Aligning Minds provides high-quality, neuroaffirmative neurodevelopmental assessments that respect and accurately reflect the lived experiences of individuals. We created this service because too many assessments are rushed, deficit-focused, or leave people feeling misunderstood – causing lasting harm to self-identity and wellbeing.
What sets Aligning Minds apart is the quality and accessibility of our service. Every assessment is conducted by two experienced clinical psychologists, ensuring a depth and balance of understanding that is rarely offered elsewhere. We do not operate waiting lists, allowing individuals to access support when they need it most, and we offer a flexible approach by travelling to you to carry out assessments in a comfortable, familiar environment.
We believe assessment should be collaborative and empowering. Grounded in current research and the voices of neurodivergent people themselves, our approach focuses on strengths as well as challenges, replacing one-size-fits-all evaluations with thoughtful, person-centred ones.
Kirsty and Charlotte are passionate about fostering understanding and acceptance through a neuroaffirmative lens. They recognise that navigating non-inclusive environments can lead to overwhelm, burnout, and a sense of not fitting in — and this understanding shapes every assessment they conduct. For many, the process isn't just about diagnosis; it's about gaining clarity, language, and a deeper, validating understanding of self.
Dr Charlotte Clark is a HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist and Systemic Practitioner with over a decade of NHS experience. She specialises in working with children and young people with complex mental health needs, including trauma, neurodiversity (autism and ADHD), and emotional regulation difficulties. Alongside her direct clinical work, she actively supports families and professional systems to build neuro-affirmative approaches to care and understanding.
DClinPsy, University of Southampton | HCPC Registered Practitioner Psychologist
Dr Kirsty Gregory is a HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist with over a decade of NHS experience. She specialises in supporting neurodivergent young people and adults — including those with autism, ADHD, or learning differences — with self-understanding, self-advocacy, and navigating a world not always designed with neurodiversity in mind. Her work also encompasses complex developmental, emotional, and cognitive experiences, often within the context of long-term health needs. Her approach is compassionate, collaborative, and deeply affirming of lived experience.
DClinPsy, University of Southampton | PGDip Clinical Neuropsychology | HCPC Registered & BPS Chartered
Currently we offer comprehensive Autism Assessments completed by two clinical psychologists. We know how challenging travelling can be, so we can offer assessments at our base near Southampton, Hampshire, at a location closer to your home, or at your home - if appropriate.
Contact us via our website to refer yourself or your child.
We send questionnaires covering autism and co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression. For child assessments, schools are also asked to contribute.
(if clinically indicated, includes a written report, recommendations, and up to a 60-minute feedback session)
A detailed 2–3 hour interview with parents or carers, conducted via Zoom, at our Hampshire clinic, or at your home (travel costs apply).
An approximately one-hour observation-based assessment at our Hampshire clinic or your home (travel costs apply).
A comprehensive written report is provided, followed by a Zoom feedback session of up to 60 minutes to discuss findings and answer questions.
We aim to be transparent about our pricing so you can make informed decisions about your care. Our fees are divided into two stages:
(including a written report with recommendations and up to a 60-minute feedback session to discuss the assessment, outcome and recommendations).
The ADI-R interview typically takes 1–3 hours; the ADOS observation takes 45–60 minutes.
You’re welcome to help settle your child at the start, but we ask parents to wait outside during the assessment, as parental input can influence scoring. If your child is particularly anxious, you may remain in the room but please allow them to answer independently.
The ADI-R is a structured interview with a parent or carer covering early development, communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviours. The ADOS is a standardised observation of communication and social interaction. Neither is used in isolation — both form part of a comprehensive evaluation.
No formal preparation is needed. It can help to reflect on your child’s early developmental history, and to bring any previous assessments or reports if you have them.
Payment is required in advance via bank transfer. We don’t accept insurance directly, though we can provide invoices for reimbursement claims. We don’t accept cheques or credit cards.
We aim to send reports within four weeks of the final session.
Changes can be made up to ten working days before your appointment. After this, the full fee is payable.
We provide a detailed report with tailored recommendations, discussed further in a feedback session. We can also signpost to local services, though waiting times vary.
All assessments are held in accessible premises. Please contact us to discuss any adjustments. Home appointments may be available if appropriate, with travel costs applied.
Yes — there is no legal basis to reject a privately conducted assessment that follows NICE guidelines and is carried out by qualified professionals. Local Authorities must legally consider professional advice in EHCP processes. Please note that we don’t provide school placement recommendations; for this, an Educational Psychologist should be consulted.
Our fees reflect the significant time and expertise of two HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologists across the full process — background review, clinical interviews, validated diagnostic tools, joint formulation, and a comprehensive report. This multi-component approach follows NICE guidance and prioritises person-centred, neuroaffirmative assessment over quick or remote alternatives.
