Needs-Led Support for Children & Adults
Explore Your Needs Before Diagnosis
LYCALI Discovery is a pre-diagnostic and exploratory pathway for children, young people and adults who do not have a confirmed diagnosis. It helps people understand their individual profile, identify support needs and consider practical next steps while awaiting assessment, deciding whether assessment may be helpful, or choosing not to pursue diagnosis.
Start with a free check-in, choose a full profile analysis and consultation if you would like greater clarity, and continue into a personalised six-session needs-led programme where this is agreed to be helpful. Discovery does not provide a diagnosis or replace a diagnostic assessment.
Support should be based on need, not only on a diagnostic label
People can experience significant barriers with attention, communication, sensory processing, emotional regulation, learning or everyday functioning without having a confirmed diagnosis. Support can begin by understanding those needs and identifying helpful adjustments and strategies.
A diagnosis can still be valuable in some circumstances. It may help someone understand their experiences, access condition-specific treatment, obtain formal adjustments or make informed decisions about future support. Discovery helps people explore their needs before diagnosis; it does not diagnose, rule out a condition or replace a formal assessment.
Before diagnosis or exploring assessment
Choose L.Y.C.A.L.I Discovery. This pathway is for people who are awaiting assessment, considering assessment, or want needs-led support without pursuing a diagnosis.
Already have a confirmed diagnosis?
The appropriate pathway is the separate L.Y.C.A.L.I Framework Psychoeducation Programme, which helps people understand and apply an autism, ADHD or dyslexia diagnosis.
Choose the Level of Discovery You Need
This pre-diagnostic pathway is staged, so you can begin with a free check-in and decide whether you would benefit from a fuller professional exploration before making decisions about assessment or support.
Free Discovery Check-In
Choose the age-appropriate questionnaire, complete 15 short questions and receive an immediate needs-led outcome showing which areas of everyday life currently have the highest scores.
- Takes approximately three minutes
- Explores five areas of everyday functioning
- No diagnosis is suggested or ruled out
- Answers are not stored or submitted
Full Profile Analysis and Consultation
£199A trained professional completes and reviews the fuller Discovery Needs Profile with you, explores the context behind your responses and helps determine your current support needs.
- Full needs-profile completion and analysis
- Individual consultation
- Discussion of strengths, barriers and priorities
- Recommended support and next steps
Six-Session Discovery Programme
If agreed following the profile and consultation, the person can continue into a six-session pre-diagnostic, needs-led programme based on their goals and everyday experiences.
- Six individualised sessions
- Practical strategies and adjustments
- Support across home, education or work
- Review of progress and next steps
The LYCALI Discovery Framework
The six Discovery sessions provide a flexible pre-diagnostic structure rather than a one-size-fits-all course. The emphasis and pace are adapted to the person's age, communication preferences, emerging profile, circumstances and agreed goals. This is distinct from Lycali's post-diagnostic psychoeducation programme.
Learn
Understand individual patterns of attention, communication, sensory experience, learning and wellbeing.
You
Explore identity, strengths, interests, preferences, values and what matters most to the person.
Communicate
Identify communication preferences, relationship needs, barriers and ways to express support needs.
Adapt
Develop realistic regulation strategies, environmental adaptations and approaches to overwhelm or change.
Life Skills
Support routines, organisation, education, work, self-care, executive functioning and everyday participation.
Independence and Integration
Bring learning together, strengthen self-advocacy and agree achievable next steps for greater independence.
Who Is the Discovery Pathway Suitable For?
The pathway is suitable where someone does not have a confirmed diagnosis and would benefit from clearer understanding and practical support while exploring their needs or considering assessment.
People awaiting assessment
Children, young people or adults experiencing long waits who need helpful strategies and adjustments now.
People considering assessment
Those who are unsure whether a diagnostic assessment would be helpful and want to understand their profile and options first.
People without a diagnosis
Anyone experiencing barriers in everyday life who would benefit from a needs-led exploration without requiring a diagnostic label.
People choosing not to pursue diagnosis
Those who want to understand their needs and access practical strategies without entering a formal diagnostic pathway.
Children and young people aged 7+
Age-appropriate support involving parents or carers where helpful, with consideration of home, education and relationships.
Adults
Including adults exploring lifelong patterns, later-identified needs, masking, burnout, work, relationships or independent living.
Families needing direction
Families who are unsure which service, professional or form of support would be most appropriate.
Education and workplace needs
People who need clearer evidence of functional barriers, useful strategies or possible reasonable adjustments.
What Can Be Explored?
The profile looks beyond diagnostic categories and considers how different needs interact in everyday life.
Delivered by Trained Professionals
Participants are matched with a trained professional whose background is relevant to the person's main needs. Practitioners work within Lycali's clinical governance, safeguarding, supervision and quality-assurance arrangements.
Psychologists
Psychological formulation, emotional wellbeing, behaviour, identity and complex patterns of need.
Psychotherapists
Emotional understanding, relationships, coping, self-concept and psychologically informed support.
Occupational Therapists
Sensory needs, daily functioning, participation, routines, environments and independence.
Speech and Language Therapists
Communication, interaction, language processing, self-advocacy and accessible strategies.
Social Workers
Psychosocial needs, family and environmental context, advocacy, services and functional support.
Multidisciplinary Input
Where helpful, Lycali can consider whether needs would benefit from input across more than one professional discipline.
Common Questions
Do I need a diagnosis to access Discovery?
No. Discovery is specifically for the stage before diagnosis: while awaiting assessment, considering whether assessment may be helpful, or choosing not to pursue diagnosis. If you already have a confirmed diagnosis and want help understanding it, please use Lycali's separate post-diagnostic psychoeducation pathway.
Does the Discovery profile provide a diagnosis?
No. The check-in, full profile and consultation do not diagnose or rule out autism, ADHD, dyslexia or another condition. They identify functional needs, priorities and possible next steps.
Can the profile help me decide whether to pursue assessment?
It can support an informed discussion about whether further specialist or diagnostic assessment may be helpful. It cannot predict the outcome of an assessment.
What is included in the £199 option?
The £199 option includes completion and professional analysis of the full Discovery Needs Profile and an individual consultation to explore strengths, barriers, support priorities and recommended next steps.
Do I have to continue into the six-session programme?
No. The full profile and consultation can be used as a standalone service. The six-session programme is offered only where it is agreed to be appropriate and the person wishes to continue.
Can parents or carers be involved?
Yes. For children and young people, parent or carer involvement is usually valuable. For adults, involvement of another person is guided by the adult's wishes and consent.
Is Discovery therapy or post-diagnostic psychoeducation?
No. Discovery is a structured pre-diagnostic needs-identification and support pathway. It may use psychologically informed approaches, but it is not therapy, a diagnostic assessment or Lycali's post-diagnostic L.Y.C.A.L.I Framework Psychoeducation Programme.
What if I already have a diagnosis?
If you already have a confirmed autism, ADHD or dyslexia diagnosis and want to understand what it means for you, the separate L.Y.C.A.L.I Framework Psychoeducation Programme is likely to be the more appropriate pathway.
Where is the programme available?
Support may be available online across the UK or in person in Kent, including Broadstairs and Whitstable, depending on individual needs and practitioner availability.
Start with LYCALI Discovery
If you are at the pre-diagnostic or exploratory stage, choose the appropriate free check-in for an immediate needs-led outcome, or contact our team to arrange the £199 full profile analysis and consultation.
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The fees 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.
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Reviews
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![Five blue stars in a row.]()
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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"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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![Five blue stars arranged in a row.]()
"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 ran by Stuart helped me understand my diagnosis in a clearer and more positive way. I now better understand my strengths and needs and have practical strategies I can use every day. I feel more confident about what comes next.
About Lycali
Lycali offers a professional and friendly service where time and attention can be taken to ensure the service received is of the highest standard and there is minimal waiting time. Our specialist team will always take the time to provide expert advice so you are aware of all the pre- and post-diagnostic and therapy services available. Our clinic is for children and adults, based in Thanet and surrounding areas. We provide online or in-person therapy sessions.
Because Every Individual Deserves to Be Understood