Support and psychological therapy after an ADHD or autism diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD or autism can bring relief, questions and new beginnings, often all at once. The weeks and months afterwards are often when families most need someone to talk things through with.
Our post-diagnosis support offers a small number of focused sessions with an experienced psychologist. Together, we help your child and your family understand the diagnosis, recognise strengths, and find practical ways to make everyday life easier at home and at school.
This support is for children and young people aged 4 to 18, and their parents or carers, who have recently received a diagnosis of ADHD, autism, or both.
It can help if:
• your child is trying to make sense of their diagnosis and what it means for them
• you would like guidance on supporting your child at home
• your child is struggling with worries, low mood, big emotions or self-esteem
• you want ideas to share with school about what helps your child
The service is open to families whose child was diagnosed at Child Psychiatry Consultancy and to families with a diagnosis from another service. If your child was diagnosed elsewhere, we will ask to see the full diagnostic report before sessions begin.
Who it's for
What support can include
Every family is different, so we agree the focus of sessions with you at the start. Support can include:
Understanding the diagnosis
Age-appropriate sessions to help your child understand how their brain works, what they find easier and harder, and that being neurodivergent is a difference, not a deficit.
Parent and carer sessions
Practical guidance on routines, communication, managing big emotions, sensory needs and reducing everyday conflict, as well as space to reflect on how you are adjusting.
Support with anxiety, low mood and emotions
Evidence-based therapy adapted for neurodivergent young people, for difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, emotional regulation and self-esteem.
Supporting school
Strategies and reasonable adjustments you can share with your child's school or college. If a formal letter is needed for SEN support or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) application, this is written by our consultant psychiatrist.
Support with school and SEN
School is often where children feel the effects of ADHD or autism most. As part of post-diagnosis support, the psychologist can spend one or more sessions focusing on school, with you, your child, or both.
Sessions can help with:
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How their attention, energy, sensory needs, social world and emotions play out across the school day, including tiredness or overwhelm after school.
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Practical ideas to suggest to school, such as movement breaks, a quiet space, visual timetables, help with organisation, adapted homework or a trusted adult to check in with.
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what to ask, how to describe your child's needs clearly, and which goals to suggest.
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Creating an "all about me" profile together, in your child's own words, to share with teachers.
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Understanding what is making school hard and planning small, manageable steps with you and your child.
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A new class or teacher, moving from primary to secondary school, or starting college.
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Whether it might be the right next step, and what information would help.
How it works
Sessions take place by secure video and last 50 minutes. Some are with your child, some with you, and some together, depending on what will help most. Most families need between six and eight sessions.3. Follow-up sessions4. Review and endingAt the final session, you review progress together. You receive a short written summary with ideas for the future, and a copy is sent to your GP.
The psychologist reads your child's diagnostic report beforehand. In the first session, they get to know you and your child and agree two or three goals with you.1. Get in touchContact us to ask about post-diagnosis support. We will check that the service is right for your child and send you a consent form and a short questionnaire.2. First sessionEach session is paid in advance when it is booked. You can pay by card, or spread the cost with Klarna.
If you need to rearrange a session, please give us at least 48 hours' notice. Sessions cancelled with less notice, or missed, are charged in full.
Fees
First session (50 minutes)
£250
This includes the psychologist's time reviewing your child's diagnostic report and setting goals with you.
Follow-up sessions (50 minutes)
£200
Follow-up sessions (50 minutes)
£200
Health insurance: support focused on ADHD or autism is not usually covered by private health insurance. If you hope to claim for therapy for anxiety or low mood, please check with your insurer before booking.
What this service is not
Post-diagnosis support is short-term, planned and delivered remotely. It is not suitable when a young person:
• is currently self-harming, or has had thoughts of suicide or made an attempt recently
• needs urgent or crisis mental health care
• is already receiving ongoing care from an NHS CAMHS team
In these situations, your GP or local CAMHS service is the right place for support. If concerns arise during sessions, we will discuss them with you and agree the safest next steps.
If you need help urgently
We are not an emergency service, and enquiries sent through this website are not monitored around the clock. Please do not wait for a reply if your child is unsafe.
If your child is in immediate danger
Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department.
For urgent mental health advice
Call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, or contact your GP.