Expert Witness & Independent Psychological Advice
We provide independent psychological assessment, professional opinion and expert witness services relating to children, young people and families.
Our work can be particularly valuable where an independent psychological perspective is required to help clarify a child or young person's needs, the impact of those needs, and the support or provision that may be required.
Supporting children, young people and families
For families navigating complex educational or psychological circumstances, an independent assessment can provide clarity and help ensure that the child or young person's needs are properly understood.
We can provide professional opinion in relation to areas including:
- Neurodevelopmental needs, including autism and ADHD
- Emotional and psychological functioning
- Social communication and interaction
- Cognitive and executive functioning
- The impact of difficulties on education and everyday functioning
- Barriers to accessing education
- Special educational needs and disability
- The impact of unmet needs
- Appropriate educational and psychological support
Our approach is child-centred, evidence-based and independent, with conclusions based on the available evidence rather than the desired outcome of any particular party.
Expert evidence for EHCP processes
EHCP matters can involve complex questions about a child's needs, the impact of those needs and the level of provision required.
We can provide independent psychological assessment and expert opinion to assist families and professionals in understanding:
The child's needs
What psychological, developmental, emotional, social or neurodevelopmental needs are present?
The impact of those needs
How are these difficulties affecting the child's ability to access learning, participate in school, develop independence and maintain wellbeing?
The provision required
What type of support, intervention, adaptations or specialist provision may reasonably be required to meet those needs?
Where appropriate, our assessment and professional opinion can contribute to evidence used within the EHCP process or associated dispute resolution and appeal proceedings.
Expert witness work
We can undertake independent psychological assessments and provide expert reports where psychological expertise is required.
This may involve:
- Reviewing relevant documentation and existing professional evidence
- Conducting psychological assessment
- Gathering information from relevant sources
- Considering the child or young person's presentation across different environments
- Providing an independent professional opinion
- Making clear, evidence-based recommendations
- Preparing an expert report
- Responding to specific questions or areas of instruction
- Providing clarification where required
Where instructed to do so, we can also provide oral evidence and attend hearings or other formal proceedings, subject to the requirements of the case.
Independence and professional standards
As independent practitioners, we understand the importance of providing an objective and balanced opinion.
Our role is not to advocate for one side, but to provide an independent psychological opinion based on the evidence available.
Reports are written clearly and accessibly, while maintaining appropriate professional rigour. We aim to ensure that complex psychological information is translated into meaningful conclusions about the child or young person's functioning, needs and potential provision.
A child-centred approach
Expert assessment should never lose sight of the person at the centre of the case.
Our assessments consider the individual child or young person within the context of their developmental history, family, education and wider environment. We consider both strengths and difficulties, recognising that presentation can vary significantly between settings.
The ultimate aim is to provide a clear, balanced and clinically informed understanding that can assist families, schools, legal professionals and decision-makers in determining the most appropriate way forward.
Professional instructions
We accept instructions from appropriate professionals and organisations, as well as enquiries from families seeking independent psychological assessment and advice in relation to educational matters.
If you are considering instructing us, please get in touch to discuss the circumstances of the case, the questions requiring expert opinion and the type of assessment or report required.
Looking for a general independent assessment for your own family, outside a formal legal instruction? Our Independent Psychological Assessment service may be the better starting point.