No, an initial assessment is not essential. Many families prefer to proceed directly to an ADHD or an ASD diagnostic assessment without first having an initial assessment.

A psychiatrist is a medically-qualified doctor who will have spent 6 years training to become a doctor. He or she will then have worked as a doctor in general medicine and surgery for at least two years. He or she will then have had at least six years of further training in diagnosing and treating people with psychiatric and neurodevelopmental difficulties. Core skills of psychiatrists include the diagnosis and treatment of conditions including prescribing medication, including medication for the treatment of ADHD.

Psychologists have a degree in psychology and typically offer talking therapy.

Initial and follow-up appointments cancelled with a minimum of 72 hours notice will be refunded in full. Initial and follow-up appointments cancelled with less than 72 hours notice will be charged in full.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and combined ASD and ADHD assessments cancelled with a minimum of 14 calendar days notice will be refunded in full. ASD, ADHD and combined ASD and ADHD assessments cancelled with less than 14 calendar days notice will be charged in full.

Dr Karim is registered with the majority of private medical insurers- however, all assessments are self-funded. Families may wish to seek reimbursement directly from their insurer (and should contact their insurer for details of this and to arrange it).