Core Needs assessments for children
As a parent or carer, you may have questions about your child’s development, behaviour, wellbeing or day-to-day experiences. Perhaps you’ve noticed differences in how they learn, communicate or manage emotions, and you’d like a better understanding of what these might mean. It can be hard to know where to start.
The Melios Core Needs Assessment is a clinician-led online assessment that builds a clearer understanding of your child’s experiences, strengths and support needs, focusing on your child as an individual rather than starting with a diagnosis.
You don’t need to know exactly what support your child needs before getting in touch. That’s what we’re here to help with.
Is a Core Needs Assessment right for my child?
A Core Needs Assessment may be helpful if:
- You’re concerned about your child’s wellbeing, behaviour, emotions or development but aren’t sure why they’re struggling
- You’ve noticed challenges at home, in school or with friendships and want a clearer understanding of what’s going on
- You’re questioning whether ADHD, autism, mental health needs or another underlying difference could be affecting your child
- Different challenges seem to overlap, making it difficult to know where to start
- You’re looking for practical guidance and recommendations to help your child thrive
- You want a clearer understanding of your child’s strengths, needs and the support that may help them most
What is a Core Needs Assessment?
A Melios Core Needs Assessment is a comprehensive, non-diagnostic assessment that looks at your child as a whole person rather than focusing on a single concern.
Our clinicians explore your child’s experiences, strengths and circumstances across areas including neurodevelopmental differences, emotional wellbeing, attention, school life, relationships and previous support, building a clearer picture and providing personalised recommendations and next steps.
How is this different from other assessments at Melios?
Different assessments answer different questions.
An ADHD assessment focuses on whether ADHD may explain your child’s experiences. An autism assessment explores whether your child may be autistic. A psychological assessment focuses on mental health needs and support options.
A Core Needs Assessment takes a broader view when the right pathway isn’t immediately clear. It can help identify whether further assessment or support may be helpful, but it is not a replacement for a dedicated ADHD, autism or psychiatric assessment.
If you’re not sure which assessment is right for your child, a free consultation gives you the space to talk things through and find out what might make most sense.
What does the assessment involve?
A Core Needs Assessment includes questionnaires completed before the appointment, a 90-minute online assessment and a personalised report shared afterwards.
Before the assessment, you’ll complete some questionnaires to help us understand your child’s experiences and background.
You’ll then meet with an experienced clinician in a secure video appointment. Together, you’ll explore your child’s strengths, challenges and support needs, helping to build a clearer understanding of what may be contributing to any difficulties they are experiencing.
Following the assessment, you’ll receive a personalised report summarising the discussion, key findings and recommendations to help guide your child’s next steps.
What happens after the assessment?
Following the assessment, you’ll receive personalised feedback and recommendations from your clinician based on your child’s needs and circumstances.
Depending on your situation, this may include:
- Practical strategies and adjustments to support your child at home, in school or in everyday life
- Recommendations for further assessment or support, including ADHD, autism or mental health where appropriate
Our aim is to help you leave with greater clarity and a better understanding of your child’s needs and next steps.
Why choose Melios?
At Melios, we believe support should begin with understanding.
Our clinicians have extensive experience supporting children and young people with neurodevelopmental and mental health needs, and understand how these can present in complex and interconnected ways.
As part of the wider Healios group, we draw on years of experience delivering specialist ADHD, autism and mental health services, taking a personalised approach to every child and young person we work with.
We’re here to help you find a clearer path forward for your child.
Core Needs Assessment FAQs
What is a Core Needs Assessment?
A Core Needs Assessment is a non-diagnostic, clinician-led assessment designed to help build a clearer understanding of your child’s experiences, strengths, challenges and support needs when the right next step isn’t obvious.
Does it provide a diagnosis?
No. A Core Needs Assessment is not designed to provide a formal diagnosis. However, it may help identify whether a specialist diagnostic assessment could be beneficial.
Can it help if I think I might have ADHD or autism?
Yes. Many families choose a Core Needs Assessment when they are questioning whether neurodevelopmental differences could be affecting their child but aren’t sure whether a full diagnostic assessment is the right next step.
Is it the same as a psychological assessment?
No. A psychological assessment focuses on mental health and treatment. A Core Needs Assessment takes a broader approach, helping to understand your child’s overall needs and identify the most appropriate next steps.
How long does a Core Needs Assessment take?
The assessment lasts approximately 90 minutes.
Is the assessment online?
Yes. Core Needs Assessments are delivered online by experienced clinicians, making it easier to access specialist support without the need to travel.
What happens after the assessment?
You’ll receive personalised feedback and recommendations designed to help you understand what support or next steps may be most beneficial for your child.
How do I know if this is the right assessment?
If you’re unsure whether your child needs an ADHD assessment, autism assessment, psychological assessment or another type of support, a free consultation is a great place to start. We’ll listen to your concerns and help you understand which pathway may be most appropriate.
Talk to Melios about a Core Needs Assessment
Whether you’re looking to better understand your child, explore their strengths and support needs, or find the right next step, a free consultation gives you the space to talk things through.
We’ll help you understand your options and identify the most appropriate next step, whether that’s a Core Needs Assessment, a specialist assessment or another form of support.
There is no pressure to commit to anything. The aim is simply to help you feel clearer, more informed and more confident about what comes next.