ADI-R: £595
- Comprehensive ADOS-2 and ADI-R: £1195
- ADHD Assessment and Management Training: £895
- Post training peer-support: £29.99 p/m (Coming soon)
- Coding consistency workshop: (Coming soon)
- ADI-R: £595
- Comprehensive ADOS-2 and ADI-R: £1195
- ADHD Assessment and Management Training: £895
- Post training peer-support: £29.99 p/m (Coming soon)
- Coding consistency workshop: (Coming soon)
Sarah Phelan, Neurodivergent Consultant and Founder of Autism Services Group is the trainer of all 3 courses.
The training schedule is on the website. Our Courses fill up very quickly so please confirm your spot as soon as you can. Contact our admin team if you need any Assistance
- The daily schedule of each course is from 9.30am – 5pm (UK/GMT+1 timezone)
- ADOS: 3 days
- ADI-R: 2 days
- ADOS-2/ ADI-R Combined: 5 days
- ADHD Assessment and Management Training: 2 days
- ADOS: 3 days
- ADI-R: 2 days
- ADOS-2/ ADI-R Combined: 5 days
- ADHD Assessment and Management Training: 2 days
All our training is online.
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 pathologists
- 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) 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. The 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 training along with relevant professional insurance and, potentially, supervision.
It may be a requirement to evidence IELTS for a degree program or HCPC registration in the UK.
We expect a good understanding of both written and spoken English from attendees of our courses.
Here's a quick breakdown of who can train:
Eligible Professionals:
- Psychologists (clinical, school, neuropsychologists)
- Psychiatrists
- Speech-language pathologists
- 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) 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. The 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 training along with relevant professional insurance and, potentially, supervision.
It may be a requirement to evidence IELTS for a degree program or HCPC registration in the UK.
We expect a good understanding of both written and spoken English from attendees of our courses.
Our ADHD training courses are designed for professionals who wish to build or enhance their expertise in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of ADHD across the lifespan. Whether you're seeking to conduct structured assessments or deliver ongoing clinical care, these courses provide the knowledge and tools to support evidence-based, neuroaffirmative practice.
Here's a breakdown of who can train:
Eligible Professionals:
- Psychologists (clinical, counselling, educational, or neuropsychologists)
- Psychiatrists and trainee psychiatrists
- GPs and medical doctors involved in neurodevelopmental or mental health care
- Nurses and nurse prescribers
- Occupational therapists
- Speech and language therapists
- Social workers or counsellors with relevant experience
- Educational specialists or teachers supporting children with additional needs
- Graduate students or trainees under professional supervision
Our training is open to all healthcare and allied professionals. We do not verify practitioner credentials; each participant is responsible for maintaining their own professional registration, supervision, and indemnity where applicable.
We expect a good understanding of both written and spoken English from attendees of our courses.
Here's a breakdown of who can train:
Eligible Professionals:
- Psychologists (clinical, counselling, educational, or neuropsychologists)
- Psychiatrists and trainee psychiatrists
- GPs and medical doctors involved in neurodevelopmental or mental health care
- Nurses and nurse prescribers
- Occupational therapists
- Speech and language therapists
- Social workers or counsellors with relevant experience
- Educational specialists or teachers supporting children with additional needs
- Graduate students or trainees under professional supervision
Our training is open to all healthcare and allied professionals. We do not verify practitioner credentials; each participant is responsible for maintaining their own professional registration, supervision, and indemnity where applicable.
We expect a good understanding of both written and spoken English from attendees of our courses.
With demand for ADHD testing rising each year, private ADHD assessments have become a valuable income stream for qualified practitioners, with professionals able to charge up to £1,500 per assessment. This qualification offers flexibility, allowing you to incorporate assessments into existing work commitments.
Training as an assessor with Autism Services Group is a great choice if you want to feel confident, supported, and well-prepared to do high-quality autism assessments.
Learn from an expert
The training is led by Sarah Phelan, an experienced clinician who really knows her field. She explains things clearly, uses real examples, and is always supportive, making learning feel approachable and practical.
Learn from an expert
The training is led by Sarah Phelan, an experienced clinician who really knows her field. She explains things clearly, uses real examples, and is always supportive, making learning feel approachable and practical.
Yes, after completing the training, you will be able to contribute to autism and ADHD assessments as part of a multidisciplinary team. All assessments are completed collaboratively and must be reviewed and signed off by a Clinical Psychologist, ensuring best practice, clinical governance, and high-quality outcomes for individuals and families.