Thrive Autism and ADHD Assessments

15/05/2025

An autism or ADHD diagnosis shouldn't be about confirming that you CAN'T do certain things or be certain person. Instead, it should be a way of validating that you CAN operate and flourish in neurotypical world and allow you to seek the support and help needed to do so.

That is our primary passion at Thrive - to empower you to flourish in your personal and professional life, not just to cope and survive.
You can do it!

www.thrivepsych.co.uk

06/05/2025

Check out the new series on Autism from the BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m002bswl
Dr JoyAnne MacInnes will be giving her thoughts on this here soon.

Listen to the latest episodes of The Autism Curve on BBC Sounds.

01/05/2025

Did you know that understanding autism is important for society as a whole? At Thrive, we're dedicated to enlightening minds about the true essence of neurodiversity. Autism isn't just one-size-fits-all. It's unique to every individual, shaping extraordinary strengths and challenges in ways you might not expect. With over 30 years of expertise, led by Dr. JoyAnne MacInnes, our team offers personalized assessments and support to nurture each person's journey. Dive into knowing and appreciating autism beyond its misconceptions. Because thriving starts with understanding your worth and potential. Join us in celebrating diverse minds.
www.thrivepsych.co.uk

08/04/2025

02/04/2025

Today we celebrate World Autism Awareness day!

Austism is about differences, not disabilities. There is no single definition of 'typical autism'; each autistic individual has unique characteristics, in the same manner as any neurotypical individual.

Our service at Thrive upholds the belief that these differences are equally valid and valuable. However, akin to all forms of human diversity, these distinctions can complicate daily life in a neurotypical environment, potentially resulting in discomfort or distress.
Our commitment lies in a neuroaffirmative approach that champions respect, acceptance, and support for autistic individuals. We encourage society to embrace neurodiversity and we promote adaptation to encompass a broader range of human experiences.

If you or a loved one are concerned about autism or considering being assessed for a formal diagnosis, we would love to support you.

To celebrate Autism Awareness month we are offering 30% off all assessments booked in April.

https:/www.thrivepsych.co.uk

At Thrive, our primary aim is to empower individuals to flourish in their personal and professional lives. Each assessment and intervention is guided by experienced professionals, allowing us to offer a suite of services tailored to meet diverse needs.

01/04/2025

Anna Maxted's recent article in The Times, - ‘‘Diagnosing a child with autism or ADHD? There’s a lot of money to be made’’, discusses Dr Sami Timimi's new book, Searching for Normal. https://www.thetimes.com/article/f5b1e568-770f-4537-9682-f099c5b1a374
The article raises significant questions and has prompted strong online responses regarding the medicalisation of normal behaviours.

Is Timimi right to say we are medicalising the normal? that diagnoses of depression, ADHD, Autism or other ‘disorders’ is the wrong response? He might have a valid point and many agree that we shouldn’t need a label.

The point he misses is the increase in the distress in children that is prompting this response. Presentations of self-harm and other behaviours evidencing high distress have risen at the same rate as medically diagnosed conditions – so are we really over-diagnosing the normal or has the normal changed?

Psychologists have never wanted to label, and far less to describe behaviours as "disordered". They just want to treat the distress. Without a formal labelled diagnosis however nurseries and schools are struggling to support. The process of diagnosis may be necessary in order to enable a response to distress, particularly where environmental changes are needed to deal with the issues.

We at Thrive take great care in considering developmental history. We do not believe in diagnosing without also offering clear and concise advice and improve understanding. We hope not only support the individual but also explore how we can work to transform environments into those in which the child / young person can Thrive. It perhaps doesn’t matter what label is attached but the rise in distress can’t be denied and should be the focus of attention and treatment.

By medicalising normal behaviour we’re damaging the young’s wellbeing, Dr Sami Timimi tells Anna Maxted

31/03/2025

Introducing Thrive - for help to flourish and not just survive