Our Story
Solihull Autism Assessment Service (LLP) was developed in 2018 by Dr Jessica Donohoe and Dr Zoe McGovern, two Clinical Psychologists with specialist interest and experience in assessing and working with people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
We realised the frustrations of people locally who are struggling with symptoms of potential Autism Spectrum Disorder and unable to access the required support, either in school or at work, without a formalised diagnosis. Solihull Autism Assessment Service (LLP) was therefore developed to offer independent ASD assessments for those who are unable or unwilling to wait on long NHS waiting lists. We are ordinarily able to offer an initial consultation within 2 weeks of contact and from the point of this consultation, assessments will be completed within 6 weeks where possible.
Further, we recognised the need for thorough, clinically reliable and robust assessments, in accordance with best practice and guidelines from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. We therefore provide a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary diagnostic assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder, following NICE Guidelines and using 'gold standard' assessment protocols.
Dr Jessica Donohoe and Dr Zoe McGovern lead the assessments, with involvement from specialist Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Paediatricians as necessary. A combination of written questionnaires, reports, observation, discussion and formal assessment protocols inform the assessment outcome. Please note that this is an ASD-specific assessment and although different but related conditions, e.g. ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia etc. may be uncovered by this assessment process, a formal diagnosis of these conditions would need to be given by a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist as they are best suited to provide recommended treatment.
The assessment is concluded with a thorough written report with input from all members of the assessment team and recommendations for moving forward. This could include post-assessment support from our Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, Helen Trott, as well as psychological support from Dr Lisa Summerhill, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist who we work in collaboration with.
We realised the frustrations of people locally who are struggling with symptoms of potential Autism Spectrum Disorder and unable to access the required support, either in school or at work, without a formalised diagnosis. Solihull Autism Assessment Service (LLP) was therefore developed to offer independent ASD assessments for those who are unable or unwilling to wait on long NHS waiting lists. We are ordinarily able to offer an initial consultation within 2 weeks of contact and from the point of this consultation, assessments will be completed within 6 weeks where possible.
Further, we recognised the need for thorough, clinically reliable and robust assessments, in accordance with best practice and guidelines from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. We therefore provide a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary diagnostic assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder, following NICE Guidelines and using 'gold standard' assessment protocols.
Dr Jessica Donohoe and Dr Zoe McGovern lead the assessments, with involvement from specialist Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Paediatricians as necessary. A combination of written questionnaires, reports, observation, discussion and formal assessment protocols inform the assessment outcome. Please note that this is an ASD-specific assessment and although different but related conditions, e.g. ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia etc. may be uncovered by this assessment process, a formal diagnosis of these conditions would need to be given by a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist as they are best suited to provide recommended treatment.
The assessment is concluded with a thorough written report with input from all members of the assessment team and recommendations for moving forward. This could include post-assessment support from our Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, Helen Trott, as well as psychological support from Dr Lisa Summerhill, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist who we work in collaboration with.
