Autism & ADHD
Assessment Information
Psychological assessment and diagnosis in Ireland is conducted according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, 5th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). The DSM is based on a medical model of mental illness and thus outlines autism as a Neurodevelopmental Disorder using the title Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The DSM language refers to deficits, impairments, abnormalities and failures. More recent studies and perspectives have challenged the medical model’s deficit-focused understanding of autism, and instead formulate autism as a natural variation in human diversity that presents with different limitations, strengths and abilities. This has been conceptualised as neurodivergence affirming practice.
I run a neurodivergence affirming practice and remain informed by latest clinical research and the autistic community alike. From these perspectives, autism is neither a ‘disorder’ nor a ‘condition’. It can however be considered a disability because of the challenges most autistic individuals face while having to live in a neurotypical world.
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I believe that autism is best understood and diagnosed through a collaborative process of investigation with each client. I therefore prefer the use of newer, neurodivergence affirming assessment tools (such as the MIGDAS-2) over older assessment protocols. This does not impact the validity of the assessment process or outcome, as all the DSM-5-TR criteria are still addressed.
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Autism or ADHD Assessment (for individuals aged 16 and older): Four sessions + written report: €1,300
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- Session 1: During this introductory meeting, I will complete your general clinical evaluation, discuss your reasons for investigating a neurodivergence (Autism/ADHD) diagnosis, and ask you about your history and current life circumstances. The assessment process will be explained, and any questions or concerns will be discussed. You are welcome to bring a parent, partner or family member who knows you well to this session if you wish.
Cost: €150 to be paid at the time of booking/reserving your appointment.
- Session 2: I will begin your standardised assessment interview. You are welcome to bring a parent, partner or close family member to this session if you wish. Clients tend to enjoy this collaborative and empowering session and usually gain a clear idea of the overall assessment outcome.
​​​​​​​​​​​​Cost: €150 to be paid at the time of booking/reserving your appointment.
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Having completed Session 1 & 2, the balance of €1,000 will be due to confirm your request for a written diagnostic report and to confirm your attendance at Session 3 & 4. Further appointments cannot be scheduled and a report will not be worked on or delivered without receipt of this payment.
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- Session 3: I may review the online questionnaires that were sent to you when booking your first session, before completing your standardised assessment.
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- Session 4: Feedback session to review and explain your assessment results, and map the way forward in terms of work/school/etc. You will receive your neuroaffirmative written diagnostic report. You are welcome to bring your parent(s)/partner/family member to this session if you wish.
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Please note: The cost of either an Autism or ADHD assessment is €1,300 as above.
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If you wish to be assessed for both Autism and ADHD, the total assessment cost is €1,600.
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​​​Please note: Undergoing this assessment process does not automatically guarantee a diagnosis of autism and/or ADHD.
If during Session 1 or 2 it becomes clear that an Autism/ADHD assessment is not indicated, or if you decide that you would prefer to consult another clinician, then you will be under no obligation to pay for or complete the remainder of the assessment process.
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Post-assessment consultations and/or therapy sessions are billed at a standard rate of €150 per 50-minute session.
Additional letters (e.g. to college or workplaces) and/or abridged reports incur an additional fee of €100. ​​