Neuro-Affirming Assessments

Child/Adult Autism (3+)
Child ADHD (6+) 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.

Find out more

Book an assessment

the-gloucestershire-autism-centre-girl.2

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

the-gloucestershire-autism-centre-red-cape-boy

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

the-gloucestershire-autism-centre-girl-with-headphones

About the Centre & our Founder

the-gloucestershire-autism-centre-carla-reece

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.

Find out more

Here’s what our clients have to say …

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.

Kate

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.

Lexi

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.

Sarah W

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

Amelia

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

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

From the moment we contacted the service, we have had an exceptional service. The assessment process has been efficient, robust and transparent. We have felt entirely confident with the whole team and the processes in place to assess our son. We cannot thank the team enough for their care and kindness throughout the process. Thank you, Rachael and Sam

Rachael & Sam

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

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.