About Assessments

At The Kalamitia Clinic, we provide specialist mental health and neurodevelopmental assessments for children and young people across the UK. Our experienced clinicians offer comprehensive ADHD and autism assessments, helping families gain clarity, understanding, and practical recommendations to support their child's wellbeing and development.

Most appointments are delivered remotely, with a brief in‑person autism observation included where required to ensure a high‑quality, NICE‑aligned assessment. We are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based assessments tailored to the unique needs of every child and family.

Whether you are seeking answers about attention, behaviour, social communication, emotional wellbeing, or developmental differences, we are here to help you take the next step with confidence.

Understanding Child and Adolescent Mental Health Assessments

Child and adolescent mental health assessments are crucial for identifying and understanding the emotional and psychological needs of young individuals. These assessments can help in diagnosing various conditions, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders. Early identification of these conditions allows for timely intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes for children and adolescents.

Assessment Pathway

Our structured assessment pathway ensures clarity and consistency for every family.

Generic Mental Health Assessments

A mental health assessment is a structured process to evaluate an individual's psychological well-being. Its primary purpose is to gather information to understand mental health status, identify issues, and complete a formulation of needs.

Our mental health assessment provides an opportunity to understand your child or young person's emotional wellbeing, behaviour, and mental health needs.

During the assessment, we will talk with you and your child to learn about their current difficulties, developmental history, family background, school experience, and day-to-day life. We will explore any symptoms they may be experiencing, such as anxiety, low mood, emotional difficulties, behavioural concerns, or challenges with relationships and learning.

Following the assessment, our clinician will provide a clear understanding of their needs, discuss any diagnoses where appropriate, and offer personalised recommendations for support. This may include referrals to other services, school-based recommendations, or practical strategies to help at home.

Our aim is to help families gain clarity, understanding, and a pathway towards the right support.

 

ADHD Assessments

ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a child's ability to focus, control impulses, and manage their energy levels. An ADHD assessment typically involves gathering information from multiple sources, including parents, teachers, and the child themselves. Standardised questionnaires and behavioural checklists are often used to evaluate the child's symptoms and how they impact daily life. Teacher questionnaires may be requested where appropriate. The assessment process is designed to ensure that a comprehensive understanding of the child's behaviour is achieved, leading to a clear diagnostic formulation.

Autism Assessments

Our autism assessments follow a hybrid model: remote history‑gathering and structured interviews, combined with a brief in‑person observation led by our consultant psychiatrist. Teacher questionnaires may be requested where appropriate. Professionals use structured observation tools, interviews, and standardised measures to understand communication, social interaction, and behavioural patterns. The goal is to understand the unique strengths and challenges of the child, which can inform tailored support strategies. Early diagnosis of autism can lead to effective interventions that help children develop essential skills and improve their quality of life.

Post-Diagnostic Support

Once a diagnosis is made, post-diagnostic support is vital for both the child and their family. This support can take many forms, including psychoeducation for parents/carers and the young person, educational support, and community resources. Additionally, educational programmes can provide teachers with strategies to support children in the classroom effectively. Connecting families with community resources can also enhance their support network, allowing them to access services that promote well-being and development.

 

Child and adolescent mental health assessments, including ADHD and autism assessments, play a pivotal role in understanding and supporting young individuals. Through comprehensive evaluations and post-diagnostic support, we can create a nurturing environment that fosters growth and development for children facing mental health challenges.

Every assessment at The Kalamitia Clinic is conducted with compassion, professionalism, and respect for each child’s individuality. Our goal is to provide clarity, understanding, and practical recommendations that empower families to move forward with confidence.

We do not currently provide:

  • Medication or prescribing

  • Crisis or emergency care

  • Physical health monitoring

  • Out‑of‑hours support

Phase 2 (treatment pathway) will launch following CQC approval.