Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a GP referral? How do I get the process started?
No, a GP referral is not required - simply complete our Contact Form.
Our Practice Manager will thenget in touch to gather more information and help determine whether an autism assessment is appropriate for your child or young person.
If so, you'll be sent assessment questionnaires to complete and if your child attends an educational setting, we may also send them forms (with your consent). For older children and young people, we will invite them to complete some questionnaires in their own words, so their voice is included in the process.
We aim to make the process as clear and supportive as possible from the very beginning.
2. Do you have a long waitlist?
No, as we are a specialist autism assessment service, our waiting time is typically around 5-7 weeks.
We know that timely access to assessment and support is important for families, so we do our best to offer appointments as soon as possible.
3. How much does an assessment cost?
The assessment cost includes; gathering information beforehand, the ADI-R interview, the ADOS-2 assessment, a dedicated parent feedback session, and the comprehensive final assessment report.
If any additional elements are recommended - such as a preschool/school visit or a cognitive/educational assessment - these may involve extra fees. Please note, this will always be discussed with you in advance.
For full details on fees, please contact our Practice Manager.
4. What exactly is a multidisciplinary team, and why it is recommended?
A multidisciplinary team (MDT) is a group of professionals from different clinical backgrounds who work together to understand your child’s development from a range of perspectives. In an autism assessment, this typically could include a psychologist, a psychiatrist or medical professional, a speech and language therapist, or an occupational therapist.
By bringing these different areas together, the team can build a more complete and accurate picture of your child’s strengths and needs. This collaborative approach also means that important information is not missed, and recommendations are more tailored and practical for your child and family.
A multidisciplinary approach is recommended as best practice both nationally and internationally, as it leads to more reliable assessments and more meaningful support plans for children and their families.
5. If my child receives an autism diagnosis, will it be accepted by the HSE and their preschool/school/college and other governing bodies?
Yes, our autism assessments are fully approved by the HSE and the Department of Education and other public service providers. This is because our assessments are carried out by a skilled multidisciplinary team and use approved assessment tools.
You can read more about our autism assessment process here.
6. Are your clinicians members of the relevant Irish governing organisations?
Yes, all of our clinicians are fully qualified and registered with the appropriate professional bodies:
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Our Psychologists are Chartered with the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI)
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Our Speech and Language and Occupational Therapists are registered with CORU
Our team also engages in regular clinical supervision and ongoing professional development to ensure assessments are evidence-based, up to date, and delivered to a high professional standard.
We're committed to providing strengths-based, neuro-affirming care, informed by the lived experiences of the autistic community.
7. If your team child assesses my child, will they still be able to access HSE services?
Yes, as our assessment reports are approved by the HSE, your child can access public services.
If our assessment shows that their needs could be supported by HSE Primary Care or the HSE Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT), we’ll talk through this with you during the feedback session and suggest the next steps. We’ll also guide you on how to make a referral to these services.
8. Do you also assess ADHD?
No, we don’t currently offer ADHD assessments. However, depending on your child’s age, we'll include an ADHD screening tool as part of our comprehensive autism assessment.
This screening helps us to understand your child’s attention, focus, and activity levels in more detail, which can be helpful when considering their overall learning and developmental needs.
If you’d like to know more about how this works or whether it would be relevant for your child, please feel free to contact our Practice Manager who would be happy to explain this in more detail.
9. Where is your clinic based?
We're located in the lovely village of Monivea, Co. Galway (H65 AX93) - aproximately 30 minutes from Galway City and 25 minutes from the M6 motorway. The easiest way to reach us is by car.
Our clinic is a calm, quiet space thoughtfully designed for children, young people and families. We only see one family at a time, so there’s no busy waiting room, which can often be a very overwhelming environment.
Families are welcome to make a cup of tea or coffee when they arrive and we have a range of toys, as well as fidget and sensory supports available, so children can feel comfortable and regulate in their own way.
Below is a short video if you or your child or young person would like to see more:
10. Is there parking available?
Yes, there’s plenty of free parking, and a lovely playground and woodland walk all nearby!
11 Do both parents need to be involved?
Yes, if a child has more than one legal guardian, written consent from each guardian is required in order for the assessment to proceed. This applies even if one guardian is not attending the appointments.
You can find out more about our autism assessment process here.
12. How can I make payment?
Payment can be made by bank transfer or by Revolut to our Solas Psychology Revolut business account, whichever option is more convenient for you. Please note that we cannot accept payment by cash or cheque.
If you have specific queries about payment, feel free to contact our accounts team by email on accounts@solaspsychology.ie
13. Do you offer assessments for adults?
No, we only offer autism assessments for children and young people aged 18 and younger. Unfortunately, we do not provide adult assessments.
14. Is an educational/cognitive assessment included in the process?
No, an educational or learning assessment is not included as part of our standard autism assessment.
However, if during the process we feel that this type of assessment would be helpful in understanding your child’s learning profile or supporting their educational needs, we will always discuss this with you first before making any recommendations.
If needed, our Clinical Director, Dr. Rachel Gately, can provide this type of assessment in person at our clinic in Monivea, Co. Galway.
We’ll always ensure that you’re fully informed and involved in any decisions about additional assessments or next steps.
15. Which framework do you use for diagnosing autism?
We use international framework for diagnosing autism e.g. the DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, Text Revision).
This helps to ensure that our assessments are thorough, consistent, and in line with best practice in Ireland and internationally.
16. Which diagnostic tools do you use?
We use well-established, evidence-based tools as part of a comprehensive assessment, including:
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ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised): A detailed interview with parents or carers to gather information about your child’s development and behaviour.
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ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule–Second Edition): A play- and conversation-based assessment where the clinician works directly with your child to observe social communication and behaviour.
These are considered gold standard tools in autism assessment. However, they are not used in isolation - they form part of a broader, multidisciplinary assessment process.
Where appropriate, we may also use additional questionnaires or screeningtools to better understand areas such as masking/camouflaging and attention (e.g. ADHD).
17. What age does my child need to be in order to receive an autism assessment?
We assess children and young people from 2-18 years of age. Please note that we do not offer adult assessments.
18. Are all of the appointments held in person?
No, not all of them - the ADOS-2 observational assessment is usually in person at our clinic, however, the ADI-R assessment is often done remotely, either through a video call or by telephone - whichever is more convenient for you and your child.
19. How long does the process take from start to finish?
We generally advise that the full assessment process takes approximately 8–12 weeks from the first appointment until you receive the full written assessment report.
This timeframe allows us to complete a thorough and high-quality assessment of your child's strengths and needs. Autism assessments are detailed and involve gathering information from a number of sources to build a full picture of your child’s strengths, needs, and everyday experiences.
We understand that waiting for the outcome of your child's assessment can feel difficult, but this time is important to ensure the assessment is accurate, thoughtful, and truly reflective of your child.
Please note that in some cases - such as when a preschool/school visit is required - the process may take slightly longer, but this will always be discussed with you in advance.
20. My child has previous medical diagnoses and/or learning needs? Do you take this into account?
Yes, absolutely, our team takes a comprehensive approach, meaning we look at your child’s strengths, differences, and developmental profile as a whole. Previous reports - such as educational, medical, or therapeutic assessments - provide valuable context and help us understand how your child has developed over time.
If your child already has identified needs (e.g, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, DCD, DLD, ADHD,or medical conditions), this information helps our team to ensure that the assessment is both accurate and tailored to your child’s unique profile. You’ll have the opportunity to share any relevant reports or background information beforehand, and we will review everything carefully as part of the overall process.
21. Why does your website and assessment paperwork not mention 'ASD assessment'?
You may notice that we use the term autism rather than 'Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)'.
'ASD' is the formal diagnostic term used in clinical manuals. However, many autistic individuals and families prefer language that feels more identity-affirming and less medicalised. As a neuro-affirming service, we recognise autism as a naturally occurring neurodevelopmental difference - not a disorder - and we aim to use strengths-based, respectful language.
In formal reports and documentation, we may refer to the diagnostic terminology only where required for clarity and access to services. We also recognise that language preferences vary, and we are always guided by the preferences of the individual and family wherever possible.
22. I'm worried that the assessment/report won't highlight my child's strengths?
That’s a very understandable concern - and something on which we place great importance. Our assessments are strengths-based and neuro-affirmative, meaning we look at your child as a whole person, not just through the lens of challenges or difficulties.
Throughout the process, we aim to understand and highlight your child’s unique abilities, interests, and personality, as well as any areas where support may be helpful. Your child’s report will reflect both - celebrating their strengths while offering practical, compassionate recommendations to help them thrive at home, in school, and in the community.
23. Is my child guaranteed to receive a diagnosis of autism at the end of the process?
No, your child is not guaranteed an autism diagnosis or confirmation. However, we will complete a thorough assessment and provide recommendations to support your child’s needs, no matter the outcome.
We pride ourselves on offering detailed assessments and will carefully consider all possibilities, including differential diagnoses, when appropriate.
24. Do you have experience in assessing girls?
Yes, our team has extensive experience in identifying autism in girls. We understand that autism can look different in girls and is sometimes harder to recognise, especially when they mask or work hard to fit in socially.
Our assessments are designed to recognise these more subtle presentations and to provide a clear, supportive understanding of each child’s unique profile and needs.
25. Do you have experience in working with the LGBTQ+ community?
Yes, our team has experience supporting young people who identify as LGBTQ+, as well as those who may be exploring their identity. We always use a young person’s chosen name and pronouns, and we are committed to providing a respectful and inclusive service to everyone who attends our clinic.
Above all, our goal is to create a safe, welcoming environment where every individual feels supported.
26. Do you have experience in assessing children or young people with a PDA profile?
Yes, we have helped support many children and young people who show a Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA) profile, previously referred to as 'Pathological Demand Avoidance'.
PDA often presents as high anxiety around everyday demands and a preference for more flexible, collaborative ways of interacting.
Our aim is to identify each child’s individual profile and needs, and provide families with practical guidance to support their child effectively.
27. Will my child's report include recommendations for possible preschool/school supports?
Yes, if your child or young person meets the Department of Education’s eligibility criteria, we will include recommendations for appropriate school supports and reasonable accommodations in their report.
In addition to educational recommendations, our team will provide therapeutic recommendations and suggest practical strategies that families can use at home, where relevant.
All recommendations are thoughtfully tailored to your child’s individual needs, taking into account their age, developmental stage, and current educational level.
We also consider any upcoming transitions - such as starting preschool, primary, secondary, or third-level education - and include recommendations and suggestions to help support your child through these important changes.
28. What’s the best way to help prepare my child?
Talking to your child in advance can really help ease any worries. Let them know the assessment is not a medical examination - there are no physical checks involved - and it’s not a school test. They won’t be expected to read or write.
For younger children, you might explain that the ADOS-2 will feel like playing games, looking at pictures, or doing puzzles with a friendly adult. For older children and young people, it can help to say there will be a mix of activities and conversations - some easy, some a little more challenging - but there is no 'pass' or 'fail'.
We'll send you a child-friendly guide to help your child understand what to expect. We've also created a video of our clinic so families can show their child in advance where they’re going:
29. Will my private health insurance cover some of the cost?
Yes, many insurance providers do offer some reimbursement for autism or neurodevelopmental assessments. However, we recommend that you contact them directly to confirm exactly what is covered as each insurance plan is different.
If it helps to let your insurer know, all our psychologists are chartered psychologists with the PSI (Psychological Society of Ireland). Find out more about our team here.
30. Can I claim tax back?
Yes, many families qualify for a tax rebate from Revenue. We'll send you a receipt with all the necessary details that you need to be able to apply for this.
31. Is my information kept confidential?
Yes, all information you share with us is treated as confidential and is stored securely in line with GDPR guidelines.
However, there are some limits to confidentiality. As mandated persons, we are legally required to report any child protection concerns to Tusla (Child and Family Agency). You can read more about Solas Psychology's policies by clicking here.
32. Are there any Irish organisations/charities that I can contact for support?
Yes! We highly recommend contacting As I Am, a charity working across Ireland to help autistic individuals and their families as well as Middletown Centre for Autism, Dóchas Midwest Autism Support, Galway Autism Partnership, Shine Centre for Autism and the Cottage Autism Network.
There are also lots of wonderful parent run support groups, many different helpful online platforms (e.g., @fussireland, @autism_families_ireland and DCA Warriors) and great podcasts (e.g., Unfiltered Autistic with Amanda McGuinness and Beyond the Labels)
We also post frequent updates on local events and resources for families on our Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/solaspsychology.ie/
For more recommendations, our Practice Manager is always happy to help.
33. What will I receive at the end of the process?
You'll receive a detailed assessment report by email and in the case of an autism confirmation, you'll also receive a short summary letter.
Your report will also include tailored recommendations on how best to support your child at home and in school, helping you take the next steps with confidence.
These documents can be shared with schools, health professionals, colleges, employers, or other relevant services as formal evidence of a diagnosis or autism confirmation (where applicable).
We'll also prepare a personalised letter for your child from our team.
34. Can you help complete the paperwork for my DCA application?
Yes, we can assist families with completing the Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) application forms. As these forms often take considerable time and care to complete, there is a fee to cover the clinician’s time calculated on an hourly pro rata basis.
If you’d like more information about the process or fees, please contact our team and we’ll be happy to guide you through what’s involved.
Alternatively, you can also contact your GP, who may be able to assist with the application process. You can learn more about DCA here:
https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/services/domiciliary-care-allowance/
35. Can I apply for RACE/DARE using the information in my child's report?
Yes, our assessment reports are accepted by schools, the Department of Education, and the DARE (Disability Access Route to Education) scheme. This means you can use your report to apply for RACE (Reasonable Accommodations for Certificate Exams) and other exam supports, where applicable.
If you’re unsure about what accommodations your child may be eligible for, your school guidance counsellor or learning support teacher will be able to guide you through the application process using the information in our report.