Dr Cassie Coleman, Consultant Community Paediatrician and Clinical Director, Dr Cassie & Associates
The publication of the independent national review into ADHD, autism and mental health on 9 October 2026 has prompted considerable discussion and, understandably, some concern among children, young people and families about what its findings may mean.
At Dr Cassie & Associates, we welcome the opportunity to reflect on how people with neurodevelopmental differences and mental health needs can be better understood and supported.
Professor Peter Fonagy, quoted in the Department of Health and Social Care’s response to the review, made a particularly important observation:
“Diagnosis remains essential and must be protected – what has to change is that it is no longer the only door through which help can be reached.”
Professor Peter Fonagy, 9 October 2026
This statement strongly resonates with our approach.
We know how valuable a diagnosis can be. For many children, young people and adults, receiving a diagnosis of ADHD or autism can be life-changing. It can provide an explanation for longstanding difficulties, improve self-understanding, inform treatment decisions and help families and professionals identify appropriate support.
We remain firmly committed to providing thorough, independent and evidence-based diagnostic assessments when clinically indicated.
However, we also believe that understanding someone’s needs and providing meaningful support should not begin or end with a diagnosis.
We are an independent, multidisciplinary clinical service, bringing together experienced paediatricians, psychologists, psychiatrists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and other specialist professionals.
We recognise that children and young people rarely present with difficulties that fit neatly into a single diagnostic category. Attention, communication, learning, sensory processing, emotional wellbeing, sleep, behaviour and family or school experiences can all interact in complex ways.
Our approach is therefore holistic and individualised. We aim to understand the whole person, recognising their strengths alongside their challenges and considering the different factors that may be contributing to their difficulties.
When a diagnostic assessment is indicated, it should be thorough, clinically rigorous and undertaken with an open mind. An assessment may or may not result in a diagnosis, and we are committed to providing honest clinical opinions and meaningful recommendations regardless of the outcome.
Helping families find the right starting point
We recognise that many families contact us feeling uncertain about what their child needs.
Some are actively seeking an ADHD or autism assessment. Others may be concerned about their child’s learning, emotional wellbeing, communication, sensory needs or behaviour, without knowing what lies behind these difficulties.
We do not believe that every family needs to embark immediately on a comprehensive diagnostic assessment.
Our flexible approach allows families to have an initial conversation with our team, discuss their concerns and explore the options available. Where appropriate, we can help identify whether a diagnostic assessment, a more focused clinical appointment, targeted therapy or practical support may be the most useful next step.
We want families to feel informed and confident in their decisions, rather than feeling that they must commit to an assessment before they are ready or certain that it is needed.
Support beyond diagnosis
A particular strength of our clinic is the breadth of expertise within our multidisciplinary team.
Alongside ADHD and autism assessments, we provide support for speech, language and communication, sensory processing, motor coordination, learning differences, emotional wellbeing, sleep and a range of other developmental and behavioural concerns.
Our services include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, psychological support, educational and SEN advice, and medical assessment and treatment where appropriate.
We also work with families and schools to translate clinical understanding into practical strategies that can make a meaningful difference in everyday life.
For some families, this support may be helpful before an assessment. For others, it may follow a diagnosis or be needed at different stages as a child grows and their circumstances change.
Our aim is not simply to reach a diagnostic conclusion, but to help individuals and families understand their needs and identify what will genuinely help.
Our commitment
The national review highlights the importance of earlier intervention, high clinical standards and more integrated care. These are principles that closely reflect our own values.
We remain committed to providing independent, compassionate and evidence-based clinical care, with diagnostic assessment available when appropriate and individualised support at the heart of everything we do.
We believe that diagnosis matters enormously. But so does listening, understanding and providing the right support at the right time.
Every child, young person and adult deserves to have their needs recognised and taken seriously, whether or not they have a formal diagnosis.
If you are concerned about your child’s development, learning or wellbeing but are unsure where to begin, our team would be happy to discuss your concerns and help you explore the most appropriate next steps.