Frequently Asked Questions – ADHD, Autism & Services
What is MindPath?
MindPath is an online mental health service based in Ireland. We specialise in Adult ADHD care: from online Pre-Assessment and diagnosis to therapy, psychiatry, and aftercare. Everything is done online, privately, and at your own pace.
How does the Pre-Assessment work?
The pre-assessment is a quick and confidential online questionnaire. You’ll answer a series of questions about your behaviours, thoughts, and experiences. Our advanced technology analyses your responses using scientific Adult ADHD criteria and provides you with instant, personalised results and recommendations. This initial pre-assessment helps determine if a full assessment with a MindPath clinician is recommended.
Is the Pre-Assessment a formal diagnosis?
No, MindPath’s pre-screening tool is not a diagnostic test. It is designed to help you identify potential ADHD symptoms and determine if a comprehensive assessment with a MindPath clinician is recommended. A formal diagnosis can only be made by an accredited clinician after the assessment.
What is the difference between the Pre-Assessment and a Full Assessment?
The pre-assessment test is a quick, initial step to identify potential ADHD symptoms. It’s thorough and provides immediate results. A full assessment involves in-depth clinical assessment for ADHD, a review of your history, and conducting ADHD evidence-based tests which are conducted by MindPath psychologists to determine a formal diagnosis.
What happens if my Pre-Assessment results suggest I might have ADHD?
If your results indicate a potential for ADHD, we strongly recommend scheduling a full assessment with MindPath. We can help connect you with our clinical team who are specialised in ADHD diagnosis and treatment. We’ll provide you with clear guidance and support on your next steps.
What does the Full Assessment for ADHD involve?
Our Full Assessment is an inclusive evaluation conducted by licensed psychologists to determine if you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. It includes a detailed clinical interview, a review of your medical and personal history, completion of standardised questionnaires, and potentially other testing to rule out other possible conditions. The assessment is personalised to your individual needs to provide a thorough understanding of your symptoms.
What if the Full Assessment concludes that I don't have ADHD?
Even if the Full Assessment indicates that you don’t meet the criteria for ADHD, the evaluation can still be valuable. It can help identify other underlying issues that may be contributing to your symptoms and provide you with the right recommendations for alternative treatment support. We are committed to helping you understand your mental health, regardless of the outcome.
How long does the Full Assessment take?
The length of the Full Assessment can vary depending on individual needs but typically involves 90 minutes of clinical interview and testing. The process consists of a consultation to gather background information and discuss your concerns, and after that, you’ll then complete various assessments, either in-person or online, under the guidance of MindPath clinicians.
How will I receive my Diagnosis Report?
You will receive your Diagnosis Report in a secure and confidential manner. It will be emailed to you as a password protected PDF. We will also schedule a consultation with a member of our clinical team to present the report in detail and answer any questions you may have.
Will the Diagnosis Report be easy to understand?
We are committed to providing you with clear and very understandable information. Your Diagnosis Report will be written in plain language, avoiding clinical jargon as much as possible. We want you to feel confident that you fully understand your diagnosis and the recommendations provided. We’ll take the time to explain any complex terms or concepts during your report presentation.
Can I share my Diagnosis Report with my doctor or other healthcare providers?
Yes. Your Diagnosis Report is a valuable document that you can share with your primary care physician, psychiatrist, therapist, or other healthcare providers to ensure coordinated care. Sharing the report can facilitate a more informed and effective treatment approach. You are in control of who receives your information.
Is The Report A Requirement?
No. We are committed to making our service as accessible and affordable as possible and as a result the diagnostic report is not a requirement.
However, if you wish to explore medication as a form of treatment, a Diagnostic Report will be a requirement.
Who are the MindPath clinicians and are they qualified?
We work with an extensive multidisciplinary team comprised of Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Psychotherapists.
All of our assessing clinicians are members with the Psychological Society of Ireland and are certified to assess Adult ADHD by UKAAN.
Do I need a GP referral to start?
No GP referral is needed. You can begin your assessment journey today by getting started with our Pre-Assessment.
How do I contact your team?
We’re here to help! You can contact our team via Live Chat, E-Mail to info@mindpath.ie or by giving us a call on 051 813207
Do you offer your services for those aged under 18?
Unfortunately, MindPath’s services are strictly for those aged 18 and over.
What is the MindPath Autism Assessment?
MindPath’s Autism Assessment is a comprehensive process designed for adults who suspect they may be autistic. It is conducted entirely online by qualified clinicians, using the “gold standard” ADOS-2 (Module 4) assessment and other psychometric tools.
How does the overall assessment process work?
The entire process is broken do into three main stages to ensure an accurate evaluation:
- Online Pre-Assessment: You complete an evidence-based questionnaire at your pace. This helps us understand your unique profile and determine if a full assessment is the appropriate next step.
- Full Assessment Sessions: This consists of two separate one-on-one online sessions with a specialised clinician, where you’ll complete the ADOS-2 assessment items.
- Diagnostic Report: Following the sessions, your clinician integrates all the information to produce a detailed report, which includes a diagnostic conclusion and personalised recommendations.
What is the Autism Pre-Assessment and why is it a required first step?
The Autism Pre-Assessment is a necessary initial step as it helps you determine the likelihood of autism and ensure that a full, in-depth assessment is the right path forward for you. You will receive a Pre-Assessment Follow-Up Call with one of our clinicians, outlining these initial findings.
How are the Pre-Assessment recommendations determined? What do the different levels mean?
Our clinical team analyses your questionnaire scores to determine one of five potential outcomes. This ensures the full assessment is the right fit for you:
- Very Low: Indicates that autistic traits are minimal, so an in-depth assessment is not recommended.
- Low: Suggests some traits are present, but a diagnosis is uncertain. We’ll discuss whether proceeding is right for you.
- Moderate, High, or Very High: Indicates that an in-depth assessment is recommended, as your profile shows a clear pattern of autistic traits.
How is the MindPath Pre-Assessment different from the free autism screening quizzes I can find online?
Free online quizzes can be a helpful starting point, but they are not a substitute for a clinical process.
Our Pre-Assessment uses a combination of professionally validated tools (not just one), the results are reviewed by a qualified clinician, and we receive a formal report that provides a reliable indication of whether to proceed, saving you time and uncertainty.
Why do I have to complete a Pre-Assessment first? Can't I just book the full assessment?
The Pre-Assessment is a vital first step that benefits you directly. It prevents you from committing to the time and cost of a full assessment if your profile doesn’t strongly indicate autism. At the same time, it allows our clinicians to have a personalised understanding of your specific traits before your in-depth assessment.
How do you make sure that your online assessment is as accurate as an in-person one?
We use a clinically-adapted version of the ADOS-2, the “gold standard” for autism assessment.
Our clinicians are specifically trained to conduct it remotely, using interactive digital materials and structured tasks that allow for thorough observation of communication, social interaction, and behaviour, maintaining the rigour of an in-person evaluation.
I relate to descriptions of Asperger's Syndrome. Is this something you assess for?
Yes. While “Asperger’s Syndrome” is no longer a separate diagnosis in the current diagnostic manual (DSM-V), its unique profile is now included under the single diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our assessment is sensitive to this and will identify and discuss these specific traits if they are present.
Why is the main assessment for Autism split into two sessions? What happens in them?
We split the assessment into two manageable sessions (each 45-60 minutes) to ensure you are comfortable and not overwhelmed.
- Session 1 focuses on tasks like involving conversation, describing pictures, and telling a story from a book. This helps us understand your communication style, narrative abilities, and emotional insight.
- Session 2 involves more structured questions, like a demonstration task, and a creative storytelling activity. This allows us to observe your imaginative processes, use of gestures, and how you approach problem-solving.
Why can't the whole assessment be completed in one longer session?
We intentionally split the assessment into two shorter sessions to prioritise your well-being and the quality of the assessment. This approach prevents fatigue, which can affect performance and mask natural traits.
How does my clinician prepare for our sessions? Is it a standardised process?
The process is far from standardised. It’s personalised. Before your first session, your clinician thoroughly reviews your entire Pre-Assessment report. They take note of your specific areas of concern (like high camouflaging or sensory sensitivity) to guide their focus and ensure the assessment explores the topics most relevant to your experience.
Is my diagnosis based solely on the final ADOS-2 score?
No, absolutely not. The ADOS-2 score is an important piece of data, but it’s only one part of the puzzle. Your final diagnosis is based on a clinical judgment that integrates all information, including your Pre-Assessment results, the results of the psychometric scales you complete, and any information from an observer form, if provided.
What if the final report concludes that I am not autistic?
The goal of any good assessment is to provide clarity, regardless of the outcome. If the results do not support a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, your comprehensive report will still be valuable. It will explain why the criteria were not met and provide a detailed summary of your unique cognitive and behavioural profile, including your strengths and challenges.
How long does the entire process take, from start to finish?
While you can complete the Pre-Assessment questionnaire at your own pace, the full process typically follows a clear timeline. Once you begin, the Pre-Assessment Follow Up Call can be usually booked within 24 hours. Following that, the two live assessment sessions can be scheduled. You can expect to receive your final Diagnostic Report within 72 hours after you have booked it.
Is the diagnosis and report formally recognised?
Yes. The assessment is conducted by fully qualified clinicians in Ireland, following DSM-V diagnostic criteria and using the ADOS-2, which is an internationally gold-standard tool. The comprehensive Diagnostic Report you receive is a formal medical document that can be shared with your GP, educational institution, or employer to access support and accommodations if needed.
What kind of information will be in my final Diagnostic Report?
Your report is much more than a simple “yes” or “no”. It is a detailed and personalised document that will include your ADOS-2 scores, all your scales scores and our clinician’s observations into a clear diagnostic conclusion. Crucially, it also includes insights into your unique traits (like camouflaging or sensory needs) and provides recommendations for support and next steps.
How do I get started with an Autism Assessment?
Getting started is simple. You can begin the process by visiting our website and signing up for the online Autism Pre-Assessment here. This is the first step on your journey to clarity, and our team is here to support you along the way.
What are my treatment options if I am diagnosed with ADHD?
ADHD treatment often involves a combination of approaches tailored to individual needs. This can include therapy (such as CBT or Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy), lifestyle changes, coaching, and support groups.
Following a diagnosis, MindPath will work with you to support a personalised treatment plan that addresses your specific symptoms and goals.
Is therapy effective in treating ADHD?
Therapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, are valuable for managing ADHD. These therapies help develop coping strategies and practical skills to deal with the symptoms of ADHD.
Can therapy alone be sufficient for treating ADHD?
For some individuals, especially those with mild forms of ADHD, therapy alone can be an effective treatment option. It focuses on learning skills to manage the symptoms.
How long does therapy typically last for someone with ADHD?
The length of therapy for ADHD can vary depending on the individual’s specific needs and the severity of their symptoms. Typically, therapy might last anywhere from several months to over a year.
What is the Difference between Therapy and Coaching?
ADHD Therapy, often focus on emotional and psychological areas, addressing underlying issues and mental health concerns.
ADHD coaching is action-based, focusing on creating strategies and skills to manage daily challenges associated with ADHD.
Do you have in-person facilities?
Currently MindPath offers services that are fully online using video-conferencing software and can be scheduled on our website.
Are MindPath's Therapists and Coaches Qualified?
Yes, all of our therapists are fully accredited members of relevant governing bodies such as IACP.
Our Holistic Therapist, Denise Graham focuses on Energy Therapy methods, which differs from traditional psychotherapy.
How can I book a session?
You can book a session by choosing any of the professionals here and selecting the best appointment time suited to you.
Individual Sessions are priced at €85
How Long Do Sessions Last?
All of our therapy and coaching sessions last 45 minutes.
What is MindPath's Psychiatry Service?
MindPath’s Psychiatry Service is an online mental health service led by our Clinical Director, Dr. Paulo Carvalho.
If you have received an ADHD Diagnosis from MindPath and your assessing clinician has deemed medication a suitable treatment for your symptoms, you can enroll to meet for a consultation.
Is medication always necessary for treating ADHD?
No, medication is not always necessary. ADHD treatment is highly individualised, and the best approach depends on the severity of your symptoms, your personal preferences, and other factors. Many individuals successfully manage their ADHD through therapy, lifestyle changes, and other non-medication strategies.
Can the psychiatrist prescribe medication for ADHD?
Yes, MindPath has a qualified and licensed psychiatrist within our team who can evaluate your needs and, if appropriate, prescribe medication as part of your comprehensive treatment plan. Medication management is always combined with other therapeutic approaches for optimal results. This service will be launching during the first half of 2025.
Do you offer your services for those aged under 18?
Unfortunately, MindPath’s services are strictly for those aged 18 and over.
When will the Psychiatry Service be Available?
MindPath will be launching the online Psychiatry Service during the first half of 2025. All eligible clients of MindPath will be contacted prior.
Can I use the service if I've received a prior diagnosis?
Currently MindPath’s Psychiatry Service is only available to clients who have received a prior diagnosis from MindPath only.
