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Providing an assessment and diagnostic service for Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
- Base: Wayside House
- Directorate: Learning Disability and Autism
- Address: Wilsons Lane, Longford, Coventry, CV6 6NY
About us
Our Contact details
Telephone number: 024 7696 1355 (we monitor the answer phone within office hours so please leave a message with details of your enquiry, your name, D.O.B and contact details)
Email: AdultNeurodevelopmental.Team@covwarkpt.nhs.uk
Overview
- You may be referred by your GP for an assessment of autism, an assessment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or an assessment of both.
- To help you understand your unique experience and to establish if a diagnosis is appropriate for you, we complete a comprehensive assessment.
- Autism is a lifelong developmental experience, each autistic person will have their own unique experience and assessment will explore your communication style, your sensory processing experiences, your routine and interests. Autistic people may wonder why they are 'different' and feel their social differences mean people don't understand them.
- ADHD is differences with attention and need for movement and impulsivity. A diagnosis of ADHD is when these differences are impacting on a person's function in different areas of life such as relationships and work.
- Both ADHD and autistic experiences can result in support needs or lead to low self-esteem and other difficulties.
For more information and resources for neurodivergent people and their families, visit the Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care System website.
Take a look at an overview of support available for neurodivergent people and their families in Coventry and Warwickshire: One page overview of Neurodivergent services 2024.pdf [pdf] 331KB
Community Autism Support Service (CASS): Autism support for children, young people and adults across Coventry and Warwickshire
If you live in Coventry or Warwickshire and diagnosed autistic, or are awaiting a diagnosis, we may be able to help you, your parents or your carer.
You can start by calling the Navigation Team and ask about available support. Our team is made up of autistic individuals and those with lived experience, including parents or carers of autistic individuals.
Visit the CASS website
Assessment with Us
Eligibility
You are eligible for an assessment our service if you meet all of the below descriptions:
- Registered with a GP in Coventry or Warwickshire,
- Are over 18 years of age for an Autism only assessment
- Are over 18 years of age for a dual (Autism and ADHD combined) assessment
- Are over 17 years of age for an ADHD only assessment
- Have no known learning disability
- Are not currently under the care of Acute or Community Mental Health Services.
- You would not be eligible for an Autism assessment with our service if you previously have a diagnosis of Autism (This also includes the diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome/ High Functioning Autism)
- You would not be eligible for an ADHD assessment with our service if you have previously had a previous NHS or private diagnosis of ADHD.
Referrals
Please speak to your GP who can refer you to us. Your GP will ask you to complete a brief questionnaire which will give us more information about your experience.
- If you are being referred for an ADHD assessment we will require an ASRS
- If you are being referred for an autism assessment we will require an AQ10
- In all referrals we also request that your G.P includes in the referral letter how any difficulties are impacting on you. If you want to you can also write your own description of your experiences and ask the GP to include this within the referral.
- After we have received your GP's referral letter we will contact you to confirm that you are on our waiting list.
Assessment
- This assessment typically involves completing some questionnaires and meeting one of our team on multiple occasions. They will ask you about differences you have experienced and how any difficulties have developed over time. The clinician may also ask if they can speak to someone who knows you well to gain more information about how other people perceive your experiences.
- Assessment is often conducted over video call using a video call software called AA. You will be sent instructions as to how to use this.
- If you require an in-person appointment you will be offered an appointment in one of our clinics which are at various sites across Coventry and Warwickshire.
- At the end of the assessment, the outcome will be discussed with you and the appropriate advice and support will be offered.
- Please see the Neurodevelopmental Flow Chart for a more detailed description of the assessment process.
- Going through the assessment process can give you, your family and friends a better understanding of your style and abilities. A diagnosis can help you identify your unique strengths and abilities, rather than seeing your differences as difficulties. It will also help you access support so you can manage the difficulties you experience. Following a diagnosis we offer group and/or individual support as well as signposting beyond the service.
- There are a range of services and support which may be useful whilst you await an assessment. Pre Assessment Support Information Booklet 2024.pdf [pdf] 2MB .
- If the assessment identifies that you are neurodivergent we will work with you to identify if any post diagnostic support will be helpful.
Post Diagnostic Support
The Adult Neurodevelopmental Service have a range of post diagnostic support options that will be discussed with you following your assessment.
This may include specialist support from our Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists or Assistant Psychologists- however this will be discussed during your assessment so that a joint decision about helpful next steps can be agreed.
Please see below for a range of videos on topics relating to neurodiversity, which you can view in your own time.
Glossary of Terms
Neurodivergent:
A person who has a neurodevelopmental diagnosis, such as Autism or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
or
a person who self-identifies as being Autistic or having an ADHD profile
Neurotypical:
A person who does not have a neurodevelopmental diagnosis (such as autism or ADHD)
nor do they self-identify as being autistic or having an ADHD profile
Neurodiverse:
Represents a population of people with differing brain types.
For example, a group containing a mix of neuro-typical and neurodivergent people
Disclaimer Statement
These videos have been recorded in January/February 2024. Please be aware, with ongoing research in these topic areas, both knowledge and language used is often evolving.
These videos have been produced and recorded in partnership with neurodivergent adults.
PLEASE NOTE: The strategies suggested are for ideas only (you may have tried some or all) and are suggested to help you consider any areas of life that feel hard at the moment and how you might make things easier. We also acknowledge that, sometimes people will suggest ideas with good intent, but that can feel frustrating – sometimes you just want people to hear and accept it’s a challenge. We want to recognise that doing what is right for you is valid and important.
What is Autism?
What is ADHD?
Understanding your Sensory Needs: Part One
Neurodiverse Communication
Executive Function and Monotropism
Neurodivergent Communication: Self-Support Strategies
Double Empathy
Masking
Neurodivergent Language
Understanding your Sensory Needs: Part Two
If you would like to leave feedback on any of the above videos, please fill in this survey.
Meet the Team
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Amy Roper |
I am the Assistant Psychologist within the Adult Neurodevelopmental Team. My job is to support with the first contacts with the team through the referral and triaging process. I am also involved with our Post-Diagnostic support so you may see me on some of the groups we run.
Outside of work you are mostly likely to find me dancing, singing, cooking or listening to history podcasts or any combination of those!
You might have a contact with me:
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Andreia Gomes |
I graduated in Portugal and with a Masters in Speech and Auditory Sciences, my experience includes working with neurodivergent children, teenagers, adults and their families. My cross-country experience increased my awareness of how language difficulties and cultural diversity impacts our social interactions, which enabled me to approach clients with a ‘new set of eyes and ears’. I work as a Speech and Language Therapist in the Adult Neurodevelopmental Team. My role in this team is to support clients after diagnosis and helping them to recognise their communication strengths. In my spare time I enjoy reading, going to the gym, spending time with family and friends. My passion is being by the sea and visiting Portugal, where I grew up. You might have contact with me
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Ben Begg |
Hi I’m Ben. I am an Autism Peer Support Worker AND Expert by Experience. I work in the Adult Neurodevelopmental Service and Neuro-liaison Project Team. I spend most of my free time either playing, watching or involved with sport eg. Rugby, Cricket, UFC and boxing.
You might see me:
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 Beverley Bennett Occupational Therapist |
I am an Occupational Therapist with the Adult Neurodevelopmental Team. I am newly qualified and have experience of working in adult mental health services. I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and have run a peer support group for several years. I work with people who have received a diagnosis of Autism and/or ADHD, to provide practical support to do the activities (occupations) which are important to you. I like to visit museums and art galleries, drink coffee, and spend time on my canal boat.
You might have contact with me:
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Corran Moore |
Hi, I’m Corran, I’m a Clinical Psychologist who works in both the school age and adult neurodevelopmental teams doing Autism and ADHD assessments. I enjoy working with people of all ages and their families and helping to support them through the assessment process. I have worked in a few areas of psychology but have a particular interest in neuropsychology and how people’s brains develop and change over time. In my spare time I enjoy reading, hiking, paddleboarding and generally spending time outdoors. I love animals and offer free pet-sitting services to all my friends and family. I’m always very happy to meet any of your pets during online assessments. During an assessment (online or in person)
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Elizabeth Shea |
I am the Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead for the all-age (children, young people and adults) Neurodevelopmental Service in Coventry and Warwickshire. My job is not only to work with neurodivergent people and their families but also to support the work of all our staff. This means making sure all our services meet national guidance, that services are based on the best research and clinical practice and that we develop innovative ways of supporting neurodivergent people. I’m also very interested in restrictive and avoidant eating (ARFID) and how this impacts neurodivergent people and I teach and write on this subject across the UK.
When I’m not at work I like hill walking, archaeology and bird watching.
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 Felicity Larson Senior Clinical Psychologist |
I’m a clinical psychologist and I work in the School Age and Adult Neurodevelopmental teams doing autism and ADHD assessments. I’ve worked in lots of different areas of psychology and I have a keen interest in how the human brain works, particularly how it develops and changes over time. I have a pet parrot and a pet cat that I adore – I love seeing your animals when we do video assessments; please show them to me as it will make my day! I’m originally from America but fully settled in the UK for many years now – you might still hear my accent.
You might have contact with me
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Helen Pearce |
My name is Helen Pearce and I am part of the Admin Support Team with the Neurodevelopmental Service. In my spare time I enjoy pottery and have recently brought my own potter’s wheel and kiln!
You might have contact with me
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Jo Ranger |
Hi! My name is Jo and I am trained as a Social Worker. I’m currently the Interim Service Manager for all of the Neurodevelopmental Teams. I am really passionate about working with the neurodiverse population and have neurodivergent family members myself. When I’m not at work, I like to spend time with my family and friends, go for walks and watch movies with my children.
You might have contact with me!
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 Kat Stretton Occupational Therapist |
I am an Occupational Therapist within the Adult Neurodevelopmental Team. I have experience working with neurodivergent adults and of working within adult mental health services. My role within the team focuses on post-diagnostic interventions and occupational therapy specific assessment and intervention following diagnosis. In my spare time I enjoy watching live comedy, reading crime thrillers, and family days out.
You might have contact with me
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 Katie Ward Admin Support |
My name is Katie Ward, I am a part of the Admin Support Team within the Adult Neurodevelopmental Service. In my spare time I spend lots of quality time with my family.
You might have contact with me
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Kayleigh Brown |
I work as a Clinical Psychologist in the Adult Neurodevelopmental Service in Coventry and Warwickshire. I have a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and have experience of working with children, young people and adults with neurodiverse presentations. I engage with clients to explore whether autism and/or ADHD provides a helpful way of understanding their strengths and areas of need. I also work with mental health colleagues to support them to make reasonable adjustments to autistic clients. My hobbies are playing piano, reading, climbing, and spending time with family and friends. I also love being by the sea and visiting Wales, where I grew up. You might have a contact with me:
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 Lindsey Mitchell Occupational Therapist |
I am an Occupational Therapist within the Adult Neurodevelopmental Team. I have previously worked with children with learning disabilities and neurodivergent children, adults and families. My role in the team is to work with people who have received a diagnosis of Autism and/or ADHD, to provide practical support to help you do the activities (occupations) that matter to you. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, reading psychological thrillers and craft activities – particularly making things out of glass. I love dogs and have a Jack Russell terrier who hates the rain.
You might have contact with me:
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I am the Adult Services Team Lead as well as a qualified Occupational Therapist. I have worked the majority of my career in Adult Mental Health and Neurodevelopmental Services. My role is to support the staff who work with in our service, as well as help clients understand whether a diagnosis ADHD would be helpful to them. In my spare time you will likely find me with friends, family or swimming
You might have contact with me
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 Naomi Walters Specialist Clinician / RMN* / RNLD* CBT Therapist* |
I am Naomi Walters, I work as a Specialist Neurodevelopmental Clinician in the Adult Team. I have a background working in many services within Learning Disabilities and Mental Health services. I have a Registered Nursing background in both of these areas and later I trained as a psychological therapist in the area of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, alongside a particular interest in compassionate approaches, and meeting therapeutic needs for our neurodiverse population. I love animals and nature and spent a lot of time walking my dog in the countryside. You might have contact with me in my role as an assessing clinician. I provide autism and ADHD assessments, as well as brief therapeutic work to help people make sense of their identity following an assessment.
*RMN –Registered Mental Health Nurse |
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Sarah Leddy |
I work as a Speech and Language Therapist in the Adult Neurodevelopmental Team. I have experience of working with neurodivergent children, teenagers, adults and their families. My role in this team is to help clients understand whether a diagnosis of Autism and/or ADHD would be helpful to them. I also support clients after diagnosis and am passionate about helping people recognise their communicative strengths. In my spare time I enjoy long walks with my dog, going to the gym, coffee, cake and all things Biscoff related!
You might have contact with me:
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I am an occupational therapist who works two days a week in the adult neurodevelopmental service. My role is to explore with you if a diagnosis of Autism and/or ADHD fits. During assessment we talk the way you think about things, your experiences, how you manage activities in your daily life and consider if a diagnosis would be helpful. I have experience of working in a wide range of health services but after getting my own adult diagnosis of ADHD and dyspraxia I chose to focus my work specifically on neurodivergence in adults. In my spare time I enjoy circus skills, weightlifting and watching comedy.
You might have contact with me:
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Dynamic Support Register (DSR)
New route to referring to the Dynamic Support Register
What is the Dynamic Support Register (DSR)?
Coventry and Warwickshire’s Dynamic Support Register is a register of people with a learning disability and autistic people, including those considered to be at risk of admission to a mental health hospital.
It brings together health, social care, education and other system partners to provide good quality support at the right time and in the right plan with the aim of preventing unnecessary hospital admissions for people with a learning disability and autistic people.
Self referral
A self-referral form is now available via the Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care System (ICS) website, so that people with a learning disability and autistic people, their parents/carers or a health professional can refer them to the DSR.
The DSR Team does not provide an emergency crisis response service and works 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).
If you are referring yourself or someone close to you, please note that:
- We will contact you within 5 working days to take further information to understand their current needs and help us to manage your referral. Information submitted will be shared with colleagues from health and social care to discuss current needs, levels of risk and potential sources of support.
- If the person is added to the DSR, their information will be shared with organisations who may be providing support, depending where they live including:
- Coventry City Council or Warwickshire County Council
- Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board
- Coventry and Warwickshire Mind
- Fine Futures
Please note that if the person being referred needs an urgent or immediate response from mental health, they should look here: Find Help Now | Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust
Referral Information
When referral decisions are being made, it is important that all relevant information about the DSR is shared with the person the referral is for, plus those with parental responsibility (if applicable) and services that support them.
Consent: Information about the DSR is available in various formats to ensure that the person can understand, retain and weigh up information about this decision, so that they are able to give informed consent. Consent can be withdrawn at any time.
If a person is assessed as not having the capacity to give informed consent, a best interest decision can be made under the Mental Capacity Act to be referred to the DSR.
It is important to know that not consenting to join the register will not affect the person’s current support.
For a referral to be accepted it is essential that:
1. The person has capacity to give informed consent or
A best interest decision has been made on behalf of them if they don’t have
capacity.
and
2. The person has a diagnosis of a Learning Disability or Autism
For further information about the DSR, please visit the Coventry and Warwickshire DSR webpage