Please find our Clinic and Office opening hours here
Please note: We now operate across two locations: Total Children’s Therapy Ashley Cross & Total Children’s Therapy Westbourne
Tel: 07939 410048
ASD/ADHD Diagnostic Service
Background
TCT provides a specialist service to assess children and young adults who may have undiagnosed or suspected Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
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Our diagnostic service has been set up with care and attention to allow a thorough and friendly assessment to take place which will look at the young person in a detailed and holistic manner.
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We are a gold-standard service that follows NICE guidelines. Therefore any diagnostic decision made by our team is accepted by other healthcare professionals around the country, schools and local authorities.
Our Diagnostic Pathway
Our ASD assessment includes two paediatrician appointments, a Psychologist's assessment, an ADOS assessment and a full higher-level Speech and Language Therapy assessment.
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The ASD service is designed for young people between the ages of 3-18 years of age, when a family, school or other professionals have concerns that the child may be struggling with social skills, learning and/or behaviour due to a possible underlying diagnosis.
Our ADHD service is designed for young people aged between 6-17 years of age - as long as they are in full-time education, as schools play a part in this process.
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Our ADHD service is a diagnostic pathway only. If an ADHD diagnosis is given following our assessment process, recommendations will be made following NICE guidelines regarding behavioural strategies.
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If, in spite of behavioural strategies being consistently implemented there is no improvement, and the symptoms of ADHD are impacting on the young person’s learning, social and home life, then NICE guidelines recommend a trial of stimulant medication would be appropriate if desired.
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If medication is to be considered, please note that we do not offer this service and instead recommend that a referral should be made by school to the community paediatric team at Poole Hospital for the initiation of the medication, on-going follow-up and monitoring of progress.
A brochure outlining full details, plus families' feedback on the service, is available to download below. ​
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Please note that the Paediatrician Clinic and Diagnostic Pathway Assessments services are delivered at our TCT Ashley Cross site.
Post Diagnosis Support
Receiving a neurodivergent diagnosis for a child can bring a mix of emotions—relief, uncertainty, or a sense of responsibility to ‘get it right.’ While the child remains the same, this new understanding offers a path to better support them.
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Post-diagnosis, families often face a learning curve, navigating how to help their child overcome barriers in learning, social interactions, and emotional well-being. Small adjustments from those around them can make a significant impact. Supporting a neurodivergent child isn’t just about teaching them strategies—it’s also about educating those in their environment to create a space where they can thrive.
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This service helps families understand the diagnosis, identify challenges and strengths, and build confidence as advocates for neurodiversity. Every child is unique, and support is tailored to their individual needs.
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For full details, download the brochure below.
Social Communication Specialist
At TCT, we offer a Social Communication Specialist service designed to help children overcome barriers to learning and socialising.
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Our specialist therapist is highly skilled in supporting families, children, and young people in understanding and navigating the challenges of a recent neurodiverse diagnosis. She helps them better understand the world around them in real-life situations.
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With over 20 years of experience as an ASD therapist and a Level 3 Specialist Teaching Assistant with a focus on speech and language support, she has worked extensively with children both in schools and in their homes. Early in her career, she trained as a one-on-one therapist for children on the Autism Spectrum, where much of her expertise lies.
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A brochure outlining full details is available to download below.
WHAT FAMILIES SAY
APRIL 2023
I chose the TCT Diagnostic service as I really wanted somewhere I could trust and highly recommended for being child led.
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The team were really patient when X was finding it tricky. I also felt really reassured when we were called back to check as it meant we were 100% and X could reset and show his best.
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It was all really positive for us. Thanks very much.
APRIL 2023
TCT was recommended to me by other parents who home educate.
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Everyone we met met was cheery and happy, we felt very welcome. All communication was prompt and clear. Appointments were scheduled quickly.
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Thank you for making quite a nerve racking experience lovely and positive.
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MARCH 2023
Waiting times on the NHS were restricting EHCP info and support at school. The prep info for X was brilliant (the photos, social story etc.). The experienced staff were open and honest. There was good communication about the appointments and good facilities. We recommend this service to other families.
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Everyone has been extremely welcoming. We were very impressed with how everyone engaged with Y.
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Made our daughter feel at ease. A very efficient process.