Clinical Policy & Consent Agreement

1. Scope of Our Clinical Service

We provide adult neurodevelopmental assessments, including:

• ADHD assessment
• Autism assessment
• Initial screening and suitability consultation
• Clinical interview and developmental history
• Psychometric questionnaires and standardised measures
• Structured diagnostic assessment
• Review of collateral information where available
• Diagnostic formulation and written report
• Feedback appointment with recommendations

We do not provide:

• Emergency or crisis care
• Medication prescribing or monitoring
• Psychiatry or inpatient services
• Ongoing therapy or counselling
• Paediatric assessments (unless stated otherwise)

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2. Consent to Assessment

Before your assessment begins, we will explain:

• The purpose and structure of the assessment
• What participation involves
• Tools and measures used
• Benefits and limitations
• Possible outcomes
• Confidentiality and data use
• Your right to ask questions or withdraw

By proceeding, you confirm voluntary consent. Consent is ongoing and may be withdrawn at any stage.

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3. Assessment Pathway

Your assessment may include:

• Initial consultation or suitability discussion
• Clinical interview and developmental history
• Mental health and functional review
• Standardised ADHD and/or autism measures
• Collateral information where available
• Review of records and previous reports
• Clinical formulation and diagnostic decision-making
• Feedback session and written report

The exact pathway depends on clinical judgement and individual needs.

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4. Online Assessment

Our service is primarily delivered online.

Online assessment may not be suitable in all cases. Limitations may include:

• Privacy and environmental factors
• Technical interruptions
• Reduced clinical observation in some areas
• Complexity of presentation

You must ensure you are in a private, quiet space and not driving or in public during sessions.

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5. Face-to-Face and Complex Cases

Face-to-face or extended assessment may be recommended where there are:

• Complex mental health or neurodevelopmental presentations
• Trauma history or significant emotional difficulties
• Diagnostic uncertainty or overlapping conditions
• Limited developmental or collateral information
• Cognitive or learning concerns
• Risk or safeguarding concerns

Additional assessment methods may include:

• Structured tools (e.g. ADOS-2 or BOSA where appropriate)
• Collateral interviews
• Extended assessment sessions
• Additional psychometric testing
• Referral or multidisciplinary input

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6. ADHD Assessment

ADHD assessment may include:

• Developmental and symptom history
• Functional impairment review
• Standardised ADHD questionnaires
• Mental health and medical screening
• Collateral information where available
• Objective testing (e.g. QbCheck where appropriate)
• Differential diagnosis and formulation

ADHD is not diagnosed from questionnaires alone.

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7. Autism Assessment

Autism assessment may include:

• Developmental and social communication history
• Sensory profile and behavioural patterns
• Functional and daily living review
• Standardised autism measures
• Structured observation where appropriate
• ADOS-2 or BOSA where clinically indicated
• Differential diagnosis and formulation

Autism is not diagnosed from questionnaires alone.

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8. Collateral Information

Collateral information may be gathered from:

• Family members or partners
• Friends or caregivers
• School or medical records
• Previous reports
• Other professionals (with consent)

If unavailable, assessment may still proceed but diagnostic confidence may be affected.

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9. Psychometric Tools

Questionnaires and psychometric tools may be used to support assessment.

They are always interpreted alongside:

• Clinical interview
• Developmental history
• Functional impact
• Observations
• Diagnostic criteria

They do not replace clinical judgement.

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10. Diagnostic Outcomes

Possible outcomes include:

• ADHD diagnosis
• Autism diagnosis
• Combined ADHD and autism diagnosis
• No diagnosis
• Diagnostic uncertainty
• Recommendation for further assessment or referral

A diagnosis cannot be guaranteed.

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11. Report and Feedback

You will usually receive a written report and feedback session.

Reports may include:

• Assessment findings and history
• Clinical formulation
• Diagnostic outcome
• Supporting evidence
• Recommendations
• Limitations

Reports are typically completed within 1–2 weeks following final assessment and payment, though complex cases may take longer.

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12. Limitations of Assessment

Assessment outcomes depend on available information. Limitations may include:

• Missing or incomplete history
• Lack of collateral information
• Remote assessment constraints
• Overlapping conditions
• Inconsistent information across sources

These limitations will be clearly explained where relevant.

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13. Suitability and Right to Pause

We may pause or decline assessment where clinically appropriate, including:

• Risk or safeguarding concerns
• Incomplete information
• Clinical inappropriateness of remote assessment
• Behavioural or safety concerns
• Need for alternative services

We will explain decisions where possible.

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14. Confidentiality

Your information is confidential and will not be shared without consent unless required by law.

Exceptions include:

• Risk of harm
• Safeguarding concerns
• Legal obligations
• Regulatory requirements

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15. Withdrawal of Consent

You may withdraw at any time.

We may still retain records where required for:

• Clinical governance
• Legal or regulatory requirements
• Professional record keeping

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16. Crisis Support

This service is not a crisis or emergency service.

If you require urgent support:

• Emergency Services: 999 / 112
• Samaritans: 116 123
• GP or local crisis services

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17. Contact

OpenMind Neurodevelopmental Assessments
Email: info@openmindassessments.ie
Phone: 085 836 2890