ADHD affects an estimated 5–7% of children globally (Polanczyk et al., 2015, American Journal of Psychiatry); autism spectrum disorder is estimated to affect approximately 1 in 100 children (WHO, 2023). Early, accurate assessment matters enormously — a child's developmental trajectory is shaped significantly by the support they receive in formative years. At Encode Mental Health Clinic in Surat, we specialise in the assessment and support of children and adolescents with developmental, learning, and attention concerns. Whether you are seeking a comprehensive evaluation for ADHD, an autism spectrum assessment, a cognitive assessment, or support for behavioural and emotional concerns, our approach is thorough, family-centred, and directly actionable. We work with children from early childhood through adolescence, and we involve parents as active partners throughout.
ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent difficulties with attention, impulse control, and in some presentations, hyperactivity. It occurs in three presentations: predominantly inattentive (easily distracted, loses things, difficulty sustaining focus), predominantly hyperactive-impulsive (restlessness, acting before thinking), and combined type. ADHD is not a reflection of intelligence or effort — many highly intelligent children are diagnosed after years of being told to "try harder." Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterised by differences in social communication, restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour, and often heightened or reduced sensory sensitivity. The spectrum is wide: some autistic children are highly communicative with subtle social differences; others have significant communication and daily living challenges. Both conditions frequently co-occur with anxiety, specific learning difficulties, and mood concerns — making a comprehensive, multi-domain assessment essential.
A comprehensive developmental assessment at Encode is a structured, multi-session process. The first session is a clinical interview with parents or caregivers, gathering detailed history including early development, family history, school reports, and the specific concerns being raised. This is followed by direct assessment sessions with the child using standardised psychometric tools appropriate for their age. For ADHD assessments, validated attention and behavioural rating scales completed by both parents and teachers are used alongside direct cognitive and attention testing. For autism assessments, standardised observation-based tools and clinical interview measures are used. A comprehensive written report summarising findings, diagnostic conclusions, a strengths-and-difficulties profile, and actionable recommendations is provided. This report can be shared with schools to facilitate additional support, and with other health professionals involved in the child's care.
A diagnosis is most useful when embedded in a plan for support — not just for the child, but for the whole family. Parent guidance sessions help caregivers understand their child's profile in depth: what drives the behaviours they find challenging, how to adapt their communication and expectations, and how to create environments that allow the child to thrive. Parenting a child with ADHD or ASD can be exhausting and isolating — and parents often carry significant anxiety, guilt, and uncertainty about the future. Psychoeducation for parents — about the neuroscience of ADHD, a strengths-based understanding of autism, and the research on what actually works — is a core part of our offering. We also work collaboratively with schools and teachers to ensure consistent, evidence-based strategies across environments.
A diagnosis is a starting point, not an endpoint. Following assessment, the intervention plan is built around the individual child's profile of strengths, difficulties, and context. For ADHD, evidence-based interventions include behavioural interventions with structured reinforcement, parent training programs, and organisational skills coaching for older children. Where appropriate, referral for medication review with a paediatric psychiatrist is discussed. For autism, early social communication intervention, visual schedules, and sensory accommodation strategies form the core support plan. For children with co-occurring anxiety or mood concerns, CBT-based interventions adapted for the child's developmental level are integrated. Encode also supports the preparation of requests for school accommodations — extended time, quiet environments, individual support — based on assessment findings.
ADHD can be reliably assessed in children from approximately 5 years of age. However, concerns can be explored at any age — including in adolescents and adults who were not diagnosed in childhood. Early assessment is valuable because it opens access to support strategies and school accommodations that significantly improve academic and social outcomes.
A comprehensive assessment involves a clinical interview with parents, direct testing sessions with the child using standardised psychometric tools, and rating scales completed by parents and teachers. A written report is provided summarising findings, diagnostic conclusions, a strengths and difficulties profile, and specific recommendations for home, school, and further intervention.
Psychological assessment at Encode does not prescribe medication — that is within the remit of a paediatric psychiatrist or child neurologist. For ADHD, evidence supports medication as one effective option, particularly for moderate to severe presentations, but many children benefit significantly from behavioural and environmental strategies alone. For ASD, there is no medication that directly addresses core autistic features; interventions focus on supporting communication, behaviour, and wellbeing.
Consistency, structure, and predictability are the most powerful tools. Specific strategies include breaking tasks into small sequenced steps, using visual reminders and timers, providing frequent specific positive feedback, ensuring movement breaks, and maintaining regular routines. Parent guidance sessions at Encode help you develop strategies that work for your family's specific context.
Yes. ASD can be assessed and diagnosed at any age, including adolescence and adulthood. Many autistic individuals — particularly those with strong intellectual and language abilities — are not diagnosed until adolescence or later, when social demands exceed their compensatory strategies. A late diagnosis often brings significant relief and reshapes a person's understanding of their own history.
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