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OUR SERVICES

Private Learning Disability Assessments in Glasgow and Ayr

Our learning disability assessments are carried out by experienced clinicians. We recognise that every individual has unique strengths and ways of learning, and our approach is designed to highlight these while providing clarity around support needs. We follow national and Scottish best practice standards, which ensure that assessments are thorough, person-centred, and affirming.

 

If you feel you may have a broader neurodivergent profile, we can tailor assessments to your individual needs. This may include combined assessments, such as learning disability and autism.

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What is a Learning Disability?

A learning disability is an intellectual difference that makes it hard for affected children or adults to learn and process information. Unlike learning difficulties, which are neurodevelopmental differences in specific areas of brain function, those with intellectual disabilities can face profound cognitive challenges in many areas of their lives.

 

For example, dyscalculia is a learning difficulty that affects the calculating and processing of numbers but does not impact intellectual capacity in other areas. A learning disability, on the other hand, may affect an individual’s ability to care for themselves without support.

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What Will We Cover at a Learning Disability Assessment?

Our compassionate and experienced clinicians will carry out a mix of formal cognitive testing and structured interviews to explore your or your family member’s history, strengths and areas where things may be more challenging across home and community life. We take time to understand the whole person, not just test results.

Process

Our Process

01.

A Warm Welcome

When you come through the doors, you will be greeted by a friendly face, usually a member of our administration team. You will then meet a kind educational psychologist and go to a private and comfortable room for your assessment.

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02.

Initial Screening

An initial screening is an opportunity to start a conversation to discuss your experiences and determine whether or not you would like to proceed with a full assessment. We explain what will happen at each stage and answer any questions you may have.

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03.

Learning Disability Assessment

During the assessment, our clinicians use a range of evidence-based tests to check cognitive abilities, communication skills, and adaptive functioning. We examine multiple aspects of learning and development to build a detailed profile. For children, we consider age-appropriate expectations; for adults, we look at how disabilities may affect daily life and access to opportunities.

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04.

Comprehensive Report

After the assessment, individuals and their parents/carers will receive a detailed report that outlines our findings. We explain the diagnosis clearly, highlight individual strengths, and identify any problems or challenges. The report will also offer recommendations for support at home, school, work, or in other areas of life. We take care to make the information accessible for individuals, families, and any professionals involved in care.

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05.

Ongoing Support

Following assessment, we can provide ongoing support for you or your child. Speech and language therapy, for example, is effective for developing speaking, communication, and functional oral motor skills like chewing and swallowing. Occupational therapy supports personalised ways of carrying out daily activities, work, and hobbies. We can also provide mental health support where required.

A woman and man talk with a therapist on a couch in a cozy Glasgow clinic living room.
A man gestures while talking to a woman in a bright clinic; a potted orchid is on a nearby table.
A woman and a girl sit at a classroom table; the girl uses a toy fishing rod, bright chairs in background.
Person in white shirt arranges wooden blocks on a table at a Glasgow mental health clinic.
Smile, business and people on tablet in office of planning, finance document and company growth. Staff, discussion and paperwork of online information, profit graph and investment report and feedback
A woman and man talk with a therapist on a couch in a cozy Glasgow clinic living room.
Why Us

Experts in mental health & neurodevelopmental care

Whether you need an assessment, therapy, or ongoing support, we’re here to bring clarity. All care is evidence-based and delivered by fully qualified professionals.

We only use highly experienced, regulated clinicians.

Multiple pathways of support available, all in one place

Our approach is neuroaffirmative and inclusive.

Trusted by GPs, schools, charities and public services.

Collaborative, supportive care when you need it most.

Contact us

Postal Address

The Dawn Practice, 65 Bath St, Glasgow, G2 2BX

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    CUSTOMER STORIES

    Read why people love The Dawn Practice.

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    I contacted The Dawn Practice following a late ADHD diagnosis, seeking support to process the impact of living for decades with undiagnosed ADHD. I wanted help understanding how my brain works, addressing the trauma associated with years of being misunderstood and developing practical strategies to manage the challenges of everyday life as a neurodivergent person. From the very beginning, Laura provided a compassionate, supportive, and non-judgemental space where I felt truly heard. Through our sessions and the additional assessments I undertook, I have gained invaluable insight into how my mind works. This understanding has allowed me to reframe many past experiences with greater self-awareness and self-compassion. I particularly appreciated the open and flexible approach to therapy, which enabled me to set the pace and focus on the areas that mattered most to me. This personalised approach has helped me gain maximum benefit from the process and has had a genuinely positive impact on my wellbeing. I would highly recommend The Dawn Practice to anyone seeking support in understanding their neurodivergence, building self-compassion, and learning how to thrive in a world that is often designed for neurotypical minds.

    Brian P

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    Where do I start…absolutely first class treatment at The Dawn Practice. There are so many places out there and it can be so confusing. I highly recommend The Dawn Practice to anyone who may require help. Jennifer Robertson dealt with us from first interview until final report. Jennifer was incredibly knowledgeable and understood our concerns that we had with our son. The report was incredibly in depth and recommendations to help our son now and in future. Cannot recommend them enough. Thank you The Dawn Practice and Jennifer for being amazing with our son and for all your help. 

    Eilidh

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    We are incredibly grateful for the support to our daughter over the past year. One of the most helpful aspects of her treatment has been the way the clinician helped her understand OCD in a clear, age-appropriate, and non-frightening way. Learning to recognise OCD thoughts for what they are, and not treat them as facts, has been a huge step forward for her.

    The practical strategies the clnician introduced — particularly around managing intrusive thoughts, reducing reassurance-seeking, and gradually facing fears — have been invaluable. We’ve noticed a real increase in her confidence and resilience, and she is now much better able to tolerate uncertainty and anxiety without becoming overwhelmed.

    We also found the clinician’s calm, consistent approach extremely reassuring as a mum. The guidance the clinician provided to me on how to respond to OCD behaviours, without reinforcing them, has helped create a more supportive and consistent environment at home. This has made a noticeable difference to her progress.

    Overall, our daughter has gained tools and understanding that we feel will continue to support her well beyond the end of therapy. We are very thankful for the care, patience, and expertise the clinician showed throughout her treatment.

    Anonymous

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    We looked very carefully at several clinics before choosing this clinic to assess our son for Autism and ADHD. From the very first chat over the telephone before our appointment, to the final discussion the staff were fabulous. Vicki was so kind caring and professional and it was obvious that her knowledge of ASD/ADHD was second to none. Both the GP and school commented that the report was the best they had seen for this type of assessment. I can thank herself and Camilla for the support they gave to my son and ourselves and I would highly recommend this clinic for assessment.

    Lorna H.

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    “In my role providing Dr Brougham with clinical supervision, I’ve learnt that she has
    enormous experience of working with people with a wide range of types of neuro-
    divergence, including autism and intellectual disabilities.  Also, Dr Brougham is very
    compassionate and always practises in a neuro-affirmative manner.  In short, she
    leaves no stone unturned to ensure that her clients receive the best service
    possible.”

    Cliff Hawkins (Consultant Clinical Psychologist)

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    We met with Aileen (Occupational Therapist), who assessed our then 4-year-old girl Eilidh for Dyspraxia (DCD) and for a sensory profile. Following her diagnosis, Eilidh has been receiving support from Aileen for the last 18 months. Part of that process involved Aileen linking in with her school, which has been immensely helpful in supporting Eilidh in all areas of her life. As parents, we now feel that we have a better understanding of Eilidh’s Neurotype, and we have developed a toolkit which we can use to help her. Any suggestions that Aileen gives us are always clear and feel like achievable goals. Everyone in the clinic is always very warm and welcoming on arrival. We think it speaks volumes that Eilidh is always excited to attend and feels safe when visiting. Eilidh is now thriving, and the difference has been truly incredible. We asked Eilidh what she thought, and she said, “I like Aileen, she is kind and she helps me with my busy brain”. We highly recommend the clinic to other parents seeking support for their neurodivergent children.

    Kevin M (Parent of client)

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    I honestly cannot put into words how grateful I am for the care, support, and guidance I’ve received from this psychology practice. From the moment I walked in, I felt seen, heard, and valued. The environment is warm, welcoming, and professional — a true safe haven for anyone seeking help with their mental health.

    The clinician I’ve been working with has been nothing short of exceptional. Their compassion, insight, and deep understanding of human psychology have made an incredible difference in my life. They don’t just listen — they truly get it. Every session feels meaningful and purposeful. Whether we’re working through past trauma, navigating current stress, or building healthier patterns for the future, I always leave feeling lighter, more empowered, and more connected to myself.

    This experience has not only improved my mental health — it has completely transformed the way I see myself and the world around me. I’ve learned to manage anxiety in ways I never thought possible, found strength in vulnerability, and developed a more positive, resilient outlook on life.

    For anyone who may be struggling or just feeling stuck, I can’t recommend this practice highly enough. It’s not just therapy — it’s a journey back to yourself, with a truly gifted clinician by your side every step of the way.

    Thank you for helping me rediscover peace, purpose, and hope.

    Gio S (adult client)

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    I honestly don’t have the words for how much the Dawn Practice has helped my daughter. We have been working with Mireille Wallace who is the most amazing, compassionate, knowledgeable psychologist. She is an angel! Highly recommended.

    Fiona L (parent of client)

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    Highly recommend this company outstanding service and support.

    Lesley S

    Frequently Asked
    Questions

    Do I need a GP referral for a learning disability assessment?

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    Though your doctor may refer you for an assessment, it is not necessary. You can self-refer or be referred by a family member or another professional, such as a teacher or social worker.

    What will happen at my first ADHD appointment?

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    Your first appointment is a chance for us to get to know you and for you to have the space to express your experiences. In your first appointment, held at one of our mental health clinics in the West of Scotland, we’ll talk about your background, history, and the challenges or reasons that have brought you to us.

    Where is the Dawn Practice based?

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    We have five private practices across Glasgow and Ayr, making access easy across the West of Scotland. Our Glasgow clinics include two clinics in the city centre as well as one in Bearsden and one in Newton Mearns.

    How many ADHD sessions will I need?

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    The number of post-diagnostic sessions depends on your needs, goals, and the nature of your tailored treatment plan. For some, a few focused sessions may be enough, while others benefit from longer-term support. Note that we don’t try to “fix” ADHD “symptoms”, instead focusing on practical tools that work with your natural brain processes.

    Which insurance firms do you work with?

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    Currently, we work with WPA, Cigna and Vitality. For all other providers, please do check with your insurance firm before getting in touch.

    Not sure where to start?

    Contact Us

    Regulated By

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    Every clinician is highly qualified, regulated and experienced. Many are leading consultants, professors or experts in their field.