Welcome To Curious Minds

Delivering gold standard Autism and ADHD Assessments for children, teenagers and adults in Dundee and across Tayside.

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getting you
the support you need

We believe individuals should be able to access quality Autism and ADHD assessment services when they need it. Our specialist team make sure that you are seen quickly, conveniently and receive a service tailored to your needs.

Putting you first in the assessment process

We are a team of highly skilled clinicians offering personalised, comprehensive, neuro affirming assessments that follow national best practice guidelines. Our approach recognises Autism and ADHD as natural neurodevelopmental differences, not deficits. Our assessments are collaborative, respectful, and grounded in your lived experience — whether you are seeking clarity for yourself, your child, or a young person you support. Developing a shared understanding of your experiences is at the centre of our assessments. We offer diagnostic assessments for Autism and ADHD, as well as personalised follow up to help you make sense of things. We pride ourselves in being experts in Autism and ADHD presentations in girls and women in particular.

What we offer:

  • Full Autism assessments
  • Full ADHD assessments
  • Combined Autism + ADHD assessment
  • Specialists in assessment of Girls & Women
  • Clear, accessible reports written to the person, not about them
  • Strengths based recommendations tailored to home, school, university or work
  • A warm, supportive assessment process designed to reduce anxiety and honour neurodivergent communication styles

Whether you are looking for understanding, validation, or practical next steps, we offer a safe, thoughtful space to explore your neurodevelopmental profile.

View Our Services

What to expect - Assessment Process

Free Initial
Consultation

20 minute telephone consultation where we can hear more about your needs and decide if our service is right for you.

Evidence based
Clinical Assessment

Gold standard in Autism Assessment with full developmental history interview, face to face assessment and multidisciplinary team discussion

Diagnostic
Assessment Report

Detailed diagnostic report following assessment. We present our findings and offer personalised strategies and recommendations.

Post
Diagnostic Advice

We offer a follow up appointment to help you make sense of the assessment outcome and discuss any questions you might have.

“We cannot thank Louise and Curious Minds enough for their professionalism and personal approach to helping us.״

Patricia L.
It's now been over 4 months since my autism diagnosis and I just wanted to firstly thank you for being so lovely during the process and turning what was a pretty stressful occasion into something that was actually quite fun! Seeking a diagnosis is one of the best decisions I've made and you 2 ladies are a huge part of that so thank you again.
Katie
The staff were ideal. Clued up on the subtler female expressions of autism, very friendly and accommodating. The whole process was very efficient and as described. I had a very positive experience and would highly recommend.
Lia
We really appreciate your time, care and support during this process and greatly value both the time and professional advice you have offered us as well. The resource list is really helpful and we once again want to intimate our sincerest thanks for your support.
Paul & Jennifer
Thank you very much for your report and your kindness in our appointments.
Gillian
Thanks so much for meeting with me. Thanks also for making the assessment process feel as comfortable as it could be and creating a space that felt kind and understanding.
Cara
I wanted to say a heartfelt thank you from our family over the last short stretch. Saturday was a very important day and testament to Tom’s resilience and amazing ability to navigate life with what we have confirmed now as an autistic brain.
Margaret

Fiona Mitchell

I qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist from The University of Strathclyde in 1996 and have over 25 years of experience working in NHS Scotland. I started work as a community Speech and Language Therapist working with children and young people.

I very quickly developed a real interest in Neurodevelopmental conditions, working closely with young people and their families to support the development of their speech, language and communication skills. I am passionate that all children should be in an environment where their communication can develop to the best of their abilities.

I have further developed my skills and knowledge particularly in the area of Autism, completing my ADOS 2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale) training and for a number of years my role has included being part of both community and specialist Autism Multidisciplinary Assessments.

I thoroughly enjoyed completing the National Autistic Society training in EarlyBird and EarlyBird Plus programmes. Delivering these parent groups allowed me to support families to learn more about Autism and to help them develop new ways to support their child.

I continue to work in the NHS supporting families on their journey pre and post assessment of Neurodevelopmental conditions.

 

Qualifications:

  • Bsc Hons Speech and Language Pathology

Claire Pollock

I am an Occupational Therapist (OT) with nearly 23 years experience within NHS Paediatric and Child and Adolescent Services both in Tayside and Fife, as well as a year as a Neurodevelopmental Therapist in a District Health Board in New Zealand. I have experience in both In-patient and community settings and have also been based within schools.

During this time, I have developed a particular passion for learning and sharing knowledge about Sensory integration and neuroscience. I feel privileged to have been able to explore and have conversations with many individuals about their unique sensory experiences; which are our foundation and gateway to how we experience our world with confidence.

I bring a broad and varied proficiency within the team around the child, supporting consistency in the home, school and other environments. Helping others to support you to achieve what is important to you.

OT considers the whole person, grounded in bringing a holistic approach to supporting people to achieve their goals. I also enjoy the creativity and problem solving aspect of being an OT and look forward to exploring this with you.
I look forward to meeting you and am curious to learn about your unique brain and subsequent different skills, abilities, needs and considerations.

Qualifications:

  • BSc Occupational Therapy
  • HCPC Registered

Claire Mathewson

I am a Nurse Consultant with more than 20 years of experience working within NHS Neurodevelopmental Services, supporting children, young people and adults with a wide range of neurodevelopmental conditions.

I originally qualified from the University of Dundee as a Learning Disability Nurse in 2005, followed by Mental Health Nursing in 2008.

After completing my Nursing Degree, I went on to achieve a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Practice in 2019.

I am also a Non Medical Prescriber with a particular focus on sleep, emotional regulation and neurodevelopmental presentations.

I am currently undertaking a Masters level research project exploring the diagnosis of Autism.

Over the last ten years, my clinical work has centred on the assessment and diagnosis of Autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions across the lifespan.

I am trained in the delivery of both the 3Di and ADOS 2 assessments and have extensive experience working with adults whose needs may have been overlooked earlier in life.

My professional passion is working alongside neurodivergent children, young people and adults, helping them and their families develop a clearer, more affirming understanding of their strengths, needs and identity.

I feel privileged to work with such a diverse group of individuals and continue to learn from them every day.

Qualifications:

  • BSc Nursing
  • PG Dip Advance Practice
  • Registered Independent and Supplementary Prescriber

Dr. Louise Loughran

I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience working in NHS Neurodevelopmental Services and Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services across Scotland.

Throughout my career I have specialised in the assessment and understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions, and I am passionate about delivering high quality, compassionate care for children, teenagers and adults.

My particular area of interest has always been Autism, and I have extensive experience in both CAMHS and Autism Assessment Teams, where I have worked for many years.

Alongside this, I have developed significant expertise in ADHD assessment across the lifespan, including the complexities of identifying ADHD in girls, women and adults who may have been missed earlier in life.

I completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Glasgow and have undertaken extensive specialist training in Autism assessment (including ADOS), ADHD assessment, neurodevelopmental disorders, and family based approaches.

My clinical background includes many years working in NHS Greater Glasgow as a Principal Psychologist, where I played a key role in developing and delivering high quality Autism Assessment services.

I have always particularly enjoyed working alongside individuals and families to build a clearer, more affirming understanding of neurodiversity.

Whether supporting a child, a teenager or an adult seeking clarity later in life, I aim to provide assessments that are respectful, collaborative and grounded in the person’s lived experience.

Qualifications:

  • Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
  • PG Dip Cognitive Psychology
  • ADOS Certified
  • HCPC Registered