Comprehensive Neurodevelopmental Assessment
Autism and ADHD Diagnostic Evaluation
A Clinically Led, Integrated Assessment
At Be Kind Psychology, we specialise in high-quality adolescent and child neurodevelopmental assessments in Ireland
Our process is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in best-practice clinical standards
We provide clarity, support and practical recommendations that genuinely make a difference to children and their families
The Comprehensive Neurodevelopmental Assessment is recommended where concerns are broad, overlapping, or unclear, and where it is not yet evident whether a child’s presentation is best understood in terms of Autism, ADHD, learning differences, anxiety, or a combination of these.
Many children and adolescents present with intersecting neurodevelopmental features. Assessing one area in isolation can miss the wider picture. This pathway provides an integrated, clinically guided evaluation designed to achieve meaningful diagnostic clarity.
Families are not expected to decide in advance whether the difficulty relates to Autism, ADHD, or learning. The scope of assessment is determined by clinical judgement following detailed developmental review.
What’s Included in the Assessment (Identification)
This is a multidisciplinary assessment that includes input from both clinical psychology and speech and language therapy (SLT). It is tailored to your child’s age, presentation, and developmental needs.
This assessment incorporates full Autism and ADHD diagnostic evaluation, with additional components included where clinically indicated.
Assessment may include:
Comprehensive parent clinical interview and developmental history
Autism assessment using ADI-R and ADOS-2 (appropriate module)
SLT co-review of ADOS-2 findings to ensure multidisciplinary standard in Autism assessment
ADHD assessment including clinical interview, standardised questionnaires (home and school), and objective attention measures where indicated
Cognitive assessment (intellectual functioning, working memory, processing speed, executive functioning)
Educational assessment of literacy and numeracy skills where clinically appropriate
Evaluation of emotional regulation, sensory processing differences, masking, and stress response patterns
Integrated clinical formulation and comprehensive written report
Feedback session outlining findings and recommendations
Teacher input is gathered via structured questionnaires and school reports.
Please note: This assessment does not include a full Speech and Language Therapy assessment.
Is This Assessment Right for Your Child?
This pathway may be suitable where:
• Autism and ADHD are both being considered
• Concerns span attention, regulation, learning, sensory differences, or social communication
• Emotional regulation difficulties appear linked to neurodevelopmental factors
• Previous assessments have been partial, inconclusive, or have raised further questions
• You would prefer assessment pathway to be guided clinically rather than selecting a single diagnostic package
If concerns are clearly limited to literacy, numeracy, or ADHD alone, a more focused assessment pathway may be advised.
Our Approach
Our assessments are neuroaffirmative, attachment and trauma-informed, and strengths-based.
We seek to understand each child as a whole person - recognising their unique ways of communicating, engaging, and experiencing the world. Every recommendation is tailored to your child’s needs and context.
Assessment Timeline - What to Expect
We aim to complete most autism assessments within approximately 12 weeks of commencing. While timelines may vary depending on complexity, we never rush the process and ensure all assessments are clinically robust.
Weeks 1–2
Parent structured developmental interview (ADI-R) are completed. Teacher and school feedback is gathered.
Weeks 2–3
In-clinic appointment takes place for ADOS-2 and, if indicated, cognitive assessment. SLT review of footage is arranged.
Weeks 4–6
Clinical team review, diagnostic formulation, and report drafting.
Weeks 7–10
Parent feedback session is held. Final diagnostic report is shared.
Why Choose Be Kind Psychology?
Experienced, Chartered Clinicians
Your child’s assessment is led by a Chartered Clinical Psychologist (PSI), with input from a CORU-registered SLT where appropriate.
Recognised, Gold-Standard Tools
We use validated, best-practice tools such as the ADOS-2, ADI-R, WISC-V, WIAT-III, Conners-4, SB-5 and QbCheck. All assessments are evidence-based and clinically indicated.
Accepted by Schools and Statutory Services
Our reports are accepted by the HSE, Department of Education, schools, and NEPS psychologists. They support applications for:
Autism classes and special class placement
SNA support
Disability Allowance
IEPs and individualised supports in school
Insurance Eligibility
Our assessments may be partially reimbursed through private health insurance policies that include Clinical Psychology cover. We advise checking your individual policy.
School Observations
At Be Kind Psychology, our neurodevelopmental assessments are designed to be comprehensive, evidence-based, and tailored to each child’s individual profile. We do not routinely carry out school visits, as direct observation in the school environment is not required to diagnose Autism or ADHD.
Instead, we gather detailed information about your child’s functioning at school using:
Standardised teacher questionnaires (e.g., Vineland-3)
School reports
Optional contact with the teacher where clinically indicated
This approach allows us to understand your child’s needs across settings, while minimising disruption to their school day. Our assessments meet best-practice guidelines and are accepted by the HSE, Department of Education, and support services.
If there are specific concerns about differences between home and school presentation, we are happy to liaise directly with school staff to ensure a holistic view of your child’s profile.
Autism Assessment (Identification) Steps
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Step 1
Email our admin at info@bekindpsychology.ie or make contact through our contact page here.
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Step 2
Our admin team will contact you with your first appointment to meet with Dr. Jill Pollard. You will be given appointments for the assessment appointment.
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Step 3
Parents or caregivers take part in a structured clinical interview that includes the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) online via a secure video call. This standardised tool helps the psychologist gain a detailed understanding of your child’s development, communication, and behaviour. The interview explores your child’s background and behavioural history, usually takes around two hours, and can be completed online via secure video call.
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Step 4
Direct Assessment Sessions
A direct assessment is carried out in clinic with your child.
This includes administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2). The ADOS-2 is a structured, play- and conversation-based assessment designed to observe social communication, interaction patterns, and behavioural presentation in a standardised format. It is administered in person by Dr Jill Pollard.
A cognitive assessment may be completed during this session or scheduled separately, depending on the child’s age, profile, and level of stamina.