What a good assessment report includes

The written report you receive after an ADHD or autism assessment matters well beyond the appointment itself. It can support access to workplace adjustments, education support, and ongoing care, so it's worth understanding what a thorough report should generally cover.

Clear identification and context

A good report should start with basic, clear details: who was assessed, who carried out the assessment, their professional role and registration, the date of assessment, and the purpose of the report. This transparency makes it easier for others, such as a GP, employer or school, to understand where the report has come from and how it was produced.

A description of the assessment process

The report should explain how the assessment was conducted: how many appointments took place, what tools or structured interviews were used, and whether information was gathered from other sources, such as family members, partners, or school reports, where relevant. This helps the reader understand the thoroughness behind the conclusions, rather than presenting a diagnosis as a simple statement.

Relevant background and history

A thorough report typically includes relevant developmental, personal, educational or occupational history, along with information about current difficulties and how they present across different settings, such as home, work or school. For autism assessments in particular, information from early childhood, where available, is often an important part of the picture.

Consideration of other explanations

Good clinical practice involves thinking about other conditions or factors that could explain someone's difficulties, and explaining how these were considered or ruled out. A report that shows this kind of careful reasoning tends to be more robust and useful than one that jumps straight to a conclusion.

A clear outcome and clinical reasoning

The report should state the clinical outcome clearly, along with the reasoning behind it, referencing the criteria used, such as recognised diagnostic frameworks. Whether or not a diagnosis is given, the reasoning should be explained in plain terms so it's understandable, not just to other professionals but to the person themselves.

Practical recommendations

Beyond the diagnostic outcome, a helpful report often includes practical next steps and recommendations, such as suggested support strategies, signposting to further resources, or information relevant to workplace or education adjustments. Where medication is discussed, this should be framed as a matter for ongoing clinical discussion rather than a fixed prescription within the report itself.

Suitability for onward use

Many people need to share their report with a GP, employer, university or other organisation. It's reasonable to ask a clinic in advance whether their report format is generally suitable for these purposes, though acceptance ultimately depends on the receiving organisation's own policies.

What to ask before booking

• Can you see an example or description of what the report typically includes?
• How long after the assessment will you receive the report?
• Is there an opportunity to discuss the report's findings with the clinician, such as a feedback appointment?
• What is the process if you disagree with something in the report or want clarification?

Why this matters

A vague, generic or overly brief report can limit how useful the assessment outcome is later on, for example when applying for adjustments or discussing ongoing care with a GP. Asking about report content before you book is a practical way to judge a clinic's overall thoroughness, alongside checking their CQC registration and the clinician's professional credentials.

If you have questions about how to use your report, or what it means for your ongoing care, speak to your GP or another qualified clinician.