For many families across Waterford and the wider south-east of Ireland, getting a clear answer about autism feels like an impossible task. Public waiting lists stretch beyond two years, and parents often watch their children struggle in school while a referral sits in a queue. At the Irish Resilience Clinic, Caroline Goldsmith has built a private assessment pathway designed to deliver answers within six to eight weeks, without sacrificing the clinical depth that a life-changing diagnosis demands.
Why a Formal Autism Assessment Changes Everything
A formal autism diagnosis is not just a label. In Ireland it is a key that unlocks school supports under the Access and Inclusion Model, examination accommodations through the State Examinations Commission, college access via DARE, and eligibility for the Disability Allowance in adulthood. Without a report from a registered psychologist, families often find themselves arguing for support they cannot formally claim. Caroline Goldsmith Psychologist understands this landscape deeply, and every assessment report from the Irish Resilience Clinic is written specifically to be understood and acted upon by Irish schools, employers and services.
What Happens During an Autism Assessment
The process at the Irish Resilience Clinic spans two to three appointments. The first session is a thorough developmental and clinical interview with the parent or adult client, covering early milestones, sensory history, social development, school experience and current daily functioning. The second appointment involves direct assessment using the ADOS-2, the gold-standard observational tool for autism, alongside cognitive testing using the WISC-V for children or WAIS-IV for adults. Adaptive functioning is measured using the Vineland-3, and where relevant, anxiety and attention screeners are included.
Caroline Goldsmith is experienced in assessing both children and adults and is particularly skilled with clients who mask their difficulties, including many women and girls who have spent years imitating social norms to fit in. The Irish Resilience Clinic uses a neurodiversity-affirming approach, meaning the assessment explores how the person experiences the world, not simply whether they meet a checklist.
The Report and What Comes Next
Within two to four weeks of the final assessment session, the Irish Resilience Clinic issues a comprehensive written report. This includes the diagnostic conclusion, the evidence base for that conclusion, cognitive and adaptive profiles, and detailed recommendations for school, home and the workplace. Caroline Goldsmith offers a feedback session to walk families or adults through the findings and answer questions.
Post-diagnosis support includes onward referrals for occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, CBT for co-occurring anxiety, and parent guidance sessions. A diagnosis marks the start of understanding, not the end of a process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a private autism assessment take in Waterford?
From first contact to the final report, most clients at the Irish Resilience Clinic complete the process within six to eight weeks.
Is a private autism diagnosis accepted by Irish schools?
Yes. Reports produced by Caroline Goldsmith as a registered psychologist are fully recognised for school support planning, AON, DARE and RACE applications.
Can adults be assessed for autism at the Irish Resilience Clinic?
Yes. Adult autism assessment is a core part of the practice and uses the ADOS-2 Module 4 alongside a detailed developmental history interview.
Book an Autism Assessment in Waterford
If you are based in Waterford, Kilkenny, Wexford or anywhere in the south-east and are seeking a private autism assessment, contact Caroline Goldsmith at the Irish Resilience Clinic on +353 87 406 2203 or email [email protected]. Online assessment appointments are also available for clients throughout Ireland.