For many families, one of the most frustrating parts of seeking an autism or ADHD assessment is what happens while they wait. A child may already be struggling with sensory overload, transitions, attention, emotional regulation, friendships or the demands of the school day - yet parents can sometimes feel that meaningful support will only begin once there is a formal diagnosis. Recent developments in England suggest an increasing move towards a different approach: supporting

Autism and ADHD have been receiving considerable attention in the UK recently. In October 2026, the government published the findings of a major independent review into mental health, autism and ADHD. The review looked at increasing demand for assessments, long waiting lists, access to support and how diagnostic services should develop in the future. For families and adults considering an assessment, some of the headlines may understandably have raised questions. Are more peo

Autism does not always look the way people expect it to. Some autistic people may be visibly different in the way they communicate, interact or respond to their environment. Others may appear socially confident, make eye contact, have friendships, achieve well academically or professionally, and seem to manage everyday life with relative ease. What may be less visible is the amount of thought, preparation and effort involved. This is where masking, sometimes called camouflagi

This is one of the most important questions to ask before paying for a private ADHD assessment. The answer is a little more nuanced than a simple yes or no. A private ADHD diagnosis can be a clinically valid diagnosis, provided the assessment has been undertaken by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional and follows recognised clinical guidance. However, having a private diagnosis does not automatically guarantee that every NHS service or GP will take over prescrib

Parents sometimes imagine an autism assessment as a test that their child will either “pass” or “fail”. In reality, a good autism assessment is very different. There is no single test that can tell us whether a child is autistic. Instead, clinicians bring together information about the child's development, current experiences, strengths, difficulties and behaviour across different settings. Talking to parents An important part of the assessment is understanding your child's d

If you think your child may be autistic, knowing what to do next can feel surprisingly complicated. Parents often come to us after concerns have been raised at home or school, or after their child has begun asking questions about themselves. Others have been wondering about autism for several years. There are NHS and private routes to autism assessment. If you are considering a private autism assessment in Kent, here are some of the things it can be helpful to know. Do I need

One of the most common things we hear from parents is: “My child seems fine at school, but at home everything falls apart.” A teacher may describe a child as polite, sociable, hardworking and well behaved, while their parents see exhaustion, emotional overwhelm, anxiety or a strong need to withdraw after the school day. This difference between settings can leave parents wondering whether they are imagining the difficulties - or whether autism can really be considered when sch

Living with ADHD can sometimes feel like navigating a world that doesn’t quite understand your experience. That’s why raising awareness is so important. Every year, ADHD Awareness Month in the UK offers a chance to shine a light on what ADHD really means, how it affects people, and what support is available. We want to share with you what this month is about, why it matters, and how it can help you or someone you care about. The Importance of ADHD Awareness Campaigns ADHD awa

Receiving your assessment report - whether confirming Autism, ADHD, or an intersection of both - is a pivotal moment. For many, holding those pages brings a quiet wave of clarity. Decades of unnamable experiences, sensory overload, or executive function hurdles suddenly have a clear, valid explanation. Moving from diagnosis to self-discovery and integration.. Source: Keith Storace / Psychology Today (Accessed 2026.09.14) Naturally, once the report arrives, many people choose

Living with ADHD can be challenging in many ways, and one of the most painful experiences can be facing bullying. Whether you are a child or an adult, understanding how ADHD and bullying intersect is crucial. We want to share some insights and practical advice to help you or someone you care about find the right support and feel empowered. Understanding ADHD bullying resources: What You Need to Know When we talk about ADHD, we often focus on attention difficulties, hyperactiv

Living with ADHD can be a unique journey, filled with both strengths and challenges. One of the difficulties many face is dealing with bullying. When ADHD and bullying intersect, the impact can be profound. We want to share insights and practical advice to help you or your loved ones navigate these challenges with kindness and confidence. Understanding the Bullying Impact on ADHD Bullying can affect anyone, but for those with ADHD, it often feels more intense. ADHD symptoms l

When seeking clarity about autism and ADHD, it can feel overwhelming. You want to understand your unique needs or those of a loved one. You want support that feels respectful and tailored. Over time, I have found that learning from others’ experiences is one of the most helpful ways to gain insight. These blogs offer a gentle, honest window into the world of autism. It shares stories, advice, and reflections that can guide you on your journey. Understanding Autism Through Per

Making and keeping friends can sometimes feel more challenging for children with ADHD. Differences in attention, impulse control and...

Bullying is sadly a common experience for many young people, with over half reporting being bullied or witnessing bullying in the past...

Did you know that October is ADHD Awareness Month? It’s a time when organisations around the world shine a spotlight on Attention Deficit...

We are delighted to welcome Dr Karthik Palanivelu to our team! Dr Palanivelu is a consultant paediatrician with a wealth of experience in...

Autism is a unique developmental condition that influences how individuals communicate, behave, and interact with others. The...

Ensuring that autistic children thrive in school is a shared responsibility of parents, teachers, and the entire school community. Here...

A sensory-friendly home can significantly enhance the comfort and well-being of individuals with sensory sensitivities. By making...

Sensory sensitivities are a common characteristic of autism, influencing how individuals perceive and respond to sensory input from their...