Thrive Psychological Services
Thrive Psychological Services
Why approach us for an assessment?
Often people have had teachers, colleagues, friends or family point out that something might be different. Whilst everyone is different, it might be that you or your loved one really struggles with fitting in or just finds many environments around them not making sense or distressing.
This might be associated with neurodevelopmental differences - these refer to variations in the way the brain and nervous system develop, or how your brain is 'wired'. These differences are innate, they arise during development and are present throughout life. There are many types of neurodevelopmental difference covering areas such as communication, motor skills, impulse control or processing of social cues or language.
These differences often mean trying hard to fit into a neurotypical world - an environment that feels normal to everyone else but not to you. This can be difficult and can affect how you feel and how well you handle everyday life.
At Thrive Psychological Services, we want to help you understand yourself or someone you care about better. As we go through the process of diagnosis together, we will use simple tools to highlight the differences you notice. Our goal is to help you figure out what kind of support you might need so you can be your best self.
Our assessments meet the Gold Standard as indicated by NICE guidelines and are Consultant led. They :
- are Multi-disciplinary - clinical psychology, with psychiatry and/or paediatric involvement where appropriate
- utilise standardised and well-evidenced tools such as Conners 4 / DAWBA asssessment questionnaires from individuals, parents, workplace or school
- utilise 3DI or ADI-R where appropriate
- use ADOS
- are face to face
- involve a Multi-disciplinary Clinical Team discussion to consider the differential diagnosis
- include a comprehensive report that clearly explains all of our steps and reasons for any decisions we make.
Our reports may involve working with you before a diagnosis to learn what neurodiversity means for you or someone you care about. The report may include a straightforward explanation of the person's experiences, helping to make sense of them, no matter what the final outcome is.
The provision we offer has been reviewed by neurodiverse champions and we have sought advice concerning how the service might evolve and function.
We also offer post-diagnostic support in the form of Narrative Therapy, adapted CBT or adapted EMDR delivered by clinicians who are experienced in working with neurodiversity.
How does an Autism Assessment take place?
Our NICE Gold Standard Autism assessments consists of screening and information gathering questionnaires with feedback, a knowledge and education consultation, a neurodevelopmental consultation, an observational assessment and a comprehensive report and feedback.
Initial Screening and Information Questionnaires with feedback
We always request that you complete an initial screening questionnaire, as this enables us to understand what is happening for you or your loved one. If the person being assessed is a child or young person in school, we would appreciate it if the school could also fill out this questionnaire and we will involve you in this decision. We then proceed with some initial assessment questionnaires, again consulting you regarding the school's participation. If you are an adult being assessed, it might prove helpful for someone within your social circle or workplace to complete the initial questionnaires.
Whilst it can feel uncomfortable perhaps asking others, whether those within your family or those outside your family such as nursery, school, work place or social group to complete questionnaires, this nonetheless will really facilitate the way in which we can identify your difficulties and help you to focus on what you need the most. This process is typically completed online.
The information you share in these questionnaires will give the assessing clinicians important details that they will use as a guide throughout the assessment process. All questionnaires, as well as our interactions with you, will help us understand your challenges and strengths, utilising both standard methodology to measure how you feel and function, as well as consider the bespoke implications in many different aspects of your life, including any specific problems you might be facing.
Feedback from these questionnaires will be provided in as an initial report and an online consultation.
Knowledge and Education Consultation
At this stage we then invite you to a pre-assessment knowledge and education consultation with one or two of our clinicians including a Psychologist Practitioner trained in neurodiversity. Our Clinical Lead Consultant psychologist will oversee this consultation and attend at the start and finish. This session allows us to share further knowledge and education with you about neurodiversity generally as well you or your loved ones specific case. The session is important because it will help you understand what kind of assessment, if any, you may want to pursue. For instance, it can assist you in deciding whether you need a formal diagnostic assessment and can also help to avoid unnecessary assessments.
Diagnostic Assessment - Neurodevelopmental and Observational
This next stage is a formal diagnostic assessment using structured standardised assessments. This involves a multi-disciplinary clinical team. It consists of
- a face to face interview with parent/guardian or significant other to establish a detailed developmental history using the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised) standard toolset. At this point for children, it might be important for a paediatrician to get involved, based on the situation. We will talk with you about whether we need their help and any costs that might be involved.
- an observational assessment with the child or adult concerned using the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2nd Version).
These sessions are held at our clinics in London or Chichester and can take place simultaneously, or sequentially on the same or different days.
Additional information from other sources or services may be used and additional assessment sessions may be required at this stage.
Report and Feedback
The output of these assessments are analysed and thoroughly discussed across the multi-disciplinary team and a comprehensive report produced. This report fully outlines the process take, the observations and findings, conclusions and recommendations with reasons and rationale for them. This report is recognised and accepted by associated organisations and services such as schools, councils etc and you are welcome to share our reports with any other group or organisation you choose.
We will schedule a further hour's session with you to feedback the report, discuss suitable pathway and next steps, and answer any questions you may have.
NHS
This service has been established to address the increasing demand for neurodiversity assessments. Our clinicians are all employed in high-demand NHS services, which often confine assessments to specific postcodes. This limitation can lead to difficulties in accessing services or result in long waiting times before any assessment can be initiated. We recognise the significant financial impact and emotional strain associated with these extended waiting periods.
Individuals frequently experience distress due to a lack of understanding from organisations or others who are unware of the difficulties or not able to respond to them without a formal diagnosis.
Having an assessment conducted by a Consultant-led team of clinicians who have expertise in neurodiversity assessment and therapeutic support within the NHS, will ensure that, should an individual receive a positive diagnosis, they can rely on the assessment report to affirm their rights. The report may support their case for consideration, assistance, or adjustments based on the protections offered under the Equality Act.
Fees
Initial Screening and Information Questionnaires with feedback - £300
Knowledge and Education consultation (recommended) - £250
Diagnostic assessment, report generation, feedback session. - from £1950 dependent on the disciplinary clinicians required and the assessments undertaken.
Thrive Psychological Services
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