DR ASHLEY FRANCIS
Specialising in Autism and ADHD in children, young people and adults.
Child & Teen Autism Assessments
Autism can present differently in children and teenagers, particularly as social, emotional and educational demands increase. A comprehensive assessment can help clarify strengths, challenges and support needs, providing a clearer understanding of a young person’s experience.
I offer careful, developmentally informed autism assessments for children and adolescents, with a focus on clarity, sensitivity and practical outcomes for families.
Child & Teen ADHD Assessments
ADHD in children and teenagers can affect attention, emotional regulation, behaviour and learning, often impacting school life and family relationships. A thorough assessment helps identify whether ADHD is present and how it is affecting day-to-day functioning.
Assessments are carried out with care and clarity, supporting parents and young people to better understand challenges and identify appropriate next steps.
Adult Autism Assessments
Many adults seek an autism assessment later in life after years of feeling misunderstood, overwhelmed or different from others. An assessment can provide clarity, validation and a framework for self-understanding and support.
Adult autism assessments are conducted in a respectful, thoughtful and evidence-based way, taking into account life history, current experiences and individual presentation.
Adult ADHD Assessments
ADHD in adults often presents as ongoing difficulties with focus, organisation, time management or emotional regulation. Many people seek assessment after recognising long-standing patterns that affect work, relationships or wellbeing.
Adult ADHD assessments are designed to provide clear answers, detailed feedback and practical recommendations to support understanding and future planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about ADHD and autism assessments, including the assessment process, timescales and next steps. If you need further information, this can also be discussed during the initial phone consultation.
An ASD (autism) assessment and report costs £1,995. Payment is made in two instalments:
An initial deposit of £997.50 to secure the assessment, and a final payment of £997.50 when the report is completed.
An ADHD assessment and report costs £1,500. Payment is made in two instalments:
An initial deposit of £750 to secure the assessment, and a final payment of £750 when the report is completed.
Initial phone consultations and screening questionnaires cost £75 and are deducted from your final fee if you decide to go ahead with a full assessment.
NHS autism and ADHD assessment services often have very long waiting lists, sometimes up to 2 years. It has therefore become common for people to seek a private assessment to speed up the assessment process.
NHS services will read Dr Francis’ reports and as long as the assessment process is considered thorough and follows NICE guidelines, they are likely to accept the diagnosis and provide support where needed, such as tailored mental health support.
Dr Francis completes the autism assessment with you or your child all on the same day. Typically, this takes between 3–4 hours and consists of:
- A 1-hour observational assessment (ADOS-2)
- A 2–3 hour developmental history interview (ADI-R)
After the assessment, Dr Francis writes the report and meets with a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) to finalise whether the diagnostic criteria are met.
ASD assessments are offered at Dr Francis’ office in Castle Donington, which is convenient for people travelling from Leicester, Derby and Nottingham.
Parts of the assessment process, such as developmental history taking, may be completed over the phone.
Typically, the autism assessment report is completed and returned within 4 weeks from the date of assessment.
The full ADHD assessment typically takes 2.5–3 hours and includes:
- A 1-hour interview covering developmental, medical and psychological history
- A 1.5–2 hour interview using the DIVA-5 assessment tool
ADHD assessments are offered at Dr Francis’ office in Castle Donington, which is accessible from Leicester, Derby and Nottingham. Parts of the process may be completed over the phone where appropriate.
Typically, the ADHD report is completed and returned within 3 weeks from the date of assessment.
If you are interested in an ASD assessment, please get in touch via email or the contact form with a brief outline of the issues.
Dr Francis will then arrange a 20-minute telephone consultation and screening questionnaires to gather further information and determine whether a full autism assessment is appropriate.
If you are interested in an ADHD assessment, please get in touch via email or the contact form with a brief outline of the issues.
Dr Francis will then arrange a 20-minute telephone consultation to gather further details. ADHD screening questionnaires may also be emailed. If appropriate, a date for a full ADHD assessment will then be arranged.
Yes. Dr Ashley Francis is professionally registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). His registration number is PYL33429, which can be verified via the HCPC website.
