Understanding Neurodiversity: Comprehensive Autism Assessments
Holistic, person-centred assessments for children and adults. We take a strengths-based approach and offer wraparound support, not just diagnosis.
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Fast Results
Average of 10 days to first appointment and outcome within 8 weeks.
NICE Compliant
Clinical Psychologist led, MDT panels for all neurodiversity assessments, incorporating standardised tools and multi-informant input.
Ongoing Support
Post-assessment support is available, based on individual needs and preferences.
Who We Are
We're a team of clinicians who are genuinely passionate about neurodiversity. For us, autism isn't something that needs to be "fixed" — it's a natural way of experiencing the world, and understanding it can be life-changing.
Why We Started
The Neurodiversity Service was founded by our Clinical Director, drawing on experience within NHS services and the growing demand for timely, high-quality assessment and support.
We understand that for many people, waiting for clarity is not always an option. Not knowing can be difficult, and can impact mental health, self-understanding, and day-to-day life. We created this service to offer thoughtful assessments alongside meaningful support, both during and after the process.
A Different Kind of Assessment
We wanted to move away from assessment approaches that can feel overly structured or removed from a person's lived experience. Instead, we offer assessments that are thoughtful, person-centred, and shaped around the individual.
Our assessments are done with people, not to them. We take time to understand each person's unique story, strengths, and the challenges they experience.
Our Goal
We want to help people understand themselves better and become confident self-advocates. Whether that means securing reasonable adjustments at school or work, accessing the right support, or simply having the language to describe their experiences, we aim to support that process.
Our Values
We are a friendly and supportive team who are passionate about understanding and celebrating neurodiversity. Our values shape everything we do, from how we listen to families to how we adapt our approach for each individual.
We aim to create a safe, respectful space where differences are valued, strengths are recognised, and each person feels understood.
Our Clinical Team
A thoughtful, integrative team approach
Our assessments bring together clinicians from a range of professional backgrounds. This allows us to build a fuller understanding of each person, considering communication differences, sensory experiences, or cognitive profiles alongside development and mental health, to reach carefully considered clinical decisions.
Clinical Leadership
Dr Charlie Bamford
Clinical Director & Principal Clinical Psychologist
Qualifications & Registration
Charlie is a highly experienced Clinical Psychologist with 10 years’ experience assessing and supporting autistic children and adults. Before establishing The Neurodiversity Service, she held a senior leadership role within an NHS child autism pathway, where she managed clinical teams and helped improve assessment pathways, including reducing waiting times without compromising the quality or depth of care.
She has extensive experience leading complex assessments, particularly where autism may overlap with ADHD, mental health needs, language differences or learning needs. This enables her to make sense of nuanced presentations and ensure each assessment considers the person’s strengths, needs and lived experience.
Charlie combines clinical expertise with a calm, compassionate and highly individual approach. She takes time to understand how each person experiences the world, adapting her communication so children and adults can engage naturally and comfortably. This individual understanding is brought together with the expertise of a neurodiversity-affirming multidisciplinary team.
Beyond diagnosis, Charlie is committed to helping people understand their experiences, build confidence in their identity and advocate for the support they need. She has published multiple research articles and is currently researching the impact of post-diagnostic identity groups for autistic teenagers.
Key Credentials
- 10 years of specialist clinical experience
- Senior NHS autism pathway leadership
- Extensive experience with complex presentations
- Multidisciplinary team and service leadership
- Published researcher
- HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist
Our Multidisciplinary Team
Different professional perspectives, brought together around you
Our team brings together passionate clinicians from Clinical Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Psychotherapy. Each contributes a different perspective on communication, sensory experiences, emotional wellbeing, development.
All clinicians are experienced in working with both children and adults. The input within each assessment is shaped around the individual, rather than following the same approach for everyone.
Clinical Psychology
Provides clinical oversight, detailed psychological formulation and expertise in autism, mental health, development and complex or overlapping presentations.
Speech and Language Therapy
Brings specialist understanding of communication, language processing and social interaction, helping us build a fuller picture of each person’s individual communication profile.
Specialist Occupational Therapy
Explores sensory processing, regulation, daily activities and routines, and how these impact everyday life at home, in education, at work, and in the wider community.
Psychotherapy & Art Therapy
Offers creative and accessible psychological support, particularly for children and people who may find it difficult to express their experiences through conversation alone.
Supporting Clinical Standards
- Multidisciplinary clinical input
- NICE-aligned pathways
- Diagnostic panel review
- Neuroaffirming practice
- Child and adult expertise
Our Top Services
We offer comprehensive autism assessments tailored to different age groups and needs, as well as other diagnostic assessments and support.
SUPPORT FIRST
Before deciding on assessment
From £150
1 hour per session
Initial Support
Guidance for families exploring whether an assessment is the right next step
- Neurodiversity-informed clinician
- Practical strategies you can use straight away
- No commitment to a full assessment
- Single sessions or 4-session bundle
- Available virtually across the UK
OUR SPECIALTY
Child Autism Focus
£2500
6+ hours
Child Autism Assessment
Specialist assessment for children & young adults
- Parent/carer interviews
- Direct assessment with child
- School observation if needed
- Multi-disciplinary approach
- Support recommendations
POST-DIAGNOSTIC
Make sense of your diagnosis
£800
6 sessions · 1 hour each
1:1 Exploring Autistic Identity Programme
A personalised post-diagnostic programme to help you make sense of your autistic identity
- Dedicated clinician throughout
- Fully tailored to your goals and pace
- Flexible scheduling
- Available in-person or online
- Written summary on completion
Also offering ADHD, Adult Autism, Cognitive assessments, Identity Group and Flexible Sessions.
Not Sure If Your Child Needs an Assessment?
Our Initial Support sessions help parents explore concerns, understand behaviour, and build practical strategies — before deciding whether a formal assessment is needed. Support first. Assessment when — and if — it feels right.
£150
Single session
£500
4-session programme
Save £100Support that goes beyond diagnosis
Diagnosis is just the beginning. Our post-diagnostic support programmes help you build confidence, self-understanding, and practical strategies for everyday life.
1:1 Identity Programme
Six personalised sessions exploring your autistic identity at your own pace.
Identity Group
Six-week group programme connecting with like-minded peers.
Flexible Sessions
Book individual sessions whenever you need them, with no commitment.
What Makes Our Support Different
Remember: Assessment is just the first step. We're committed to supporting you throughout your entire neurodiversity journey.
Three phases. Start wherever you need to.
Some people move through all three phases, while others come to us for just one. Both are equally valid.
Initial Support
Some families aren't sure whether an assessment is the right next step — but they know things feel difficult at home or school. Our Initial Support sessions offer practical, neurodiversity-informed guidance, with no commitment to a full pathway.
Specialist Assessment
A thorough but relaxed evaluation in our autism-friendly environment. Our multi-disciplinary team follows NICE-recognised methods including ADOS-2 (where appropriate) and parent/carer interviews, with a clear, accessible report at the end.
Post-Diagnostic Support
Diagnosis is a starting point, not a destination. Make sense of your autistic identity at your own pace through our 1:1 Identity Programme, small-group cohorts, or flexible pay-as-you-go sessions.
From booking to outcome, the full assessment pathway typically takes 8 weeks*.
*Target timeline from booking through to your results discussion — not just the first assessment session. Assumes prompt return of pre-assessment questionnaires and standard case complexity. Some cases may take longer where additional clinical evidence is required.
Our Standards
We're committed to providing assessments that are clinically robust, ethically sound, and recognised by the NHS and other healthcare providers.
HCPC Registered Clinicians
Every assessment is led by a clinician registered with the Health and Care Professions Council — the statutory regulator for Practitioner Psychologists in the UK. Our clinicians are personally accountable to a published code of conduct and ethics.
NICE Compliant
All assessments are Clinical Psychologist led and aligned with NICE guidelines. They incorporate MDT panel review, standardised tools, and multi-informant input to support well-informed clinical decisions.
Experienced Clinicians
Our team is made up of highly experienced clinicians from a range of professional backgrounds. Each assessment is led by a clinician with specialist knowledge of neurodiversity and shaped around the individual.
Ongoing Support
Your journey doesn't end with a diagnosis. We offer post-diagnostic support to help you understand your report, access services, and navigate next steps at your own pace.
What Our Clients Say
We're proud of the positive impact our assessments have on individuals and families. Here's what some of our clients have shared about their experience.
"The assessment process was thorough yet comfortable. Dr Bamford and her team made me feel understood and supported throughout. The report was incredibly detailed and has helped me access the support I needed."
Sarah M.
London • Adult Autism Assessment
Verified Reviews
Testimonials reflect verified work completed by our clinicians in practice.
Real Experiences
Genuine feedback from individuals and families we've supported through their journey.
Quality Assurance
We continuously monitor feedback to ensure we maintain the highest standards of care.
Ready to talk?
Book a free 15-minute call. No pressure, no commitment — just a friendly chat to help you decide what's next.
Frequently Asked Questions
We've compiled answers to the most common questions about our autism assessment services. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us directly.
No. You are attending an autism assessment, which means we are exploring if a diagnosis of autism is suitable. For some people, there might be a different explanation (called an alternative formulation) that better accounts for a person's needs or differences. If a diagnosis of autism is not indicated, we will explain the formulation and provide advice and support for your child's specific needs.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is here to help. Request a call back from a member of the team and we'll be in touch at your preferred time. Alternatively, send us a message and we'll get back to you via email as soon as possible.