Frequently asked questions
Do we need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly online: no referral is needed. If you have a letter from your GP, you’re welcome to send it to us with your forms.
How long is the wait?
Currently about two weeks. The booking calendar always shows real availability.
What ages do you see?
It depends on the assessment: ADHD 4–18, autism 2–18, dual ADHD and autism 4–18, and the full assessment 6–16, in each case up to the 18th birthday. We don’t prescribe medication under the age of 5.
Which assessment should we book?
If your main concern is attention, restlessness or impulsivity, book the ADHD assessment. If it’s communication, social interaction, routines or sensory differences, book the autism assessment. If you’re wondering about both, the dual assessment covers both in one process. The full assessment adds a cognitive assessment of how your child learns. If you’re not sure, email us.
My child already has an ADHD diagnosis. Can you take over their care?
Yes. Start by sending us the diagnostic report through our booking page; it’s free and doesn’t book anything. Dr Bond reviews it, and if Transfer of Care is right for your child, we email you a link to book the consultation (€700). At the consultation she reviews the previous diagnosis and current treatment, checks height, weight, blood pressure and heart rate, and agrees a plan for ongoing prescribing and reviews.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Seven or more days before: full refund of your deposit, or a free move to another date. Between 7 days and 48 hours: one free move, or cancel and we refund half your deposit. Under 48 hours, or not attending: the deposit is kept, and a new deposit is needed to rebook. Full details in our Booking Terms.
How long is the appointment?
ADHD assessment: two hours. Autism assessment: a two-hour clinical assessment, plus a one-hour interview with you (the ADI-R) and a one-hour session with your child (the ADOS-2). Dual assessment: two hours. Full assessment: two hours, plus a cognitive assessment (WISC-V) of about two hours. Dr Bond speaks with your child, with you, or with both, whichever you and your child prefer.
What happens on the day?
Dr Bond meets you and your child for a two-hour appointment, together or separately, as you prefer.
- ADHD: Dr Bond measures height, weight, blood pressure and heart rate, and carries out a clinical assessment.
- Autism: the same clinical assessment, without the measurements.
- Dual: the two-hour appointment, including the measurements.
- Cognitive (WISC-V, part of the full assessment): Dr Bond gets to know your child and explains what will happen, then works through a series of age-appropriate questions and activities that look at memory, reasoning, processing speed and verbal skills. There are short breaks whenever your child needs one.
What forms are involved?
Every assessment starts with a consent form. Then:
- ADHD: a developmental history; the Conners 4 questionnaire for you and for the teacher, plus a self-report if your child is over 12 (or, for children under 6, an ADHD rating scale for toddlers instead, completed by you and by the preschool or school); a school information report; and your child’s annual school reports, which we need.
- Autism: a developmental history; the SRS-2 questionnaire for you and for the school; a school information report; and your child’s annual school reports.
- Dual: one combined developmental history, plus everything else listed for ADHD and autism.
- Cognitive (full assessment): it helps to have your child’s annual school reports and a school information report.
Do the school forms have to be back before the appointment?
No. The appointment can go ahead without them, but a diagnosis can’t be confirmed or the report issued until we have them.
Can my child be assessed online?
Not at the moment. All our assessments are in person at our clinic in Churchtown.
Will you speak to the school?
We give you school questionnaires and information forms to pass to your child’s teacher. In rare cases, and only with your agreement, our clinical nurse specialist may observe your child at school.
How do I explain the visit to my child?
That’s up to you: you know your child best. Dr Bond will ask your child what they know about why they’re coming. If there’s anything you’d like us to avoid asking, or anything we should be aware of, email us at hello@shinebrightclinic.ie before the appointment.
When will we get the report?
Within 10 working days, once all forms (including the school’s) have been returned. It goes to you, with a copy to your GP.
What happens after the assessment?
Every family has a feedback session, included in the fee. For ADHD, we can talk about support such as coaching and, where medication is recommended, our medication clinic. For autism, we can refer to your local Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT) where appropriate and help with supports such as Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA). A cognitive report can be shared with your child’s school.
Do you prescribe medication?
Yes, for ADHD, where it’s recommended. The first medication consultation is included in the assessment fee. Reviews are run by our clinical nurse specialist or advanced nurse practitioner together with Dr Bond: every two weeks while the dose is being adjusted, then every three months. Each review is €120.
What if it isn’t ADHD or autism?
You still receive a full report explaining what we found, with clear recommendations for next steps.
What if my child’s needs are more complex?
We complete the assessment, give a clear diagnostic opinion, and refer your child on to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) with the full report.
How much does it cost?
ADHD assessment €2,000 · Autism assessment €2,500 · Dual ADHD and autism assessment €4,000 · Full assessment €5,000 · Transfer of Care €700 · Medication review €120. You pay 50% to book and the balance 48 hours before the appointment. See Fees.
Does health insurance cover the assessment?
Dr Bond is accredited with Laya healthcare. Cover for outpatient assessments varies by plan, so check your policy. We provide itemised receipts for every payment.
Can I claim tax relief?
Yes. Consultant fees qualify for 20% tax relief under Revenue’s health expenses scheme.