I wanted to share how pleased we were with the assessment process from start to finish with our older teenage son. Carla and the team were so responsive and attuned to his needs — carefully drawing out his quiet and, until now, somewhat hidden experiences of life and the world so that we all had a much better understanding of the things he struggles with, but also his amazing strengths. It truly has been a life-affirming experience that has brought me closer to my son. I felt so relieved to be in such capable and caring hands. I know how much trust is required to engage in this process — and I wouldn’t have trusted anyone else to do this. We came for an autism assessment, but what we got was so much more — a renewed relationship with our son. I can’t thank Carla and the team enough 💙

Both my Son and myself have been diagnosed by GAC. I found them helpful, caring and understanding. It was easy to relax whilst being assessed and i was able to be myself. My son isn’t always comfortable in new places but he was very happy to attend appointments alone. The whole experience was made very straightforward. There is also a huge amount of after care offered along with some great recommended reading lists. Thanks very much to the team at GAC for supporting both me and my son through our diagnosis.

My stepson had his assessment at The Gloucestershire Autism Centre and was diagnosed with ADHD and autism. After the report was completed, Carla spent a long time talking through the results with us. She explained how the assessment was carried out, how his specific presentation related to the diagnosis, and what our next steps could be.What really stood out was how much Carla wanted to make sure we truly understood how to support and care for him, rather than simply sending us the report without context.We have since continued with parent mentoring sessions with Carla, which have helped us feel far less alone while navigating the challenges that come with ADHD and autism. It has been incredibly valuable to have someone we can speak to about Freddie’s specific challenges, rather than relying on generic neurodiversity advice online.I can’t recommend their services highly enough.

From the start of the process to our child receiving his diagnosis, we have been highly impressed at all stages. The process felt quick, which really helped ease our anxieties (our son has been on an NHS waiting list and ‘lost’ in the system for years). The assessment process was robust and empathetic throughout, as well as being explained very clearly to all involved - including our son. This helped us all feel at ease. I expected this to be the case; having worked with Carla previously I cannot recommend her service enough. I would also like to highly rate everyone who was involved in my son’s assessment and the lovely admin team who coordinated everything so well. We finally feel validated - and heard. Thank you.

I came to GAC hoping to find some answers about myself and wanting any form of help as my mental state after certain experiences had not been the best. I had recently turned 18 at the time with not the best experiences of school and big friendship groups aside from a few friends that treated me well that I met later on. I was doubting myself a lot even after doing my own research and agreeing with most of the traits and experiences that other autistic people have had. The people at the GAC were really quick to respond to my forms and emails giving me plenty of notice for appointments and what was going to happen during the assessments. They made me feel very comfortable in the room (that looks more like a living room than an office which I appreciated) and when they were asking questions. I felt seen for the first time in ages and felt no judgment from them as I gave my answers.After my assessment was complete they gave me the option to find out the simple answer first before the full last meeting. I chose to have a video call where I was told that I am autistic and we talked a little about it before ending. For the final meeting, i was asked if I wanted my parents involved which I agreed to in the second half. We were told about the process of how they confirmed that I am autistic, what autism is and how it affects me as well as how I see the world based on my answers. A few days later, I was emailed my full report which I had a look at later with my parents. It was very detailed and included graphs about my results on scales such as masking and comparing it with the neurotypical average and the neurodiverse average. Safe to say I have lots of unmasking to do but I have felt much happier in life that I have for years.I can understand why I do things and ways to deal with when everything becomes too much. This process helped me realise that there was nothing wrong with me all this time and that I am just autistic. I can finally be myself and not worry so much about being perceived as weird all of the time and to give myself space when I need it. If people still find me weird after me explaining why then it’s their problem now, not mine. After befriending many new people (including plenty more neurodiverse friends) after my assessment I have stronger friendships than I used to have and we share our experiences with each other. University also plans my course in a way that is helpful to all students and gives support for neurodivergent students which I never would have known about before. I cannot thank the GAC enough for everything that they have done, they have changed my life for the better and have been very supportive throughout the assessment. I cannot recommend them enough, thank you team GAC (and Gwen the dog).

We were advised to seek out the services of GAC via our daughter's school SENCO, having failed to make progress via our GP, and it proved to be an extremely helpful recommendation. It felt like a very thorough and considered process, which never assumed that a ND diagnosis would definitely be provided, which was important to us.  The process was extremely well organised and administered, with everything explained and communicated very efficiently.  It was understandably a fairly intensive experience, but carefully paced over a number of appointments and reports.  We never felt rushed or like we were on a conveyor belt.  The final report was very helpful and evidenced a clear understanding of her character and difficulties.  The option to work with her school included in the process is very much appreciated, since this is where the ND characteristics were most stressful for her.  She has said she feels supported, affirmed and validated, which is a huge step forwards for her.  GAC seems particularly good at picking up what may have been missed elsewhere, which seems to be a fairly common occurrence for inattentive ADHD in girls. Thank you GAC.

Our first experience having our daughter assessed with the lovely team at GAC was so good that I knew I could trust them when we decided to also get our younger daughter assessed. Everyone we had contact with was kind, helpful and prompt at responding to us. From the first phonecall to the aftercare, it feels personal, supportive and (perhaps most importantly for ND parents) - affirming! Thankyou Carla and the rest of the team for supporting us on our journey.

We honestly can’t thank The Gloucestershire Autism Center (Carla and the team) enough for their commitment and compassion shown to our family. The whole assessment process for our daughter was exemplary and the time and dedication the whole team gave us was over and above what we expected. Without hesitation, I can recommend their services and is money well spent.

Can't recommend the GAC enough. Very warm, welcoming, understanding staff, who really care about the whole family. Thank you!

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.