Caroline Goldsmith's Autism Assessment Process: Step by Step

If you are wondering what happens when you book a private autism assessment with Caroline Goldsmith at ATC Ireland Psychology, this page will walk you through every step of the journey — from your very first call to receiving your comprehensive report.

Caroline Goldsmith has developed a structured, evidence-based assessment process refined over more than 20 years of clinical practice in Ireland. Every assessment follows gold-standard protocols to ensure accuracy, clarity, and genuine support for each individual and their family.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a brief initial consultation — either by phone or video call — with Caroline Goldsmith or a member of the ATC Ireland team. This is a relaxed, no-pressure conversation designed to understand your concerns, answer your questions, and determine whether a formal assessment is appropriate.

During this call, Caroline will ask about the behaviours, challenges, or traits that have prompted your inquiry. Whether you are a parent seeking clarity for your child, or an adult exploring the possibility of a late autism diagnosis, this first step ensures the process is tailored to your specific needs.

Step 2: Background Information Collection

Before the formal assessment begins, Caroline Goldsmith gathers comprehensive background information. This typically includes:

  • A detailed developmental history questionnaire for parents / carers
  • School or workplace reports where relevant
  • Any previous psychological assessments or medical reports
  • Self-report questionnaires for older children and adults

This thorough preparation means that Caroline arrives at your assessment session with deep context, allowing the formal evaluation time to be spent most effectively.

Step 3: Formal Assessment Using ADOS-2 and ADI-R

Caroline Goldsmith uses the gold-standard tools recognised internationally for autism assessment:

ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition): A structured, play-based or conversation-based observation conducted directly with the individual. It allows Caroline to observe social communication, interaction patterns, and restricted or repetitive behaviours in a naturalistic setting.

ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview — Revised): A detailed interview conducted with parents or primary caregivers, covering the individual’s developmental history and current behaviours across key areas. This tool provides the historical perspective that complements the ADOS-2 observation.

Together, these two tools provide a comprehensive, multi-dimensional picture of the individual — meeting the highest clinical standards for autism diagnosis in Ireland.

Step 4: Cognitive and Additional Testing (Where Needed)

Depending on the individual’s age and specific concerns, Caroline may also include:

  • Cognitive ability testing
  • Attention and executive function assessments (for potential co-occurring ADHD)
  • Anxiety and mood screening tools
  • Adaptive behaviour assessments

This comprehensive approach ensures that no underlying condition is missed and that the final report reflects the full picture of the individual’s strengths and challenges.

Step 5: Report Writing

Following the assessment sessions, Caroline Goldsmith prepares a detailed written report. This document includes:

  • A summary of all assessment findings
  • A clear diagnostic conclusion
  • An explanation of the individual’s specific autism profile
  • Personalised, practical recommendations for home, school, or workplace
  • Guidance on appropriate next steps and support services in Ireland

Caroline’s reports are written in clear, accessible language — free of unnecessary jargon — so that families, schools, and support services can act on them immediately.

Step 6: Feedback Session

Once the report is complete, Caroline Goldsmith  schedules a feedback session with the individual and/or their family. This is your opportunity to ask questions, discuss the findings in depth, and understand exactly what the assessment means in practical terms.

Caroline Goldsmith believes that receiving an autism diagnosis should be an empowering experience — a moment of clarity and understanding, not confusion. The feedback session is a core part of that commitment.

Step 7: Ongoing Support and Referrals

For many families, the autism assessment is just the beginning. Following diagnosis, Caroline Goldsmith can provide:

  • Referrals to appropriate therapy services
  • Guidance on applying for school accommodations and support plans
  • Recommendations for early intervention programmes
  • Follow-up consultations as needed

ATC Ireland Psychology/Irish Resilience Cinic is committed to supporting you beyond the assessment — every step of the way.

Meet Ms. Caroline Goldsmith

Supporting Children, Adults & Families Across Ireland

Caroline Goldsmith is a psychologist with over 20 years of experience, offering specialised support to individuals and families in Waterford, Dublin Southside, and the surrounding regions. Her work centres on autism assessments, child psychology and emotional development, adult psychotherapy, trauma-focused therapeutic support, couples therapy, ADHD assessments, and treatment for anxiety and depression. With a calm, structured, and understanding approach, Caroline helps children, adults, and families gain clarity, confidence, and direction in their psychological wellbeing.

Caroline Goldsmith Publications

Meet Ms. Caroline Goldsmith

Improving Access to Assessments & Therapy in Ireland

Caroline Goldsmith work places strong emphasis on accessible psychological services for families and adults. With many individuals facing long waiting lists or limited support options, she offers timely guidance and structured assessments based on best clinical standards.

Her therapeutic approach is grounded in active listening, clear communication, and interventions tailored to each person’s unique needs. Caroline works closely with families seeking autism or ADHD assessments, and with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship challenges.

Child autsim, Child Specialist

Supporting Children, Adults & Couples Through Evidence-Based Care

Caroline’s practice brings together child psychology, psychotherapy, and assessment work under one supportive framework. She works with:

  • Children needing emotional or behavioural support

     

  • Adults seeking help with stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma

     

  • Couples looking to strengthen communication and overcome relationship difficulties

     

  • Individuals undergoing autism or ADHD assessments

     

Her aim is to help people feel understood, supported, and guided through every step of their psychological journey.

child specialist

Meet Ms. Caroline Goldsmith

Caroline Goldsmith’s Approach to Psychological Care

Caroline Goldsmith approach reflects a deep commitment to providing structured, compassionate, and person-centred care. Whether working with children, adolescents, adults, or couples, she ensures each session is grounded in respect, empathy, and clear therapeutic direction.

She offers:

  • a supportive environment

  • tailored therapeutic techniques

  • structured assessment processes

guidance that helps individuals and families move forward

Caroline Goldsmith’s Specialisation in Psychology

Autism Assessments

Structured assessments designed to provide clarity for families and adults.

Child Psychology

Support for emotional, behavioural, and developmental needs.

Adult Psychotherapy

Therapeutic guidance for personal challenges, stress, or emotional difficulties.

Trauma Therapy

Support for individuals recovering from traumatic or difficult experiences.

ADHD Assessments

Assessment pathways for attention-related challenges in children and adults.

Anxiety & Depression Treatment

Evidence-based therapeutic approaches for emotional wellbeing.

Caroline Goldsmith Qualifications

Expert Mental Health Support with Caroline Goldsmith

Caroline Goldsmith brings extensive expertise to her psychotherapy practice, offering compassionate care that transforms lives. Her therapeutic approach combines clinical excellence with genuine empathy, ensuring clients feel understood and supported throughout their healing journey.

Treatment for Depression - €85-€150

Caroline Goldsmith addresses depressive disorders through personalized treatment plans that combine insight-building conversation with behavioral activation strategies, helping clients overcome low mood and regain motivation for daily living.

Child Autism Support

Caroline Goldsmith works with autistic children using evidence-based approaches that respect their individual communication styles and sensory needs. She collaborates with families to develop strategies for managing transitions, building social skills, and supporting emotional regulation in everyday environments.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment - €85-€150

Caroline Goldsmith offers trauma-informed therapy for those struggling with PTSD. Her sensitive approach creates a protective therapeutic space where clients can gradually process traumatic memories and develop effective coping mechanisms for symptom management.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - €85-€150

Caroline Goldsmith utilizes CBT to help individuals challenge distorted beliefs and adopt healthier mental patterns. This solution-focused therapy equips clients with actionable techniques to reduce stress, manage overwhelming emotions, and cultivate positive behavioral changes.

Bereavement Counselling - €85-€150

Navigating grief requires specialized support. Caroline Goldsmith helps bereaved individuals work through painful emotions, adjust to absence, and eventually integrate their loss while maintaining meaningful connections to departed loved ones.

Couples Therapy - €150-€250

When relationships face turbulence, Caroline Goldsmith provides a neutral setting where partners can address underlying issues. Her skilled facilitation encourages honest conversation, teaches conflict resolution methods, and helps couples establish stronger foundations for lasting partnership.

People Also Ask Question

Who is Caroline Goldsmith and what does she specialise in?

Caroline Goldsmith is a consulting clinical psychologist based in Waterford and Dublin, Ireland, with over 20 years of professional experience. She specialises in autism assessments for children and adults, ADHD evaluations, child psychology, adult psychotherapy, trauma-focused therapy, couples therapy, and treatment for anxiety and depression. She operates through ATC Ireland Psychology and the Irish Resilience Clinic, offering both in-person and remote consultations across Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny, and Dublin Southside.

Booking an autism assessment with Caroline Goldsmith begins with a brief initial consultation — by phone or video call — to discuss your concerns and determine whether a full assessment is the right step. From there, the process involves background information gathering, formal assessment using gold-standard tools including the ADOS-2 and ADI-R, and a detailed written report with personalised recommendations. You can get in touch by calling +353 87 406 2203 or emailing mdtpsychsolutions@gmail.com.

Caroline Goldsmith’s autism assessment process typically spans several weeks from the first consultation to the delivery of the final report. It includes an initial call, detailed background questionnaires, one or more structured assessment sessions using internationally recognised diagnostic tools, and a formal written report. A follow-up feedback session is also included so families and individuals fully understand the findings and next steps. This timeline is considerably shorter than public HSE waiting lists in Waterford, which can extend to several years.

Yes. Caroline Goldsmith offers comprehensive autism and ADHD assessments for adults across Ireland, including those seeking a late diagnosis. Many adults come to Caroline after years of feeling misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or simply unaware that their experiences align with autism or ADHD. Her adult assessments follow the same evidence-based standards as her child assessments and result in a detailed diagnostic report that can be used for workplace accommodations, therapy referrals, and personal clarity.

Caroline Goldsmith offers a range of therapeutic services with fees that reflect the type and complexity of support required. Individual therapy sessions, including treatment for depression, anxiety, CBT, PTSD, and bereavement counselling, are generally priced between €85 and €150 per session. Couples therapy sessions range from €150 to €250. Autism and ADHD assessment fees vary depending on the scope of the assessment. For a precise quote or to discuss your needs, you can contact the practice directly.

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