Dr. Jennifer Vaughan
ADHD & Autism SpecialistDedicated ADHD & Autism Specialists
At JV Psychology Services, we are dedicated ADHD specialists and Autism specialists, providing compassionate and neuro-affirming assessments for individuals of all ages—from young children to adolescents and adults.
We understand that every neurodivergent person has unique strengths and needs, and our goal is to offer a respectful, supportive, and insightful experience.
Professional Diagnostic Assessments in Manchester & Brighouse
Our Autism diagnosis and ADHD diagnosis assessments follow the latest NICE guidelines, ensuring a high standard of care. Each assessment is conducted by a team of HCPC-registered professionals with extensive experience in both the NHS and independent practice, including a Clinical Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist, and Occupational Therapists.
We offer assessments in Manchester and Brighouse (near Leeds) and prioritise making the process as clear, comfortable, and timely as possible, typically completing all assessments within a month.
A Neuro-Affirmative Approach to Autism and ADHD
What makes our service stand out is our commitment to a neuro-affirmative approach. We don’t see Autism or ADHD as something to “fix” but as natural variations in how people think, feel, and experience the world. Our Autism diagnosis and ADHD diagnosis services focus on understanding and validating your unique way of being, rather than pathologising it.
Unlike many other providers, our assessments are conducted by professionals with additional specialist training in neurodevelopmental conditions, including postgraduate study in Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Conditions.
Multidisciplinary Support Without the Wait
We bring a deeper level of expertise, ensuring our assessments are not only clinically rigorous but also genuinely affirming and tailored to your needs. With a highly experienced, multidisciplinary team, we provide a holistic and strengths-based perspective. We also aim to minimise wait times, so you can access support and accommodations without unnecessary delays.
Comprehensive and Supportive Process
Our process is designed to be thorough yet approachable. It begins with a one-hour online Pre- Assessment Consultation, giving us a chance to explore whether an assessment feels right for you. If you decide to proceed, we conduct a Developmental History Interview (around two hours, online), followed by an in-person Observational Assessment at one of our friendly clinic spaces in Manchester or Brighouse (near Leeds).
For Autism assessments, this will involve the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition), a well-established, gold-standard tool for assessing Autism. For ADHD assessments, we use a structured diagnostic interview alongside the QbCheck, a computerised test that measures attention, impulse control, and motor activity.
For children, we liaise with their school to gather additional information, ensuring we have a well-rounded view of their strengths and needs in different settings.
Depending on the child’s needs, we may also conduct a school observation, allowing us to see how they engage and interact in their everyday learning environment.
After gathering all the necessary information, we arrange a Feedback Appointment to discuss our findings in a clear and meaningful way. Within 20 working days, we provide a detailed, individualised report with insights and tailored recommendations, regardless of the diagnosis outcome.
Ongoing Support Beyond Diagnosis
Every assessment includes a post-diagnostic support session, ensuring you have the space to reflect on the outcome, ask questions, and explore next steps. For those who would like additional guidance, we offer the option of up to three further post-diagnostic support and/or coaching sessions, delivered once a month over three months for an additional fee.
These sessions are designed to help you navigate life post-diagnosis, whether that means understanding your neurodivergence, accessing the right support, or developing strategies to thrive.
Empowering Schools and Workplaces to Support Neurodivergence
In addition, we also offer bespoke support and/or training sessions for schools and workplaces (available at an additional fee). These sessions help to raise awareness, improve understanding, and create more inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals. Whether it’s supporting a child in school or making workplace adjustments, our training and support is designed to be practical, insightful, and tailored to the needs of the individual and setting.
I also have significant experience in consulation, supervision and teaching/ training, and can provide supervisory/ consultation/ training support for other professionals.
Contact us today
To discuss how you could benefit from our services and how we can help you achieve your goals, please contact us using this form or via the contact details below: