We recognise that waiting for your ASD assessment and potential diagnosis can be a stressful time and our experts ensure that the At Carter Brown, we understand that neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and ADHD can have a profound impact on how individuals experience, interpret, and respond to the world around them. These differences can affect behaviour, communication, relationships, and emotional regulation — often leading to misunderstandings in legal, care, or custodial settings if not properly recognised.
We provide independent, evidence-based autism and ADHD assessments for both children and adults, supporting informed decision-making in a variety of contexts.
Who We Work With
We support a wide range of professionals across legal, care, and custodial settings:
Local Authorities
We offer diagnostic assessments for children and adults involved in:
- Care proceedings
- Child protection and safeguarding
- Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCPs)
- Youth offending services
- Community-based adult support services
These assessments provide essential clarity around a young person or adult’s needs, supporting placement decisions, education planning, risk management, and access to appropriate services.
Solicitors and Courts
Our assessments support family and criminal law proceedings by offering:
- Clear diagnostic evidence
- Insight into how neurodevelopmental needs may impact behaviour or capacity
- Practical, expert recommendations to guide legal decision-making
Prisons and Secure Settings
We work with custodial services to assess individuals who may be undiagnosed or misunderstood, helping to:
- Inform care planning and behavioural management
- Reduce risk and incidents related to unmet needs
- Identify appropriate post-release support and transition pathways
What We Offer
We carry out full diagnostic assessments for autism, ADHD, or both (dual diagnosis) in line with NICE guidelines, using gold-standard tools including:
- ADOS-2
- ADI-R
- ACIA
- DIVA-5
- ACE+
- Other age-appropriate tools for children and young people
Our multidisciplinary team includes HCPC-registered clinicians experienced in working across legal, social care, and criminal justice systems.
Each report includes:
- A clear diagnostic outcome
- A functional assessment of impact
- Individualised, practical recommendations
- Advice for schools, carers, support staff, or legal professionals
Because our assessments are compliant with national guidelines, they can also be used to access wider services such as mental health care, EHCP provision, SEN support, adult social care, or reasonable adjustments in custodial or community settings.
Why This Matters
Our assessments help ensure that:
- Neurodivergent individuals are identified and understood
- Support needs are recognised early — not mistaken for behavioural issues
- Professionals can make informed decisions in legal, care, or education contexts
- Individuals can access the services and adjustments they need for improved long-term outcomes
Our Process
We manage the entire assessment process, including:
- Gathering background and contextual information
- Scheduling and delivering assessments (remotely, in-person, or in secure settings)
- Coordination of specialist clinicians
- Delivery of a comprehensive diagnostic reports within 4 to 8 weeks
Our Approach
We take a neuroaffirming, person-centred approach, recognising difference rather than deficit. All assessments are:
- Independent and clinically robust
- Tailored to the individual’s age, context, and background
- Delivered by highly experienced professionals with expertise in neurodiversity and the systems individuals interact with
Whether you’re working with a vulnerable child, a young person at risk of offending, or an adult navigating complex needs in a legal or custodial setting, our assessments provide clarity, fairness, and a pathway to better support.
If you would like to make a referral, please complete our form on the Make a Referral page.