Frequently Asked Questions

What services does CAL offer?

CAL provides bespoke clinical and educational assessments for ADHD, autism, and other neurodevelopmental conditions, as well as Dynamic Assessments, for both children and adults. Our team works closely with a consultant level educational psychologist, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and psychiatrists to provide comprehensive evaluations.

We also offer follow-up interventions, including ADHD coaching, emotional regulation packages (Zones of Emotional Regulation®), social thinking® interventions, and school consultations.

How does the assessment process work?
  1. Intake & Screening – Parents complete an online developmental screen, followed by a brief consultation to review needs and next steps.
  2. Tailored Assessment Plan – Information is gathered through teacher discussions, observations, screenings, or consultations to create a personalised assessment approach.
  3. Assessment – A combination of clinical and educational psychology testing is conducted to evaluate strengths and challenges.
  4. Personalised Intervention – Based on results, CAL offers tailored support, including ADHD coaching, emotional regulation strategies, and parent/school consultations

More information can be found on the Our Process page.

Where does the assessment take place?

Our assessments can be conducted at our office, at your child’s school, at home, or remotely, depending on your location and needs. We serve clients across the UK and in mainland Europe.

Who conducts the assessments?

Our team consists of highly trained clinical psychologists and assistants who are qualified to deliver a wide range of assessments including, WISC-V, WIAT-III, ADOS / ADI-R, CAP, and Dynamic Assessments. We also collaborate with occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, educational psychologists, and psychiatrists where necessary.

What happens after the assessment, and what will I receive from it?

After the assessment, parents receive a feedback session, and when appropriate, the child is included. A detailed written report is provided, outlining findings and tailored recommendations. It is recommended that a school meeting takes place to share these findings with staff, ensuring they understand the report and how to implement the recommendations in the classroom. If needed, additional support sessions can be offered to help teachers with intervention strategies.

Depending on the assessment package, interventions may be available through our service, or referrals to other professionals can be discussed. Any referral will only be made with your full consent and after considering what is in the best interest of your child.

Do you provide follow-up support for children, parents, and teachers after the assessment?

Yes, we offer follow-up interventions, school support, and guidance on next steps to ensure ongoing progress at home and in the classroom. Our intervention programs include ADHD coaching, Social Thinking® skills programs, and the Zones of Emotional Regulation®, all of which involve both the child and their parents. The goal is to equip parents with the skills to support their child’s development as independent co-therapists.

Additionally, we provide psychoeducation and consultations for both parents and teachers to help support a child’s learning and emotional well-being. Parent consultations may include guidance on effective parenting strategies and insights into how personal beliefs and upbringing influence interactions with their child.

What happens if after the initial screening, I decide not to proceed to a full assessment?

It is possible that the initial screening and feedback may clarify certain issues, and you don’t go further at this time. There may be other reasons, such as a decision to wait or pursue other actions first. 

You pay only for the initial consultation and screening. You will be provided with a brief written summary of the information that has been gathered.

What happens if I decide to stop the assessment at a later stage?

The assessment process may be discontinued at any stage at your discretion. In such cases, charges will only apply for the time and work completed up to the point of discontinuation.

Does private medical insurance cover the assessments?

Most private health insurance providers, including Axa, Bupa, and Vitality, typically do not cover the costs of private autism or ADHD assessments. However, we recommend checking directly with your insurer. If any part of the assessment is eligible for coverage, we will provide the necessary receipts and documentation to support your claim.

Will my Local Authority or NHS trust accept a private assessment?

Local Authorities (LAs) and NHS Trusts generally accept private assessments if they comply with NICE guidelines. However, each LA and NHS Trust may have its own specific criteria and procedures for recognizing private diagnoses and assessment reports. We recommend consulting your GP to confirm any additional requirements that may apply.

Does CAL accept virtual consultations?

Yes, we offer remote consultations for both assessments and interventions, providing flexibility for clients, especially those in remote locations or with mobility challenges.

Which areas do you provide services in?

We serve clients from all across the UK and mainland Europe.

Who can refer to CAL?

Parents, schools and other services, always with prior permission from parents.
We also accept self -referrals from individuals 18+.

Why do I need to go through the intake process - can’t I just book a test straight away?

When you contact us for an assessment, or when someone else advises that this would be beneficial, it is essential for us to plan this carefully together. There isn’t a ‘one size fits all!’

We consider carefully with you – What are the presenting issues? Who should be involved? Should we observe, test or do both? 

We clarify our goals. We consider what other services need to be part of the assessment.

This stepped planning process ensures that we focus uniquely on what your child needs. And if you are a school or other service, how can we best work with you to support you?