Making sense, rather than ticking a box
A private ADHD or autism assessment is not a box to tick. For an adult, child or family, the process can be an opportunity to make sense of experiences over time and across different settings. That includes strengths as well as difficulties, and questions as well as answers.
Relevant information may include developmental history, current experiences, consultation, observation, questionnaires, records and, where appropriate, an informant perspective. Each source can add context, but none is treated as a complete answer on its own.
Clear expectations support good conversations
People should be able to understand what the pathway may involve, what information is being requested and how it may be considered. A transparent explanation gives people room to ask questions and helps avoid an assessment being experienced as a series of unexplained steps.
The purpose is not to force someone into a category. The purpose is to consider the available information carefully and to communicate any conclusions, uncertainties and next conversations respectfully.