What to expect from an Effra Clinic diagnostic assessment.

Deciding to pursue an assessment for ADHD or autism can feel like a significant step. Many people come to Effra Clinic after years of wondering why certain aspects of everyday life feel more difficult, or after recognising themselves in descriptions of ADHD or autism later in adulthood. This blog outlines what to expect from a diagnostic assessment at Effra Clinic, so you can approach the process feeling informed and prepared.

Our approach

Effra Clinic specialises in the assessment of ADHD and autism. Our aim is not simply to reach a diagnosis, but to work collaboratively with you to understand your experiences and identify what support would be most helpful going forward.

A diagnosis, where appropriate, is a means to an end. The focus of the assessment is on understanding your strengths, challenges, and day-to-day difficulties, and using this understanding to develop a clear and practical plan.

Preparing for your assessment

Before your appointment, it can be helpful to reflect on what you would like to gain from the assessment. You might want to consider:

• What difficulties are most affecting you at the moment?

• Are there particular questions you hope the assessment will answer?

• Are there specific areas of your life you would like to focus on, such as work, relationships, emotional wellbeing, or organisation?

You do not need to prepare anything formal, but having thought about your priorities can help guide the discussion.

Length and structure of the assessment

An assessment typically lasts between three and four hours, depending on whether it is for ADHD or autism. This can be completed in a single extended session or split across two sessions, depending on your preference and what feels most manageable for you.

The diagnostic interview

A core part of the assessment is a structured diagnostic interview. This is a detailed, clinician-led conversation using established diagnostic frameworks that help us gather the information needed to make a diagnosis. Diagnostic interviews are considered the gold standard for assessing ADHD and autism, as they allow for nuance and clarification rather than relying solely on questionnaires or screening tools.

Questionnaires may still be used as part of the assessment, but they are always interpreted within the wider clinical context.

Comprehensive psychiatric assessment

In addition to the diagnostic interview, we carry out a comprehensive psychiatric assessment. This includes discussing how things are for you now, as well as exploring relevant aspects of your background, such as:

• Your mental health history

• Your medical history

• Past treatments or interventions

• Key life experiences that may be relevant

Because ADHD and autism are lifelong neurodevelopmental conditions, we are particularly interested in patterns across your life rather than focusing only on current difficulties.

Developmental history and childhood information

For this reason, it can be very helpful to include information from someone who knew you when you were a child, such as a parent, older sibling, or long-standing family friend. This person may attend part of the assessment or provide information in another way if attending is not possible. We recognise that this is not always available, and we take a flexible and thoughtful approach where childhood informants cannot be included.

Reviewing findings and next steps

Towards the end of the assessment, there is time to review what has been discussed, clarify any areas, and explore questions that have arisen. We will talk through our diagnostic conclusions and discuss recommended next steps.

Treatment recommendations may include medication, psychological therapies, coaching, or other forms of support, depending on your individual needs. Some of these interventions can be provided by Effra Clinic, and in other instances we can recommend external colleagues with expertise. We are also very happy to liaise with your GP or other professionals involved in your care.

Your written report

Following the assessment, we will produce a comprehensive written report, which you will receive a copy of. This report summarises the assessment, outlines any diagnosis made, and clearly sets out personalised treatment recommendations. Many people find this report helpful not only for accessing support but also for better understanding themselves.

If you are unsure whether an assessment is right for you

If you are uncertain about whether an assessment is the right next step, or if you would like to discuss the process in more detail before booking, you are very welcome to contact us. We are happy to talk through your questions and help you decide what feels appropriate for you.