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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Happy funny african american kid boy flying in fathers arms looking at camera in bedroom, loving family single black dad holding lifting cute little child son playing plane bonding having fun on bed

How we are different from other centres

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Our assessments are neuro-affirmative, and we identify and work with each client’s strengths
We are a robust and ethical assessment centre and work only with children, adolescents and adults who meet the threshold for an assessment through our pre-screening consultation
We will always see clients in person as part of their assessment. Informant interviews can be either in person or remote.
We liaise widely with family, friends, partners and schools during the assessment
Our detailed reports include personalised recommendations for each individual client
All our assessments have been positively accepted by the NHS
Every diagnosis is confirmed by a child/adolescent psychiatrist
We will never give an inconclusive diagnosis
Our multidisciplinary team may be able to give a differential diagnosis in cases where neurodivergence is not evident during an assessment, for example Developmental Language Disorder etc.
We work with schools and universities to develop an individualised support plan for each client
We offer post-diagnosis support work for young people, adults, parents and couples
We build ongoing relationships with our clients
Hear from others about their experience with us on google reviews

Arrange an assessment

Fill in our enquiry form for a free pre-evaluation screening assessment. Let us lead you through the process, we’ve got you!

Start here

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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.

At GAC, we are particularly passionate about, and skilled in, assessing and supporting neurodivergent girls and women.

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Here’s what our clients have to say …

Thank you so much for all of the professional help you have given to Merry, and myself, over the last few months. Without doubt, this has changed Merry's life forever.

Sarah

Carla and the team are super friendly and knowledgeable. The assessment was thorough and painless and was followed up with further guided support for my daughter and our family.

Aimee

From the beginning of the process to the end, as a family we felt supported and listened to. We never, ever felt that any of the process was formulaic or hurried. A range of specialists were part of the dual assessment and considerable time was spent prior to embarking on the journey, to see if AuDHD was a 'likelihood'. We were all treated sensitively. The process was seamless and carefully explained at each step. The reports were detailed and accurate reflections of our child. I couldn't recommend GAC more highly. I have encountered them both professionally and personally and I have been equally impressed by their approach.

Kristiane

Choosing to work with the Gloucestershire Autism Centre was the best decision I could have made. From the first call through the assessment process to diagnosis Carla and her team have been fantastic. Claudia the administrator is super helpful and always responds to calls and emails quickly. Carla is knowledgeable, professional and very warm in her approach to both myself and husband during the day assessment process as well as our daughter. Since diagnosis the aftercare has been fantastic and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the team to anyone looking to explore a diagnosis for themselves or a child.

Maggie

Carla and the team have been brilliant throughout this process. My son had such a good time at the sessions he attended he didn't want to leave! The activities engaged him through his interests and he loves Gwen the dog. A really supportive and understanding centre, and great communication with us and the school. Thank you

Julie

I cannot recommend the Gloucestershire Autism Centre highly enough! I was put in touch with Carla and her team after a child in my class received an autism diagnosis. Carla gave me a huge amount of advice that enabled me to support the child in my class to flourish and reach their full potential. This included follow-up sessions at the end of the year where we discussed his transition into his new class. The whole GAC team are professional and supportive, and it is clear that they have the needs of the child and their families at heart. As a class teacher, I felt that my point of view was listened to respectfully, and that Carla genuinely wanted to help as much as possible. I would encourage all families who want to support a child with autism to reach out to the GAC. I am beyond grateful for everything they have done!

Lara

I can't thank Carla and the team enough for what they have done for us. Life has been really hard and we have had to overcome many hurdles. For the first time, I feel heard by professionals who understand and want to help. We have been supported throughout the whole assessment and then diagnosis process, in a really positive way. Everyone has had such compassion and a clear desire to help however they can. When I have reached out for additional support, everyone has been so helpful. The admin staff are so lovely and have gone out of their way to help me. Gwen also needs a special mention, as without her my son would have really struggled. I finally feel I am not fighting the battle for support alone. The biggest difference has come from my child's understanding about himself, which is what I wanted all along. Thank you Team GAC

Vicci

Having decided to go ahead with a private assessment for our daughter, I didn't have to think twice about using GAC. I knew Carla, and how kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable she is having worked with her in the past, supporting adoptive families. Carla and all at GAC were fantastic, and the assessment process was smooth and efficient. The aftercare has been amazing too - giving my daughter the opportunity to process and digest her diagnosis and then come back in for a follow up session with Carla. There are open offers to speak to school and Uni when the time comes, to ensure our daughter has the support that she needs. Thank you to you all, but especially to Carla, who has supported us as a family with her usual kindness, compassion and also a fabulous sense of humour, which we all appreciated!

Julia

GAC was recommended to us by a consultant child & adolescent psychiatrist because we were keen on our daughter being assessed by a proper multidisciplinary team who would not be afraid to say 'no' to a diagnosis if appropriate. In fact we travelled a hundred miles for the reassurance of a reliable and robust assessment! It was very clear throughout the whole process that their assessments are inclusive and authoritative, blending clinical experience and wisdom with validated assessment tools. And it hasn't been 'here's your label, off you go' in any sense. Carla has continued to support us in understanding the areas of strength and difficulty for our daughter, including a 1:1 feedback session to help her to understand it all.

Jason & Louisa

Our experience of the centre has been exceptional and, I'm given to understand, the report on our child's diagnosis much more thorough and extensive than we could have expected through the NHS. Ongoing support and advice is brilliant, and Carla has stressed that we can continue to access this going forward.

Lindsey

Getting in Touch for Professional Assessments

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