"I had an incredibly disappointing and…"

I had an incredibly disappointing and distressing experience with Evolve Psychology under the Right to Choose pathway. They misdiagnosed my daughter, claiming she was “too sociable” to meet the criteria for autism. Instead, they attributed her challenges to PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) traits linked to her ADHD—something that isn’t even a recognized diagnosis. Unfortunately, after their assessment, my daughter’s struggles escalated, and she could no longer cope in mainstream education just a few months later.

She was granted an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) without issue and placed in a specialist school for children with ASD. Along the way, multiple professionals, including pediatricians and psychologists, reviewed her case. They were baffled that Evolve had not diagnosed her with autism. Eventually, she was assessed on the NHS, where the team was extremely helpful and thorough. They diagnosed her with ASD, confirming there was more than enough evidence at the time of her initial assessment to meet the diagnostic criteria.

I know Evolve will likely respond by claiming that struggles and evidence become more apparent over time. However, this simply does not hold up. My daughter’s difficulties were so significant that she was moved out of mainstream school just months after their assessment. Additionally, Evolve assured me they could see through masking, but their report does not reflect this. I’ve shown their report to multiple other providers, who have all said it is inadequate and doesn’t make sense—especially in its advice around PDA, which they connected to ADHD in an unsupported and confusing way.

This process was incredibly traumatic for my daughter, who was left confused and distressed. Imagine being told by one service that you’re not autistic, only to have others confirm that you are and send you to a school for ASD. Autism isn’t something that “develops”; she was autistic when Evolve assessed her, and they failed to recognize it.

When I raised these concerns with Evolve, they were rude, dismissive, and completely unsupportive. Their attitude compounded the stress and frustration of what was already an awful experience.

I chose the Right to Choose option to get my daughter help quickly, but it turned out to be a serious mistake. If you’re considering Evolve, especially if you have a daughter, I urge you to think carefully. Their inability to provide an accurate diagnosis and the inadequacy of their report caused unnecessary delays, confusion, and trauma.
Searching online it is easy to see others have had the same experience.

"Great service"

Great service, kept informed of process throughout.

"I would highly recommend using evolve"

I would highly recommend using evolve. Very thorough in finding out as much as they can about the child and very professional in their approach.

"Great experience "

Mad ean NHS right to choose referral for 2 if my children which were seen within 12 months of referral and the outcome as much as I hurts I feel are correct with both my children and both are different. They always kept me up to date with things and was always so lovely and professional in my appointments. My younger child is a girl and masks so well but the saw through her and I was very shocked as not many do ! Would highly recommend. One thing that could be make the experience better would be refreshments or magazines etc to keep parents occupied whilst waiting an hour for your child to be assessed.

"I would not recommend "

Unfortunately going through a right-to-choose assessment for ASC and ADHD I found them to be unprofessional and incorrect in diagnosis. We had to wait another two years after their non-diagnosis to be diagnosed via CAMHS they don't see past a Childs mask and to be quite honest they didn't look. Very disappointed with them

"From the start of the NHS referral we…"

From the start of the NHS referral we were looked after very well. Originally referred through our GP, we were kept up-to-date with every step of the process. Every time we spoke to a member of the Evolve team they were professional, helpful and pleasant. The offices are welcoming and friendly with the calm atmosphere you would hope for. Our interview was relaxed and friendly and really helped us to get the best information from memory so we could answer questions as thoroughly as possible. The interaction with our daughter was made fun and engaging for her. She isn't great at new people but she came away feeling happy! On receiving her diagnosis we were given valuable insights into aspects of ASC and advice on where we could find further support. Very happy parents, thank you Evolve!