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An ADHD assessment can offer several benefits, including validation, access to treatment and workplace accommodations, as well as improved quality of life and mental health.
1195
£
Adult ADHD Assessment
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a developmental difference that affects how a person processes information due to differences in how they focus, maintain attention and organise their thoughts. People with ADHD often have unique strengths and challenges. ​The challenges are usually associated with environments and situations that are not suited to meet their unique needs.
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ADHD can be considered a type of neurodiversity. Neurodiversity is a concept that recognises neurological differences, such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and others, as natural variations of the human brain rather than 'conditions' that need to be 'fixed.' This perspective values the diverse ways people think and process information.
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When we consider ADHD and neurodiversity together, it suggests that experiencing ADHD is a way of being and is not inherently defective or disordered. This approach encourages acceptance, inclusion, and support.
This is something The Autism Pathway is passionate about.
ADHD is characterised by a range of traits that can vary from person to person but generally fall into two main categories: inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
People with ADHD may show predominantly inattentive traits, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive traits, or a combination of both (combined presentation). It’s important to remember that ADHD exists on a spectrum, and not all traits are present in every individual.​
Core features of ADHD:
Inattentive Traits:
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Differences in sustaining attention, with a great focus on passions (hyperfocus) and less focus on other tasks and information
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Struggling to multitask and start new projects
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Unintentionally making mistakes or overlooking details
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Trouble organising tasks and activities
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Becoming easily distracted by unrelated stimuli
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Finding it difficult to remember things in daily activities​​​
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Hyperactive/Impulsive Traits:​
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Finding quiet environments challenging due to the need for movement and speech
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Feeling restless or constantly "on the go" and enjoying movement and activity
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Ethusiasm about sharing information, which can lead to interrupting others or shouting out​
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Other Common Traits:
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Strong emotional reactions
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Low confidence and self-esteem
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Sleep difficulties
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Finding it hard to estimate or manage time
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Benefitting from help to plan, prioritise, and make decisions​​​
The Autism Pathway recognises an individual's strengths as well as differences and challenges.
Strengths of ADHD:
High Energy and Enthusiasm
due to an ability to hyperfoccus on interests and passion.
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Creativity and Innovation
driven by an ability to "think outside the box".
Resilience and Determination
to overcome challenges
Spontaneity and a drive to explore new ideas and experiences.
What to expect from an Adult ADHD assessment with us
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1. Screening Information
The first step of our assessment process is to complete some screening information so that we can find out more about you and determine together if an assessment is the right next step. It's also an opportunity for you to ask more about our assessments and let us know of any needs or preferences you may have. This can be done by telephone or via a form.
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2. Questionnaires
We will ask you and, where possible, an informant, to complete Questionnaires that screen for ADHD traits and highlight your skills and strengths. They will also explore your early developmental history and mental health experiences in order to ensure the diagnosis is accurate and valid.
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3. Clinical Interview
A trained clinician will use the DIVA-5 (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults) to explore your experiences of ADHD traits across different life stages. Where possible, it is helpful to have an informant present to offer additional insights. This is completed online.​​
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6. Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Meeting
Once all the assessments are complete, an MDT meeting will be held to review all the information gathered. The information will be considered alongside the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria to conclude.
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7. Additional Information (not always necessary)
If it is indicated after the MDT, the team may request further information from you in the form of questionnaires, an additional session or a possible QbCheck. A QbCheck is a computer-based test (completed remotely) used to assess ADHD traits, particularly inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
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7. Outcome & Feedback
You will receive a copy of the full report to read at your own pace. We will then arrange an online feedback meeting with a clinician you met previously to review the findings and discuss the recommendations for the 'next steps'.