Second Opinion & Diagnostic Review
Second Opinion & Diagnostic Review

Autism and Neurodevelopmental Assessments

If you or your child have already had an autism assessment but still feel uncertain, Lighthouse Psychology offers an independent Second Opinion and Diagnostic Review service.

This service provides a structured clinical review of an existing autism (ASC) or neurodevelopmental assessment report, with clear guidance on the quality of evidence, diagnostic reasoning, and overall fitness for purpose. This may include consideration of the report’s suitability for education, workplace adjustments, clinical planning, or onward referral.

The review will comment explicitly on whether the existing assessment is appropriately evidenced for its intended purpose (e.g. educational, occupational, or clinical use).

This is not a rapid diagnosis service. It is an expert review delivered by senior clinicians within Lighthouse Psychology.

Who the Programme Is For :

This service may be helpful if:

You have received an autism diagnosis but remain unsure it fully explains the difficulties

The assessment felt rushed, limited, or unclear

Important areas were not explored, such as trauma history, ADHD overlap, sensory processing, anxiety, or masking

Your GP, school, employer, or another professional has questions about the report

Recommendations do not align with day-to-day functioning

There are significant educational, workplace, clinical, or legal consequences linked to the diagnosis

We work with adults and with children and adolescents.

What the Service Includes

Structured file review

We review the documents you provide, which may include existing autism assessment reports, developmental history summaries, school reports, questionnaire data, and relevant clinical correspondence where appropriate.

Scope and Documentation Limits

This service includes review of:

  • One primary assessment report
  • Up to three supplementary documents (e.g. school reports, questionnaires, clinical correspondence)

Additional documentation, extensive multi-agency records, or further correspondence may require an adjusted fee, which will be discussed and agreed in advance.

Written Second Opinion Report

You will receive a written report that addresses:

  • Whether there is sufficient evidence to support the conclusions reached
  • Whether appropriate assessment methods were used
  • Whether relevant differential explanations were considered, such as ADHD, trauma, anxiety, attachment, or sensory processing
  • Strengths and limitations of the existing assessment
  • A clear statement of clinical confidence and uncertainty
  • Guidance on fitness for purpose and recommended next steps

Important Clinical Clarification

A Second Opinion and Diagnostic Review may:

  • Increase clinical uncertainty rather than reduce it
  • Conclude that available evidence is insufficient to confidently support or refute a diagnosis
  • Identify limitations that affect the report’s suitability for specific purposes

This service evaluates the quality, adequacy, and clinical reasoning of an existing assessment — not certainty of outcome.

What This Service Is Not

This service is not designed to prove or disprove an autism diagnosis. It is a professional review of the quality of assessment and diagnostic reasoning based on the evidence available.

Lighthouse Psychology does not:

  • Guarantee a change in diagnosis
  • Provide diagnosis on request
  • Offer a full reassessment unless clinically indicated
  • Criticise individual clinicians or services

If a full reassessment is recommended, this will be explained clearly, with options outlined.

Optional Add-Ons (When Clinically Indicated)

Depending on the case, we may recommend one or more of the following:

  • One clinical interview with the adult client or with parents/carers
  • Brief professional liaison with a GP, school, or employer
  • A short clarification letter for a specific purpose
  • Recommendation for a comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment

Any additional input is discussed and agreed in advance.

How the Process Works

Step 1: Enquiry

Contact Lighthouse Psychology to request a Second Opinion and Diagnostic Review

Step 2: Document submission

You will be asked to provide relevant reports and supporting documents securely

Step 3: Allocation and review

Your case will be allocated to an appropriate senior clinician for review

Step 4: Report issued

You will receive a written Second Opinion Report with clear conclusions, limitations, and recommendations

Step 5: (Optional): Feedback discussion

If requested, a brief appointment can be arranged to discuss the report and next steps

Programme Options & Fees

Fees reflect senior clinical expertise and the complexity of review required. A clear quotation will be provided once documentation and scope are confirmed.

Standard Review

from €1,350

Single report, lower complexity

Complex Review

from €1,750

Multiple documents, educational / occupational implications

High-stakes

€2,500+ (quoted individually)

Legal, or multi-agency contexts

Confidentiality and Clinical Safety

All enquiries are handled confidentially.

This service provides an expert opinion based on the documentation available. If significant risk concerns arise during review, appropriate clinical or medical follow-up will be advised.

How to Request This Service

To enquire about this service, please contact Lighthouse Psychology via info@lighthousepsychology.ie, including your name and a brief outline of your current concerns.

Enquiries are reviewed by our clinical lead to ensure appropriate allocation and suitability.

Please note: This service does not replace direct clinical care where urgent mental health or safeguarding concerns are present.