Understanding Autism and ADHD Assessments - your questions answered

Do you have a child or young person that is awaiting an autism or ADHD assessment? Or are you wondering whether you should find out more about arranging an assessment for a family member or a young person you care for? Perhaps feel unsure about where to start? Are you a teacher that would like to understand more about assessmenst for your students?

In this free one hour talk Dr Sirja van Zyl will provide an overview of common questions:

- How do I know whether my child/ teenager/a young person would benefit from an assessment?

- What are the pros and cons of seeking an assessment?

- How do I find the right assessment service through the NHS or a private clinic?

- What are NICE guidelines and why are they important?

- What is a 'neuroaffirmative' assessment?

- How do I talk to my child/ young person about the assessment?

- What should I expect during and after the assessment?

- How do clinicians actually decide whether to give a diagnosis?

There will also be a chance to ask Dr Sirja questions and get a professional view on your queries.

About Dr Sirja van Zyl

Sirja (pronounced like the country Syria) is a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years experience of working with children and young people. She has a special interest in the assessment of autism and ADHD. Sirja has worked in NHS mental health services as well as private hospitals and regularly teaches on the doctorate for Clinical Psychologists training programme. She has previously held the position of Pathway Lead in an NHS neurodevelopmental service and is now the joint director of Kent Psychologist and the Clinical Lead for the Autism and ADHD assessment team within the service. She is passionate about creating a positive future for autistic children and young people and regularly provides training to health care professionals, schools and parents.

Sirja currently offers autism and ADHD assessments through her private practice in Kent, but hopes that this talk will be of help to all parents seeking an assessment, regardless of whether this is done privately or through the NHS.

For further information please visit our website www.kentpsychologist.co.uk