Frequently Asked Questions

After the Assessment

What ages do you assess?

The current clinic service is diagnostic and does not include ADHD medication prescribing or ongoing medication management. Where appropriate, the report may recommend discussing management options with the child’s GP or relevant service.

Do I need a GP referral?

No. Parents/carers can contact the clinic directly. The initial enquiry will be reviewed before an assessment is arranged.

What if I am not sure whether my child needs an autism or ADHD assessment?

Please submit an initial enquiry. The information provided can help guide which assessment pathway appears most appropriate.

Do you need information from school or nursery?

Yes. Information from the child’s educational setting is an important part of understanding how difficulties present in everyday life.

Does an assessment guarantee a diagnosis?

No. The purpose is to reach an independent clinical conclusion based on the available information and relevant diagnostic criteria.

What if my child does not meet diagnostic criteria?

The clinical reasoning will be explained and documented. The report will still describe strengths, difficulties and, where appropriate, recommendations or possible next steps.

What if there is not enough information?

Further information or assessment may be required before a reliable diagnostic conclusion can be reached.

What is ADOS-2?

ADOS-2 is a structured autism assessment. In this clinic it is undertaken by an experienced Speech and Language Therapist as part of the multidisciplinary autism assessment.

What is ADI-R?

ADI-R is a detailed developmental interview with a parent or caregiver and forms part of the autism assessment pathway.

What is QbTest?

QbTest is an objective assessment of attention, activity and impulsivity. Dr Siddiqui is trained and experienced in its use and interpretation. It may be used when clinically indicated and is not used as a standalone diagnostic test.

Will I receive a written report?

Yes. A comprehensive written report is provided after the assessment process is completed.

Can I share the report with my child's GP or school?

Yes. Parents may share the report with their child’s GP, school or other professionals at their discretion.

Do you prescribe ADHD medication?

Not currently. The private ADHD service is diagnostic and does not include medication prescribing or ongoing medication management.

What are the fees?

Autism £1,750; ADHD £1,000; Combined Autism & ADHD £2,300.

Will I receive a refund if my child does not receive a diagnosis?

The fee is for the complete professional assessment process and is payable regardless of the diagnostic outcome.

Where is the clinic?

Melrose Surgery, 2–4 Alexandra Road, Reading, RG1 5PE.

What ages do you assess?

The current clinic service is diagnostic and does not include ADHD medication prescribing or ongoing medication management. Where appropriate, the report may recommend discussing management options with the child’s GP or relevant service.

Do I need a GP referral?

No. Parents/carers can contact the clinic directly. The initial enquiry will be reviewed before an assessment is arranged.

What if I am not sure whether my child needs an autism or ADHD assessment?

Please submit an initial enquiry. The information provided can help guide which assessment pathway appears most appropriate.

Do you need information from school or nursery?

Yes. Information from the child’s educational setting is an important part of understanding how difficulties present in everyday life.

Does an assessment guarantee a diagnosis?

No. The purpose is to reach an independent clinical conclusion based on the available information and relevant diagnostic criteria.

What if my child does not meet diagnostic criteria?

The clinical reasoning will be explained and documented. The report will still describe strengths, difficulties and, where appropriate, recommendations or possible next steps.

What if there is not enough information?

Further information or assessment may be required before a reliable diagnostic conclusion can be reached.

What is ADOS-2?

ADOS-2 is a structured autism assessment. In this clinic it is undertaken by an experienced Speech and Language Therapist as part of the multidisciplinary autism assessment.

What is ADI-R?

ADI-R is a detailed developmental interview with a parent or caregiver and forms part of the autism assessment pathway.

What is QbTest?

QbTest is an objective assessment of attention, activity and impulsivity. Dr Siddiqui is trained and experienced in its use and interpretation. It may be used when clinically indicated and is not used as a standalone diagnostic test.

Will I receive a written report?

Yes. A comprehensive written report is provided after the assessment process is completed.

Can I share the report with my child's GP or school?

Yes. Parents may share the report with their child’s GP, school or other professionals at their discretion.

Do you prescribe ADHD medication?

Not currently. The private ADHD service is diagnostic and does not include medication prescribing or ongoing medication management.

What are the fees?

Autism £1,750; ADHD £1,000; Combined Autism & ADHD £2,300.

Will I receive a refund if my child does not receive a diagnosis?

The fee is for the complete professional assessment process and is payable regardless of the diagnostic outcome.

Where is the clinic?

Melrose Surgery, 2–4 Alexandra Road, Reading, RG1 5PE.