ADHD ASSESSMENT
What we offer
InKind offers Gold-Standard ADHD assessments that follow the UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN) Adult ADHD Assessment Quality Assurance Standard (AQAS) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines and standards.
About ADHD
Our in house ADHD expert Jane Higgins has a passion for working with people with ADHD. From her personal and professional experience, some of the most creative, interesting and talented people she has had the pleasure to meet and work with are those with ADHD. Having a brain that is always active can help to think about the world in a different light and find novel solutions that may not be as accessible to a ‘normally wired’ brain.
With any untreated ‘disorder’ there are also challenges, such as poor time management and planning, inattention, emotional dysregulation, restlessness, and risks that arise due to impulsivity or misguided attempts to cope. Associated difficulties with anxiety, depression, unstable relationships, sense of self and substance misuse are often present and misdiagnosed. Many of the people with ADHD report feeling misunderstood, rejected, different to others, burnt out and that they never quite live up to their innate potential.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD is often in itself therapeutic as it validates the lifelong struggles of the person. It can also open doors to reasonable adjustments and accommodations in education and the workplace to capitalise on strengths and protect against the difficulties. Medication is a possible treatment which many people with ADHD report as being hugely beneficial and even ‘life changing’.
Psychological treatment includes becoming familiar with your ADHD – just as no two people are ever the same, each person’s ADHD impacts them in unique ways. Therapy also explores coping skills and executive functioning strategies, as well as treating difficulties such as anxiety or depression, relational difficulties or self-concept. Through acknowledging and understanding the differences in how an ADHD brain works, and working with it rather than against it, we unlock a world of potential.
What happens during assessment?
Before the assessment consultation takes place, you will be asked to complete some screening assessments and basic information, such as your personal details and history, medical and educational history and what you might be finding difficult at the moment. You will also be asked to complete brief screening assessments and a written developmental history questionnaire with a parent, care giver or someone who knew you well before the age of 12 years.
The assessment consultation can be done in-person in Abergavenny or virtually/online. It will last for approximately 2 – 3 hours. During this time a clinical interview (conversation about your life) and structured ADHD interview will be completed.
A separate feedback consultation will take place (30 minutes). During this time the diagnostic outcome and recommendations will be discussed with you. We will have time for you to reflect on the outcome and to discuss treatment options going forward. You will receive a full diagnostic report and diagnosis confirmation letter (if applicable).
What happens after the assessment?
An in-depth diagnostic report and diagnosis confirmation letter (if applicable) will be sent to you.
Medication Consultation:
If you would like to consider a medication consultation to assess your suitability for ADHD treatment medication, then the appropriate professionals will be signposted to you.
Post- diagnostic Psychological Therapy:
For many people, obtaining an ADHD diagnosis is therapeutic as it validates their lifelong experience of feeling different and being aware that their brains are ‘wired differently’ to others.
The purpose of post-diagnostic sessions is to better understand your ADHD and how it impacts on your life, as well as how to cope with it going forward.
Post-diagnostic support would usually consist of a mixture of psychoeducation and therapy drawn from various approaches such as Adapted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Many adults with ADHD already have in place numerous practical coping strategies, but may need support with recognising the impact that this had over time on their concept of self. People with ADHD often experience co-existent difficulties such as anxiety and self-doubt, which would also be worked with therapeutically in-session.
What does it cost?
There are no hidden costs. The cost of a full ADHD assessment is £1350. If you have coverage with Bupa, this is also available.
