Autism & ADHD Assessment Hub

25/12/2025

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬, 𝐰𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝.

At The Autism & ADHD Assessment Hub, we continue to champion and honour the richness of every individual’s lived experience.

As the festive season arrives, may we all pause to recognise and celebrate the many ways people think, feel and shine. Every journey is meaningful, and every voice deserves to be valued.

𝑾𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕, 𝒋𝒐𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆.

23/12/2025

A diagnosis isn’t a downfall, it can unlock significant benefits including; increased self-understanding, access to community support groups, formal accommodations and assistance at school or work, financial support and an understanding of previously confusing challenges.

For the diagnosed individual; they can now receive the extra assistance needed to ensure they thrive in day-to-day life, it can bring them validation that their thoughts and feelings are valid. It can also improve their mental wellbeing; they can reduce their ‘masking’ and enable them to live a more authentic life.

For parents, carers and friends, it can really improve family dynamics as they can now understand that a loved one’s behaviours are due to autism or ADHD it reduces miscommunication, confusion and conflict with families. Having a diagnosis also allows families to access resources that can support everyone.

19/12/2025

Please see our Christmas Opening Hours, we hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!🎄

18/12/2025

Stimming is repeated movements and behaviour; it is short for “self-stimulating behaviour” and can be also known as “self-regulating behaviour”. Autistic people may also describe a single way of stimming as a ‘stim’ and a set of ‘stims’.

Examples of Stimming:
Movement/balance: hand flapping, rocking, swinging, jumping and spinning.
Sight: watching spinning toys, patterns, glitter, colours or lights (making lights flicker) and repeated blinking.
Hearing: listening to the same song on repeat; tapping ears, repeating sounds, words or phrases (known as ‘echolalia’).
Touch: hair twirling, scratching, rubbing or touching fabrics.
Smell & Taste: sniffing, licking or chewing objects.

Autistic people have explained that stimming has a range of purposes and benefits; Sensory input and enjoyment, staying calm and to express joy or other emotions.
Stimming can be a form of communication, help with focus and concentration also sensory processing, often individuals are not even aware that they are stimming, it can be as natural and essential as breathing for them.

Stimming is nothing to ‘fix’, it is a great support for an individual’s wellbeing and ability to navigate the world around them.

17/12/2025

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗵𝘂𝗯𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗞.

Our newest Autism & ADHD Assessment Hubs are now open in 𝐎𝐱𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝, 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝, 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 and 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤, bringing our clinicians and neuroaffirmative approach to even more communities across the UK.

These hubs offer detailed, strengths-focused assessments designed to recognise the full spectrum of autistic and ADHD profiles. By growing our network, we’re making it easier for individuals to access clear, supportive insights that can help them move forward at school, at work and in everyday life.

Clients in these regions will also be able to explore our post-diagnostic options, with resources and support available for those who want guidance beyond the assessment itself.

16/12/2025

Autistic and ADHD people, along with others who are neurodivergent bring unique strengths to the workplace: creativity, problem-solving, honesty, hyperfocus and fresh perspectives.

But to truly benefit from this talent, workplaces need to embrace inclusion in meaningful ways:
Flexible environments – offering options like quiet spaces, hybrid working or adjusted hours.
Clear communications – using plain language and setting expectations transparently.
Strength-based approach – focusing on what individual does best, not only on challenges.
Sensory-friendly spaces – reducing noise, harsh lighting or other overwhelming factors.
Celebrating difference – seeing neurodivergence as an asset, not a problem to be “fixed”

A workplace that values neurodiverse minds doesn’t just support individuals, it drives empathy, innovation and success for everyone.

11/12/2025

Assessments or school meetings can sometimes feel stressful – lots of information, unfamiliar terms and important decisions being made. Always remember, you have a voice and it matters.

Here are some tips that might help:
Prepare in advance – Write down any questions, concerns or examples of day-to-day challenges and strengths.
Bring notes or reports – Having evidence from home, school or work can support your points.
Use “I” statements – Say things like “I’ve noticed...” or “My child needs...” to keep the focus clear and personal.
Ask for clarity – If jargon or processes feel confusing, ask for things to be explained in plain language.
Take your time – It's okay to pause, ask for breaks or request information in writing.
Bring support – A trusted person can help you feel more confident.

Advocating doesn’t mean being “difficult”, it means ensuring your or your child’s needs are seen, respected and supported.

What is one tip that you have found useful in situations like this?

09/12/2025

Creating a "safe space" means offering an environment that supports neurodiverse individuals by promoting comfort, reducing sensory overload and fostering acceptance. These spaces can be both physical (designed to calm and regulate sensory input) and social (where autistic individuals feel seen, valued and understood for who they are).

Key Elements of a Safe Space:

1. Sensory-Friendly Environment:
Create a calming atmosphere with lighting that is gentle on the eyes. Choose dimmable or natural light over bright fluorescent lights. If possible, use lamps instead of ceiling lights. Reduce background noise by choosing quieter spaces or offering noise-cancelling headphones or ear defenders. A clutter-free area helps reduce visual distractions, allowing the focus to remain on what matters.

2. Comfort and Relaxation:
Make the space inviting with comfortable seating options like bean bags, rocking chairs, cushions, or blankets. Personalizing the space can make a big difference - add items that reflect the individual’s interests or preferences, helping them feel connected and at ease.

3. Tools for Self-Regulation:
Offer a selection of sensory tools like fidget toys, stress balls, or weighted blankets to help with emotional regulation. Providing clear, consistent schedules or visual cues helps to foster predictability and reduce anxiety.

Remember, the goal of a safe space is not just to reduce stress but to ensure that neurodiverse individuals can feel truly understood, comfortable and empowered in their surroundings.

05/12/2025

can often be misunderstood as behaviour changes, especially in children and young people under pressure.

Join our 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 on 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫, 𝟳:𝟯𝟬–𝟵:𝟬𝟬 𝗽𝗺 to hear from our Clinical Directors, Dr Zoe McGovern and Dr Jessica Donohoe, as they explore what is, why it happens, and how to better support those who experience it.
The session will finish with a live Q&A, giving you the chance to ask questions directly to our specialists.

𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲:

Join us for a free, remote session to understanding autistic burnout

05/12/2025

𝗪𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 — 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗺 & 𝗔𝗗𝗛𝗗 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗛𝘂𝗯𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻!

We’re delighted to announce new locations in Reading, Cardiff, Plymouth and Surrey, expanding our mission to make high-quality, neuroaffirmative assessments accessible across the UK.

Each hub offers the same thorough, strengths-based autism and ADHD assessments our service is known for – recognising both subtle and more visible presentations, and providing clear, detailed reports that can be used in education, employment and daily life.

All four locations are also connected to our comprehensive post-diagnostic support pathway, ensuring every client can continue their journey with practical, therapeutic and peer-based support beyond the assessment itself.

04/12/2025

The differences in ways of thinking, learning and experiencing the world bring value. Too often, society focuses on “what is hard” instead of recognising the creativity, focus, honesty, resilience and unique insights that neurodivergent people contribute.

Different doesn’t mean broken.
Different doesn't mean less.
Different means human and worthy, exactly as you are.

When we shift the view from ‘deficit’ to ‘divergence’, we make space for understanding and celebration.

02/12/2025

Crowds, noise, bright lights, constant movement – busy spaces can quickly become overwhelming, especially for autistic and ADHD people. That doesn’t mean you can’t take part in them, but it does mean your brain might just need extra support.
Here are some strategies that might help:

Use sensory tools – headphones, sunglasses, fidgets or chewable items can reduce input and create comfort.
Plan an exit strategy – knowing where the quiet spaces or exists are can help to reduce anxiety.
Set time limits – give yourself permission to step away or take breaks.
Go with support – a trusted friend, family member or colleague can help you feel grounded.
Self-regulate before & after – calming activities like stimming, deep pressure or quiet time can balance the sensory load.

Remember: needing support in busy spaces does not mean you’re ‘too sensitive’. It means you are listening to your brain and body – that is self-care.

What is your strategy for when environments feel overwhelming?