Neuro-Affirming Assessments

Child/Adult Autism (6+)
Child ADHD (7+) and Dual Assessments

“We’re a centre with a difference.”

Yes, like any good assessment centre, we have a range of experienced multi-disciplinary clinicians, from Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists to Occupational Therapists.

Yes, we use NICE guidelines to inform which standardised evaluation tools we use. Yes, our Autism Centre and ADHD Centre assessments can be used to open doors to support at school, university or work…..AND, we’ve also been in your shoes.

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How is Autism Diagnosed at our Clinic?

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To formally identify and diagnose autism in both children (6 plus) and adults, Gloucestershire Autism Centre use the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R) which are the ‘Gold Standard ‘ assessment tools as recommended by NICE guidelines. Assessors are professionally accredited in both tools.

As a team, we prefer to use the phrase ‘recognising’ autistic children or adults, rather than ‘diagnosing’ as diagnosis implies illness, and autism is not an illness! We think about autism as being a difference in brain style and we want to capture individuality, strengths, and possible challenges. We focus particularly on the areas highlighted in the diagnostic criteria for autism, language and communication/ interests and broad sensory use and social relationships/emotional responses.

However, we know that diagnostic assessments are often a necessity, for example to gain an Education and Health Care Plan for extra support at school or Disabled Students Allowance at university, so we do continue to offer formal diagnostic assessments alongside more holistic assessments. We believe that early recognition and appropriate support from both home and school is essential in avoiding many associated challenges such as severe anxiety and depression.

Arrange an assessment

Book a friendly free telephone consultation and a pre-evaluation screening assessment. Come and see us and let us lead you through the process, we’ve got you!

Book an assessment

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About the Centre & our Founder

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Carla Reece, Director

I set up GAC as a mum of neurodivergent children, and a practitioner who’s also worked for decades with neurodivergent children and young adults. I’m an advocate, parent educator, a champion for rights and understanding, and a therapist with decades of lived and professional experience.

I’ve been the parent wondering what the right thing to do is. I’ve worried, listened, cared, and fought for the right support for the neurodivergent children and adults in my professional care. I’ve worked extensively with schools and liaised with countless universities.

I’ve worked therapeutically with young people who’ve never been supported to share their feelings before, with incredibly moving results. Surprising both parents and children alike! I’ve supported children and young people to value their strengths and differences, and additionally to wonder if they’d like to have support with the parts of life that are more challenging for them. Always respectfully, often playfully, lightly, and always inclusively.

I’m particularly passionate about, and skilled in, working with neurodivergent girls and women.

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Here’s what our clients have to say …

Really impressed with the level of service and holistic way of working from The Gloucestershire Autism Centre. As schools, it is vital we are involved in the process and so reassuring to be offered a meeting to discuss the report and follow up with any recommendations. I will definitely recommend to any parents seeking a private assessment in future!

Sophie

In my contact with GAC as a secondary SENDCo, I have seen how their work supports young people on a pathway to self-knowledge. This support helps YP to understand their challenges and their strengths. GAC also works closely with schools to suggest personalised approaches to the barriers young people might be facing in school.

James

Great experience with Carla and her team, helping us with a dual ASD and ADHD assessment for our teen. Everyone was very friendly and professional and helped us every step of the way. I would recommend to anyone looking for advice on assessing their children.

Annie

I found it very helpful, I was asked questions that felt very relevant and I felt comfortable answering them all because of the very helpful people involved 🙂

Obi

I cannot recommend Gloucestershire Autism Centre more highly. From start to finish, the process was thorough, and the team was incredibly supportive and helpful throughout. It was clear from the very beginning that they truly cared, showing exceptional empathy and understanding every step of the way. Their knowledge and expertise were outstanding, ensuring that everything was explained clearly and that we felt heard and valued. What truly sets them apart is their aftercare—going above and beyond to provide full support post-diagnosis. The continued guidance and reassurance have made a world of difference. If you're looking for a centre that is professional, compassionate, and dedicated to making a real impact, this is the place to go. I cannot thank you enough.

Rhona

We would highly recommend the Gloucestershire Autism Centre and so would our son. He said that the activities used in the assessment were lots of fun and it wasn't what he expected at all, expecting it just to be lots of talking. I think he'd like to go back for another assessment 🙂 We really liked that they focussed on our son's strengths as well on the areas he finds more challenging. Carla was really welcoming to us at the parents' interview, putting us at ease and explaining everything clearly. The whole process was explained to us clearly from start to finish, and the report we received was comprehensive and answered all our questions.

Hannah

Carla and the team at The Gloucestershire Autism Centre have worked to create an assessment experience which is supportive and caring. There was a strong focus on the strengths of our child and how these could be harnessed for the most positive future. The pre-approval screening allowed a level of reassurance, and having spoken to education and SEND professionals we felt assured our child's diagnosis would be acknowledged on their school and medical records. The centre goes above and beyond the NICE guidelines whilst ensuring the child is at the centre of the process. As a family we were given a significant amount of time to share our views and the personalised letter for our child supported us to share their diagnosis in an affirming, reassuring way. Thank you to Carla and all the team. Your professionalism and kindness was evident through the entire process.

Sean

Outstanding provider. From the initial screening through to the assessments, experienced nothing but compassion and understanding. As well as psychological safety, the core service provided was of upmost professionalism inducing a high degree of confidence in the output which was presented in a very human and accessible way.

Daniel

We had an amazing experience with the Gloucestershire Autism Centre. My son, really warmed to the team despite them being unfamiliar adults. Their understanding, patience, and approach made all the difference to both us and our son. It was clear they truly care and have a deep knowledge of autism, creating a safe and supportive environment. I can’t recommend them highly enough!

Nadia

I can’t recommend The Gloucestershire Autism Centre enough. The relief of finding somewhere that actually gets your child and sees them for the individual they are. My daughter feels happy and confident to speak to Carla which is amazing. The initial assessment has only been the beginning of their support. They have also gone into my daughter’s college and helped arrange things and have said they will do the same to university. I would happily recommend them and have already done so to a few people.

Joan

Getting in touch

If you'd like to discuss things in more detail or book an appointment, please don't hesitate to contact Carla by sending an email to enquiries@thegloucestershireautismcentre.co.uk or by using the form below.