Specialist Neuro-Affirming Assessment & Therapy Service
Based in Kent, Supporting Children, Young People and Adults Nationwide
Where are you in your journey?
Choose the pathway that best describes where you are right now, and we’ll guide you to the most relevant next step.
I need an assessment
You may be noticing differences or seeking clarity. Explore structured assessments to understand needs and next steps.
I have a diagnosis
You already have a diagnosis and want support, strategies or guidance to move forward with confidence.
How Lycali’s Model Works
A supportive, structured pathway designed to guide individuals and families from first enquiry through to ongoing support.
Listen
We begin by understanding your concerns, experiences and what support you may be looking for.
Your Needs
We gather information to understand needs, strengths, risks and the most appropriate pathway.
Clinical Pathway
We recommend suitable next steps, such as assessment, therapy, coaching or specialist support.
Assessment & Support
Our clinicians provide evidence-based assessment, intervention and tailored therapeutic support.
Learn & Reflect
We provide feedback, recommendations and guidance to help individuals understand next steps.
Independence
Ongoing support may include psychoeducation, therapy, coaching, advocacy and practical strategies.
Free Screening Questionnaires
Not sure where to start? Complete a free screening questionnaire to guide your next steps.
Irlen Syndrome
Visual processing screening for Irlen-related difficulties.
📚Dyslexia
Explore literacy, processing and learning differences.
🧠Autism (12–15)
Screen for autistic traits in adolescents.
🧠Autism (Adults)
Identify traits associated with autism in adulthood.
🧠Autism (4–11)
Early screening for autistic traits in children.
⚡ADHD
Explore attention, impulsivity and executive functioning.
Important: Screening tools do not provide a diagnosis. They help guide whether a full assessment may be appropriate.
Why Choose Lycali
Specialist neurodevelopmental assessments and support, delivered with a clear, structured and neuro-affirming approach.
Assessment & Services
- Private Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia & Irlen Syndrome Assessments
- Speech & Language Therapy & Post-diagnostic Support
- FREE Screening Questionnaires to guide next steps
Clinical Quality
- Evidence-based, NICE-aligned & SASC-aligned assessments
- Reports accepted by many NHS services, Local Authorities, schools, universities and employers
- Clear recommendations with practical next steps
Neuro-Affirming Approach
- Support for female, complex & “borderline” presentations
- Person-centred and neuro-affirming model
- Tailored pathways based on individual needs
Collaborative Support
- Working alongside families, schools & Local Authorities
- Multidisciplinary input where appropriate
- Ongoing support beyond diagnosis
Qualified Clinicians
- Delivered by fully qualified, experienced professionals
- HCPC, NMC, SWE & BACP Registered
- Assessment Practising Certificate (APC)
Not sure where to start?
Complete a free screening questionnaire or contact our team — we’ll guide you to the right pathway.
30-minute specialist guidance session
Not sure what support you need?
Our advisory session gives you time with a specialist clinician to talk through your needs, ask questions and understand the most appropriate next step.
What can an advisory session help with?
- Clear guidance following a recent diagnosis such as Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia or Developmental Language Disorder.
- Signposting to trusted local and national services.
- Personalised recommendations and practical strategies tailored to you.
- Information about post-diagnostic services and next steps.
- Insight into how Lycali can support you moving forward.
This is ideal if you are:
- A parent or carer unsure where to begin
- An adult seeking clarity after diagnosis
- Trying to understand assessment or therapy options
- Looking for practical next steps
- Unsure whether Lycali is the right service for you
Whether you're a parent, carer or individual seeking clarity, this session is designed to empower and support you.
Book Your SessionWhy we’re not a Right to Choose provider
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Our priority is delivering gold-standard, neuro-affirming Autism and ADHD assessments with the highest level of clinical quality. We know many families and adults consider the NHS Right to Choose pathway, so we want to clearly explain why we choose not to operate under this system and how this benefits the people we support.
Our decision is rooted in ensuring fast turnaround times, compliance, and neuroaffirmative high-quality care.
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While NHS Right to Choose can be helpful, waiting times are often long — commonly 6–18 months, depending on location and service capacity.
By remaining independent, Lycali offers:
Shorter waiting times (often weeks, not months)
Flexible appointment options
Direct self-referral, with no GP referral required
This means quicker answers and earlier access to meaningful support.
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All Lycali assessments follow NICE guidance and use validated tools such as:
ADOS-2
ADI-R
DIVA-5 / Young DIVA
ACE / ACE+
We allow the time needed for thorough, multidisciplinary assessment, so clients feel listened to — not rushed.
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Because our assessments meet NHS-equivalent clinical standards, Lycali reports are recognised by:
NHS and GP services
Schools and SENCO teams
Local authorities (including EHCP processes)
Employers and workplace adjustments teams
Your assessment is designed to travel with you and support you across settings.
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All assessments at Lycali are delivered by fully qualified, registered clinicians, including:
HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologists
GMC-registered Paediatricians
HCPC-registered Speech & Language Therapists or Occupational Therapists
We do not use trainees or non-clinical staff to carry out diagnostic assessments. This ensures clinical integrity, consistency, and reports that stand up to educational, medical, and legal scrutiny.
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The fees outlined are an accurate guide, but can vary depending on the service required. Please contact us for an individualised quotation.
*When applicable, we can provide means-tested discounts. If you're experiencing financial difficulties, please inform us, and we'll assess whether we can assist in covering part of the service expenses.
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We accept payments via BACS Transfer.
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We accept credit and debit card payments via Stripe for your convenience.
Please note that card payments are subject to a 2.99% processing fee, which will be added to the invoice total to cover transaction costs.
All payments are processed securely through Stripe, a trusted global payment provider.
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For assessment services, we offer the option to pay in two instalments. The total fee can be split into two payments of 50%:
50% is payable at the time of booking to secure your assessment appointment.
The remaining 50% is due upon completion of the assessment, prior to the release of the final report.
There is no additional fee if paying via BACS.
Please note that any applicable card or Buy Now, Pay Later processing fees will be added if these payment methods are used.
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If your assessment or therapy expenses are set to be covered by your private medical insurance, kindly provide us with your insurer details for seamless payment coordination between you and your insurance provider. Our affiliation encompasses registration with Aviva, AXA, BUPA and Vitality Health, facilitating a streamlined process for your convenience.
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We are pleased to offer flexible payment options to make accessing our services easier. Clients can choose to pay via Klarna or PayPal “Buy Now, Pay Later”, subject to approval by the payment provider.
Please note that payments made using Klarna or PayPal Pay Later will incur an additional 4.99% processing fee, which will be added to the invoice total to cover transaction costs.
Availability of these payment options is subject to eligibility and approval by Klarna or PayPal, and we are unable to influence or guarantee approval decisions.
Our Payment Options
Meet the Founder
Stephanie Connolly
Founder & Clinical Director of Lycali
Lycali was founded with a simple but powerful vision — to create a service where individuals and families feel genuinely heard, supported and understood.
Stephanie recognised that many people seeking neurodevelopmental assessments or therapeutic support face long waiting times, unclear pathways and limited guidance. Lycali was created to offer a more responsive, compassionate and clinically robust alternative.
Under Stephanie’s leadership, Lycali has grown into a trusted multidisciplinary team supporting children, young people and adults across Kent and nationwide.
Reviews
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"Lycali provided a thorough and compassionate autism assessment. Everything was explained clearly, and I finally feel understood. I wish I’d done this sooner."
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"I’ve worked with other services before, but Lycali stands out for their professionalism and empathy. My therapist helped me navigate some really difficult times with sensitivity and skill."
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I just wanted to say thank you to Dr Isobel Robb and Stephanie for making the assessment comfortable for both me and my parents to conduct. It was very thorough and the outcome will definitely help me in my future. I'm really thankful for receiving the results so quickly
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“Thank you so much for all your help, support and care. You have explained everything we needed and thank you for saying I can get in touch if we need any more help.”
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“You were very patient with our son and always gave us ideas so that we could support him between therapy sessions. Thank you so much!”
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“After our daughter's Speech and language assessment, you offered great feedback and your report was very detailed. This was a huge help towards the EHCP process.”
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"My daughter’s speech has improved so much in just a few months. Our speech therapist at Lycali was kind, engaging, and always kept us involved with providing follow up activities. I highly recommend them."
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“Heidi was very engaging and really listened to the needs of my son. She explained her methods and gave us tips to try at home. We are really pleased with the service.”
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“The calls have helped me to find more space and given me a safe space to discuss and release emotions. Tim's nature and communication is comforting and supportive, he adds thoughts and questions which offer space to analyse and to help growth.”
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"Heidi was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. She gave our son room to explore and enjoyable targets".
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"Heidi was very patient with my child and has made him confident to use his voice"
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"I can’t thank you enough for your help and support with my son. I will most certainly be coming back to your services again for an autism assessment".
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"The ADHD assessment process was seamless, evidence-based, and respectful. I felt listened to throughout, and the diagnosis has helped me finally understand myself."
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Everything has been amazing so thanks to you, Isobel and Stephanie. You have made things really easy with clear and quick communication and they really created a safe environment instantly.
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Thank you so much. It was a pleasure working with your staff. They were really kind and helpful and made the process easier for both me and Matilda.
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"We had a brilliant experience with Lycali. The assessment process was clear, kind, and professional from start to finish. My son felt at ease, and we finally have a clear plan for supporting his needs."
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"I was nervous about starting therapy, but the team at Lycali made me feel heard and respected from day one. Their care was outstanding, and the progress I’ve made is life-changing."
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The psychoeducation sessions at Lycali were incredibly helpful for our family. After our child’s autism diagnosis, we felt overwhelmed and unsure what it all meant for daily life. The sessions explained everything clearly and helped us understand our child’s strengths as well as their differences. We left feeling more confident.
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To effectively communicate we must realise that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others
Want to find out more?
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Because Every Individual Deserves to Be Understood
Not sure where to start? We’ll guide you.
Complete the form below and our team will help direct you to the most appropriate assessment, therapy or support pathway.
Clear Next Steps
We’ll review your enquiry and guide you towards the most suitable service.
Supportive Approach
You do not need to know exactly what you need before contacting us.
Confidential Enquiry
Your information is handled sensitively and only used to respond to your enquiry.
For urgent safeguarding or medical concerns, please contact emergency services, NHS 111, your GP or local crisis support.
01843 264 170
Kent Innovation Centre, Broadstairs, CT10 2QQ
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday: By Appointment