About The Neurodiversity Service
Independent, clinician-led autism, ADHD and cognitive assessment for children and adults, UK-wide
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.
The practice
The Neurodiversity Service is an independent autism, ADHD and cognitive assessment practice for children and adults, founded in Shropshire in 2026 by James Wilson. We provide diagnostic assessment and post-diagnostic support; we do not provide therapy waiting-list services, prescribing or crisis care.
Our clinical work is led by Dr Charlie Bamford, Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Director. Charlie holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (PYL37547). She previously held a senior leadership role in an NHS child autism pathway. Assessments are carried out by HCPC-registered clinicians and are informed by the NICE guidelines, with every assessment reviewed by a multidisciplinary team.
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
Where we see people
We assess in person at our own clinic in Dunston, Stafford, and at clinical venues across the Midlands, the North West, the South West and Oxfordshire, or online anywhere in the UK. Every price is published on our pricing page, all-inclusive, with 0% payment plans available.
How we're regulated
Our regulatory position
As a diagnostic-only provider we operate outside the scope of CQC registration under CQC’s own guidance. We explain that position on why we are not CQC-registered.
Clinical governance
The clinical governance that sits behind our work is set out on clinical standards.
In the press
What makes an autism assessment report genuinely useful to a school?
Dr Charlie Bamford on why report recommendations often fail to translate into classroom support, and what makes them usable.
New autism assessment clinic opens in Staffordshire
Coverage of our Stafford clinic opening and the post-diagnostic support included with assessments.
Company details
The Neurodiversity Service Ltd is registered in England and Wales, company number 16496089, with its registered office at Column House, 7 London Road, Shrewsbury SY2 6NN (the registered office is not a clinic).
We are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office, registration ZB929790.
Contact: 020 4538 3482 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm) or via our contact page.
Ready to talk?
Book a free 15-minute call. No pressure, no commitment — just a friendly chat to help you decide what's next.