Frequently asked questions
We’ve collected all our questions and answers on this page.
The main questions
What areas do you assess?
We offer assessment for Autism and or ADHD where a specific need has been identified for this. We also offer add-on cognitive assessments when indicated. We will keep you updated as we expand our services to include learning difficulties, including dyspraxia, sensory processing and social communication delays in the near future.
We do not offer support for children and young people experiencing mental health issues such as eating disorders and suicidal thoughts.
Read about the detail on this page.
Do you accept private health care?
We do not accept private health care. You need to pay us for the assessment you wish to book. If your medical aid does cover/contribute towards the assessment, you need to process this directly with them. We will provide you with the necessary support documents if needed.
What’s the assessment process?
You can read about our process in detail on this page.
The steps include: booking a triage call, having the triage call, making a decision on suitability for assessment, submission of paperwork and payment, assessment, feedback, and formal report.
Do I need a GP referral?
No, we operate an open referral system which means anyone can refer a child for an initial triage phone call – parents and carers, professionals, schools and local authorities.
What are the costs?
Our initial 30-minute triage appointment is free. From this conversation, we will confirm whether you need an assessment and recommend which pathway we would suggest.
Our face-to-face assessment, detailed report, and feedback session for the dual assessment (Autism and ADHD) costs £3000. The Autism only pathway is £2200, and the ADHD only pathway is £1200.
Will the assessment meet our needs?
How long is the waiting list?
We do not have a waiting list. If there are appointments available to book a triage call, you can do so straight away through our website. If no appointments are available, you can sign up to receive an email when slots become available.
If the outcome of the triage phone call is to continue with an assessment, you should be able to book an appointment within the next 6 – 8 weeks.
How old do you have to be for an assessment?
We assess children and young people from four to eighteen years old.
What’s the difference between a local authority and a private assessment?
There’s no difference between a local authority assessment and a private assessment in terms of the status or validity of the reports. Both assessments, diagnoses and reports carry the same weight when seeking support for your child. You can read more here.
Will the local authority accept the assessment?
The local authority should accept private assessments but may also require you to have an NHS assessment.
Will you advise whether I should apply for an EHCP for my child?
Yes, we will advise this in the report. We also include further recommendations, such as other support your child will benefit from.
Will you help me apply for an EHCP for my child?
Currently, we do not offer this service. We will advise which professionals to contact to take forward your application for an EHCP, and we will signpost you to organisations who can support your application.
Do you offer assessments at my child’s school?
No, all our assessments take place at one of our centres in Pinner or Elstree. If this is a recommendation from your assessment, we can advise which professionals and organisations can support your conversations with your school.
Before the assessment
How can I book a triage call?
You can make an initial triage appointment with the Gesher Assessment Centre on this page.
We don’t offer support for medical or mental health issues, so if you need help with these areas, please make an appointment with your GP, call 111 or in an emergency call 999.
How quickly will my child be seen?
After your triage phone call, should we feel you need an assessment, we aim to see you face-to-face within six to eight weeks.
What does triage involve?
Your initial triage appointment will be conducted over the phone by a member of our assessment team. We’ll have a conversation with you for around 30-45 minutes to understand your child’s needs.
You can read about it on this page.
Who conducts the triage session?
You’ll speak to an expert from our assessment team to talk through your child’s needs and your concerns.
Our experts are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and have a deep knowledge of special education needs (SEN).
Who takes part in the triage session from the family?
We welcome mums, dads and caregivers to take part. We are aiming to understand your child’s needs, so the more information we can gather, the better.
How long does the triage session last?
We set aside 30-45 minutes for the phone conversation.
What happens after the initial triage session?
After your triage session, we’ll advise whether we think you need an assessment at this stage.
Should we confirm that your child may be suitable for an assessment, you will receive links for payment and to book an appointment online.
You will receive some questionnaires to complete and return to us before your face-to-face appointment.
What happens if we don’t need an assessment?
Our clinician will advise of alternative avenues to follow for your child; this may include considering different therapies, consulting with your GP or other medical professionals to rule out any other concerns, or in some cases, we may need more information before a final decision is made on the suitability for assessment. We might recommend that you contact us again in the future once other concerns are dealt with.
What to expect during the face-to-face assessment
How to prepare my child or young person for the assessment?
We will send you a social story you can read with your child and pictures of the clinicians you will be seeing on the day. A guidance document will also be attached with helpful language to use when preparing your child or young person for the upcoming assessment.
Can siblings or other children come along?
Only the child who is being assessed and his/her parents and or caregiver are allowed to join the assessment. Please make alternative childcare arrangements for siblings or other children who may be with you.
Who conducts the assessment?
Assessments will be conducted by two of our clinicians which can include a psychologist, an occupational therapist and or a speech and language therapist.
Our experts are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and have a deep knowledge of special education needs (SEN).
Who attends the session from the family?
We invite parents, carers and the child or young person to attend the assessment.
How long does the assessment last?
The session with the child is approximately 45 to 60 minutes. If a child or young person needs additional support to regulate before they can participate in the assessment, it may take slightly longer than the time stipulated above.
The parent interview is approximately 2 hours.
What happens after the assessment?
After the assessment and scoring, parents will attend a feedback session. The feedback session will be booked at the time when you book the assessment. For younger children, we advise that they are not present for the feedback session.
We will follow up our sessions with a full report shortly after your assessment and you are welcome to have a further conversation to discuss the report and ask any questions.
What should I bring with me on the day of the assessment?
Please ensure your child or young person is dressed comfortably as part of the assessment may be conducted through play on the floor (especially for younger children). Equally, for older children or adolescents, feeling comfortable in their clothes when meeting new people may help to reduce their stress and anxiety.
It may be helpful to have a water bottle available and something to entertain your child with while waiting. This will need to be left in the waiting area when the assessment is happening to minimise distractions.
If you bring any food/snacks onto the property, please adhere to Kosher rules if you are booked in at Pinner.
Follow up report
What’s contained in my child’s report?
Your child’s report will be authored by the clinicians you met at your assessment and will include:
– your child’s medical history
– a breakdown of each of the areas that were assessed
– a conclusion summary
– your child’s diagnosis
– recommendations for the type of support that your child might need in their educational setting
– recommendations on which other professionals could offer support
– signposting to local services, charities and other organisations which offer help
– useful strategies and advice for you to support your child at home and school.
This practical advice and information can be shared with your child or young person’s educational setting, and any other relevant people or professionals.
Do you offer intervention or treatment?
No, we specialise in offering timely, compassionate and child-centred assessment services. Our detailed feedback and report will include recommendations and strategies to empower the family to continue on their journey of supporting their child.
What about information about my child’s medication?
We will gather information from you at the triage appointment and assessment about any medication your child may be on. You should continue with the advice of your medical professional. We are unable to recommend or prescribe medication.
Other questions you may have
What is the accessibility like at Gesher Assessment Centre?
Coming by car: there is private parking available at both sites.
Coming by public transport: we are a short 7-minute walk from the Pinner Metropolitan station.
Mobility accessibility: please inform us if you have mobility needs, as our rooms do not have step-free access.
Other special needs: please inform us of any additional special needs we can support you with.
What is the link between Gesher School and Gesher Assessment Centre?
The Gesher Assessment Centre and the school have been set up by the same founding team which includes parents of children with different educational needs. However, the Assessment Centre runs completely independently from the school and access to one will not give you preference or acceptance into the other.
Should you wish to apply to Gesher School, your application will be dealt with through a completely separate process which you can find on the Gesher School website.