What is an informant
Because autism and ADHD are neurodevelopmental conditions, it is important that we understand not only your current experiences, but also how you developed and experienced the world as a child.
To help us do this, we ask you to choose an 'informant'. The best informant is someone who knows you well and feels able to provide clear information about your development, behaviour and day-to-day experiences.
Why you need an informant
Depending on the assessment, your informant will be asked to complete questionnaires and, for autism assessments, take part in a discussion with your clinician. Their contribution helps build a fuller picture alongside the information you provide and is one part of the assessment process.
To complete the assessment questionnaire
Before an autism or an ADHD assessment, your informant will need to complete a questionnaire. The questionnaires help your clinician build a fuller picture before the appointment, so the assessment can focus on what matters most.
To attend part of your autism assessment
For autism assessments, we complete a structured interview (ADI-R) with you and your informant. The ADI-R includes detailed questions about your development in early childhood, often focusing on the ages of 4 to 5, as well as questions about how you present day-to-day now.
We encourage you to attend the informant part of your autism assessment. If there is anything you would feel more comfortable discussing without your informant present, you can ask to speak with your clinician alone.
How clinicians use information from informants
Clinical Partners uses evidence-based assessment tools and structured clinical interviews as part of our autism and ADHD assessments.
Information from your informant is considered alongside:
your own experiences and responses
clinical observations made during the assessment
questionnaires and supporting information
developmental history and other evidence available
Depending on the assessment, your informant may be asked to complete questionnaires and, in some cases, take part in a discussion with a clinician.
No single questionnaire, observation or informant response determines the outcome of an assessment. Your clinician brings together information from multiple sources to build a complete picture and make an informed clinical decision.
How to choose your informant
Where possible, we recommend choosing a parent or your primary childhood carer. If that is not possible, another family member may be suitable. In some cases, a long time friend or partner may also be able to support parts of the interview, depending on what they know about your early development and current presentation. Your informant needs to be over 18.
When you choose an informant to take part in your assessment, you are confirming that you are happy for them to share information with Clinical Partners as part of the assessment process.
If you don't have a suitable informant
We understand that not everyone has access to someone who has known them since childhood. If this applies to you, please don't worry.
A parent or family member is often the most helpful informant, but in some circumstances another person who knows you well may be able to contribute, such as a partner, sibling, close friend or another adult who has known you for a significant part of your life.
If you are unsure who to choose, or do not feel you have a suitable informant, please contact us. We can provide guidance and discuss the most appropriate approach for your individual circumstances.
Supporting your informant
Your informant does not need to have all the answers. Their role is to share what they remember and what they noticed over time.
You can support them by:
letting them know the interview can take a few hours and may include detailed questions
reassuring them there are no right or wrong answers and it is fine to say “I’m not sure”
sharing the areas likely to be covered, such as early communication, friendships, routines, sensory differences, and daily functioning
offering to look at photos, videos, or old reports together beforehand to help trigger memories
agreeing practical boundaries, for example whether you will attend the appointment with them, and whether they would like a short break part way through
For autism assessments, you are encouraged to attend the informant appointment as well. For ADHD assessments, your informant needs to complete a questionnaire and doesn't attend an appointment.