ACG Psychology
Empowering Neurodivergent Children, Teens and Young Adults
ACG Psychology is an independent psychology practice that offers neuro-affirmative therapy and post-diagnostic support to neurodivergent children, adolescents and young adults. We offer person-centred support, which means we focus on the specific needs of the individual. We recognise that no one person needs exactly the same thing – every brain is different! We understand the emotional pain associated with living a world that favours the needs of the “neurotypical” population and are passionate about promoting the acceptance of neurodivergence. Our therapy room at Orchard Clinic is a warm and comfortable space that is adapted according to individual need, for example, we do not expect children to sit still and talk, or for young people to keep their shoes on if they choose not to!.
We offer a tailored therapeutic support package that provides psycho-social support for the following:
- Anxiety and anxiety-based disorders e.g., specific phobias, social anxiety, Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Low mood and depression.
- Post-diagnostic support to help understand an individual’s neurodivergence, whether this be autism, ADHD or a combination of both. We recognise Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) as a specific profile of autism that needs an adapted approach to understanding and support.
- Difficulties relating to executive functioning in the context of autism and/or ADHD.
- Difficulties with understanding and/or managing emotions (emotional dysregulation) in the context of autism and/or ADHD.
- Emotionally Based School Avoidance in the context of autism and/or ADHD.
Using the right language is really important to us – we know that using the “wrong” words can cause the people we support to feel misunderstood. The term neurodivergence is chosen deliberately as it reflects the preferences of those who are vocal about these issues in the autistic and ADHD communities. We know that other people might prefer to use different terms and will respect these choices when working together.
Our acceptance of referrals is not based on formal diagnosis. If you are seeking support for yourself, or your child/young person, where autism and/or ADHD is suspected but not confirmed, please do let us know.
ADHD
ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity. These traits are not a choice and can significantly affect daily life.
Autism
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, socializes, and processes sensory information. It is a spectrum condition, meaning its traits and their intensity can vary widely from person to person.
AuDHD
AuDHD is an informal term for the co-occurrence of Autism and ADHD, where traits from each condition can mask or clash with the other, creating a unique neurotype.
Assessment Services for Autism and ADHD
Whilst ACG Psychology is not a diagnostic service, Dr Annabel Goodall also works as a Clinical Lead for Berkshire Psychology, a neurodevelopmental assessment clinic based near Reading. Please follow the link below if you would like information on autism and/or ADHD diagnostic assessments.
