Your Journey Towards Understanding
Taking the first step towards an ADHD or Autism assessment can bring a mixture of questions, uncertainty and hope. From your first enquiry to continued support after your assessment, discover what to expect and how our team can help you move forward.
01. Your Location & First Enquiry
Whether you're an adult looking for answers or a parent concerned about your child, your journey begins with finding the right people to speak to.
Enlightened Minds supports individuals and families across Ayr, Glasgow, Edinburgh and the wider Scottish community. Depending on your chosen assessment, appointments may be available remotely or face to face.
02. Your Free Initial Screening
You don't need to arrive knowing whether you have ADHD or Autism. The purpose of the initial screening is to explore your concerns and help establish whether a comprehensive assessment may be appropriate.
You'll be invited to provide information about the experiences that have brought you here. The clinical team can then offer feedback and explain the available next steps.
03. Your Assessment Options
If a full assessment is recommended, we'll help you understand which service may be suitable for your needs, whether that's an ADHD assessment, Autism assessment or a combined pathway.
Standard ADHD assessments and the one-day adult Fast Track option follow different schedules. Autism assessments also have their own clinical stages and reporting process.
Assessment fees and available payment options can be discussed before you commit. Eligible patients may be able to spread the cost through 0% finance.
04. Preparing for Your Assessment
Before your appointment, you may be asked to complete questionnaires about your experiences, developmental history, education, work, relationships and everyday life.
Where appropriate, information from a parent, partner, teacher or someone who knows you well can provide additional context. The team will explain what is required for your particular assessment and what to do if certain information isn't available.
05. Your Assessment Day
Your appointment is an opportunity to talk about your experiences with a qualified clinician. You'll explore the difficulties you've encountered, how they affect your life and the strengths and coping strategies you've developed along the way.
Rather than relying on a single questionnaire, a comprehensive assessment considers information from different sources and across different stages of life. The exact interviews and assessment tools depend on whether you're being assessed for ADHD, Autism or both.
06. Results, Feedback & Your Report
After the assessment, your clinician will explain the findings and what they may mean for you or your child. Some people receive confirmation of a diagnosis, while others may be advised that further information or an alternative explanation should be considered.
You'll receive a clinical report containing the assessment outcome and relevant recommendations. The timing depends on the assessment service, with adult Fast Track ADHD patients normally receiving same-day feedback and a full report within approximately one week.
07. Continued Therapy & Aftercare
Receiving an assessment outcome may answer some questions while raising others. You might want support with work, education, family relationships or simply understanding yourself with greater confidence.
Enlightened Minds offers post-diagnostic services including ADHD coaching, mentoring, therapy and study skills support. Where appropriate, guidance on referral to a separate ADHD medication prescribing service may also be available.
What Actually Happens on Assessment Day?
It's natural to feel nervous before an assessment, especially if you've spent years wondering whether your experiences will be understood. Your clinician's role is to explore the full picture, not to judge you or expect you to have perfectly prepared answers.
Getting Comfortable
Your clinician will explain the appointment, check relevant information and give you an opportunity to ask questions before beginning.
Understanding Your Experiences
You'll discuss childhood, education, relationships, work or home life and how your experiences have changed over time.
Exploring the Evidence
Your clinician will use structured interviews and appropriate diagnostic tools, alongside questionnaires and other relevant information.
What Happens Afterwards?
The team will explain when to expect feedback, your report and recommendations. Some pathways provide same-day feedback; others require further review.
Assessment formats and tools vary between ADHD, Autism, adult and child pathways. The clinical team will explain your individual appointment arrangements.
Support That Goes Beyond an Assessment
Understanding your experiences is one part of the journey. Finding practical ways to move forward can be just as important.
ADHD Coaching & Skills
Individual support with planning, organisation, managing daily responsibilities, study skills and workplace challenges.
Therapy & Family Support
Explore emotional wellbeing, relationships and personal challenges through appropriate therapeutic or family-focused services.
Medication Referral Guidance
For people diagnosed with ADHD, referral to a separate prescribing service may be considered where clinically appropriate. Medication is not prescribed directly by Enlightened Minds.
You Don't Need All the Answers to Begin
Whether you're exploring ADHD or Autism for yourself or your child, Enlightened Minds can help you understand your assessment options and the support available across Scotland.
Start Your Free Initial Screening →Assessment recommendations, timescales and support options depend on individual circumstances. 0% finance is subject to eligibility, approval and terms.