──── Trusted Clinical Expertise
About Dr. James Cunningham
Learn more about Dr. James Cunningham’s experience, qualifications, and approach to neurodevelopmental assessment. To discuss your concerns or begin the assessment process, use the buttons below to send an enquiry or request an Initial Clinical Assessment.
──── Clinical Background
About Dr. James Cunningham
OpenMind Neurodevelopmental Assessments is personally led by Dr. James Cunningham, PhD in Psychology, Ulster University.
Dr. Cunningham brings together specialist experience in adult ADHD and autism assessment completed in line with recognised professional and Psychological Society of Ireland standards, PhD-level psychological research, psychometrics, and applied frontline experience across neurodevelopmental, mental health, educational, and community settings.
This combination is central to the OpenMind approach. ADHD and autism assessment is not simply about completing questionnaires or matching symptoms to a checklist. It requires careful clinical interviewing, developmental history, diagnostic reasoning, understanding of overlapping mental health factors, and the ability to interpret psychometric information in context.
At OpenMind, each assessment is personally completed by Dr. Cunningham, from the Initial Clinical Assessment through to the diagnostic assessment, feedback, formulation, and diagnostic report.
──── Specialist Assessment Practice
Specialist ADHD and Autism Assessment Experience
Dr. Cunningham has worked as a Clinical Assessments Provider in private practice, completing adult ADHD and autism assessments in line with recognised professional and Psychological Society of Ireland standards.
This work included diagnostic interviewing, use of recognised assessment tools, integration of DSM-5-TR criteria, interpretation of psychometric information, assessment of functional impairment, clinical report writing, and feedback sessions with tailored recommendations. Dr. Cunningham’s assessment experience includes the following recognised tools and clinical approaches:
- ADOS-2
- ADI-R
- DIVA-5, CAARS-2, and QbCheck
- WAIS-IV
- Clinical Interview
- Developmental history and functional impairment assessment
- DSM-5-TR diagnostic formulation
This experience directly informs the structure of OpenMind assessments. The focus is on careful diagnosis, clear reasoning, and useful recommendations, not brief or questionnaire-only conclusions
Diagnostic Assessment Framework
ADOS-2 and ADI-R Clinical Reliability Training
Dr. Cunningham has completed ADOS-2 and ADI-R Clinical Reliability training through Hogrefe.
These are among the most recognised tools used in autism assessment. Training in these instruments supports a more structured and reliable approach to gathering and interpreting autism-related information.
At OpenMind, adapted use of tools such as the ADI-R and ADOS-2 will form part of a wider diagnostic formulation. These are not treated as standalone proof of diagnosis. The final clinical opinion is based on the full assessment picture, including developmental history, current presentation, collateral information, psychometric data, functional impact, and DSM-5-TR criteria.
This approach ensures each assessment is thorough, evidence-based, and clinically grounded.
Research and Psychometric Expertise
Dr. Cunningham’s PhD and research work focused on psychological assessment, measurement, mental health, diagnostic classification, and psychometric modelling.
He has published multiple peer-reviewed lead-author papers across areas including prolonged grief disorder, somatic symptoms, loneliness, physical health, and the structure of psychological conditions.
This research background matters because excellent ADHD and autism assessments depend on more than asking questions. It requires understanding how symptoms are measured, how diagnostic thresholds are applied, how questionnaires should and should not be interpreted, and how different sources of evidence fit together. Dr. Cunningham’s research experience strengthens the OpenMind approach by bringing:
- Strong psychometric knowledge
- Careful interpretation of assessment tools
- Understanding of diagnostic criteria
- Experience with complex symptom presentations
- Clear evidence-based reasoning
- Structured clinical report writing
Applied Neurodevelopmental and Mental Health Experience
Alongside private assessment work, Dr. Cunningham has applied experience across several relevant settings.
He is a CORU-registered Social Care Worker and has worked with individuals with autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, and complex support needs. This has provided direct experience of how neurodevelopmental differences affect daily living, communication, independence, emotional regulation, relationships, routines, and support needs.
He has also worked in OCD support, substance use services, community mental health, and educational settings. This gives him a broad understanding of the kinds of overlapping factors that can complicate ADHD and autism assessment, including anxiety, OCD, trauma, depression, substance use, stress, grief, cognitive concerns, and previous mental health diagnoses.
This is important because many adults seeking assessment do not present with a simple or textbook picture. They often arrive with years of coping strategies, masking, previous diagnoses, emotional distress, or uncertainty about what best explains their difficulties.
Teaching, Peer Review, and Academic Practice
──── Higher Education and Research
Dr. Cunningham's work involves explaining psychological theory, mental health, behaviour, research, and applied psychology in clear and practical ways. This supports the OpenMind emphasis on clear communication, careful feedback, and reports that are understandable and useful.
He also serves as a peer reviewer for academic journals, reviewing research quality, methodology, statistical analysis, transparency, and clinical relevance. This reflects a wider commitment to evidence-based practice and careful professional judgement.
──── Careful Evaluation
Why This Matters for Assessment
Adult ADHD and autism assessment requires more than recognising symptoms. It requires the ability to consider:
Developmental History
Current Presentation
Functional Impairment
Mental Health History
Previous Diagnoses
Masking and Coping Strategies
Collateral Information
Psychometric Information
Diagnostic Criteria
Overlapping/ Alternative Explanations
Dr. Cunningham’s background brings together the clinical, research, psychometric, and applied experience needed to assess these areas carefully. The result is an assessment process that is structured, personalised, clinically reasoned, and clearly explained.
──── Professional Background
Specialist Training, Research and Practical Experience
Drawing on expertise across psychology, research, education, and neurodevelopmental assessment, Dr. Cunningham brings a well-rounded and informed perspective to every assessment.
Dr. James Cunningham’s professional background includes:
- PhD in Psychology from Ulster University
- Specialist ADHD and autism assessment experience
- ADOS-2 and ADI-R Clinical Reliability training
- Experience using recognised ADHD and autism assessment tools
- Expertise in psychometric assessment and diagnostic formulation
- Multiple peer-reviewed lead-author publications
- CORU-registered Social Care Worker
- Peer reviewer for Journal of Traumatic Stress and PLOS Mental Health
- Applied experience across autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, OCD, substance use, grief, trauma, and mood-related difficulties
Book an Initial Clinical Assessment
The first step is to contact us to make an enquiry or request an Initial Clinical Assessment. This provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns, ask questions about the assessment process, and explore whether an ADHD, autism, or AuDHD assessment may be the right next step. You will be guided through the process and told what to expect moving forward.
Clinician-Led Assessments
Evidence-Based Approach
Personalised Feedback
Supportive Assessment Process