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 …

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

What a fantastic service. Starting off with an immediate telephone conversation with Carla. She explained how things work, the payments, the timescales, what is involved in the meetings, etc. Before we knew it we had appointment dates. My daughter was apprehensive of course, but Hannah immediately put her at ease as soon as she opened the door, with her warm, gentle approach. I then undertook a 3 hour Zoom interview with Rebecca, which flew by! Then a further meeting with Rebecca to pick up the results. I cannot thank you guys enough for helping us get to a point where we know where we are and where we are going. Carla is going in to my daughter’s school to chat with them and we also have a follow up appointment for my daughter with Hannah so she can explain everything to her. I would 100% recommend The Gloucestershire Autism Centre to anyone wishing to get a professional assessment done quickly in a caring way. Thank you all so much.

Emma

Carla and her Team are amazing! So supportive and caring long after the diagnosis which parents of neurodiverse children need. Carla also met with my daughters class teacher which is so useful when you have a child who is 'ok' at school. I cannot thank them enough for their help with both our daughters but also for us as parents. We now have the confidence to know we are doing the right thing. My only regret is that I didn't write this review sooner.

Jane

We have been very pleased with the service provided by GAC. Everyone has been extremely supportive, professional and informative. They also clearly care about the child they are assessing and their needs are paramount in all aspects of the assessments. The feedback we have received has also been extremely helpful. I would definitely recommend this service.

Charlotte

I would highly recommend the Gloucestershire Autism Center. Carla and her team are amazing. Not only have they got a wealth of knowledge and experience, but their understanding and listening to parents views is impeccable. We, as parent’s felt heard and understood. The process was welcoming and friendly and we were put at ease. Following the assessment Carla has gone above and beyond to help and assist with additional circumstances. Thank you for all your help and guidance.

Stephanie

Thank you for the last two years of support. You have given us courage to take a different approach, you have shown endless patience in repeating the same advice over and over again, and you have made the whole process unthreatening, light hearted and empowering. The impact on our household has been huge. Everyone is happier and the large amounts of pressure previously felt by James and I have gone. We are enjoying our little unit of four, with everyone happy (most of the time!) and everyone looking forward to time spent together. The word "transformative" is perhaps over used, but nonetheless, it feels fitting when we compare Spring 2023 to Spring 2025. You have made such a lasting impression and impact on our family which we will always be thankful for.

Siobhan

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

Getting in Touch for Professional Assessment

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.