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Our combined assessments are perfect for those individuals who identify with both Autism and ADHD experiences and traits. Combined assessments offer more diagnostic accuracy for individuals where there is a possibility of overlapping and co-occurring presentations.
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2,800
£
Combined Child Autism & ADHD Assessment
What is Autism and ADHD?
Autism is a developmental difference that affects how a person experiences the world, particularly in areas like social interaction, communication, sensory processing, and behaviour. Autism is often referred to as a 'Spectrum' as it presents differently in every individual.
ADHD is also a developmental difference which affects how a person processes information due to differences in how they focus, maintain attention and organise their thoughts. ​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.
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Both Autism and ADHD often overlap in both traits and co-occurrence. Our assessments will help you understand the differences and determine whether a specific diagnosis or a dual diagnosis best explains your experiences. Individuals with a dual diagnosis sometimes refer to themselves as "AuDHDers".
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​​​Autism and ADHD can be considered types 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 'disorders' that need to be 'fixed.' This perspective values the diverse ways people think and process information.​​​
Core features of Autism & ADHD:
Autistic Traits:
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Valuing deep and meaningful conversations as opposed to "small talk."
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Having a direct and honest approach to interactions
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Sensory speech (e.g. repeating details or shifting topics)
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Preferring not to sustain eye contact​
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Peer relationships can be a source of stress and uncertainty
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Finding group situations overwhelming
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Difficulties identifying and managing emotions
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Having exceptional skills for recalling facts, building, logical thinking, and categorising
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Preferring routine, structure and planning
ADHD 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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Finding it difficult to remember things in daily activities​​​​​​
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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"
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Ethusiasm about sharing information, which can lead to interrupting others or shouting out​
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Overlapping Traits
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Stimming and fidgeting
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Sensory differences
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Emotional Overwhelm/meltdowns
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Hyperfocus on specialist interests
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Difficulties with planning, organising and time management​​​
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The Autism Pathway recognises an individual's strengths as well as differences and challenges.
Strengths of Autism and ADHD:
High Energy & 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
Strong Values driven by a sense of morality and loyalty.
What to expect from a Combined 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 your child 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 or your child may have. This can be done by telephone or via a form.
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2. Questionnaires
We will ask you to complete Questionnaires that screen for Autism and ADHD traits and highlight your child's skills and strengths.
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3. Clinical Interviews
You will have two remote clinical interviews with two different clinicians.
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As part of your Child's combined assessment, a trained clinician will talk with you online to complete an ADI-r (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised) and explore your child's experiences regarding communication styles, friendships, relationships, school, emotions, behaviours, and sensory needs. Your child does not need to be present for this.
A second trained clinician will use the DIVA-5 Young (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Young People) to explore your child's experiences of ADHD traits. This appointment is for both you and your child and is also completed online. The clinician will also explore your child's early developmental history and mental health experiences in order to ensure the diagnosis is accurate and valid. ​​
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4. ADOS-2 Observation Face-to-Face
For face-to-face assessments, we will use the (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) ADOS-2, which is a mixture of talking and task-based activities. This is completed face-to-face.
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5. Liaison with School
With your permission, we will ask your child's school to complete some questionnaires about their presentation in school.
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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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8. 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'.
Support for ADHD
Our reports will outline recommendations for the best next steps following your assessment.
This may include signposting to relevant services, including those that can help with empowerment and the development of a positive Autistic/ADHD identity and sense of belonging. Suggestions for educational (e.g. university) and workplace accommodations.
We will also provide information about specific things that come up during your assessment (e.g. emotion regulation, communication preferences and sensory differences). These supports aim to help you cope with daily challenges, enabling you to gain confidence and thrive.
We can also discuss medication options for ADHD. The two main types of medication are stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulants are fast-acting medications which work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters (dopamine and norepinephrine) in the brain, which help improve focus and self-control.
Non-stimulant medication takes longer to start working, and you may need to take it for longer to feel the effects.
Side effects of these medications can be discussed with a prescriber.
Your Options for Medication
Private Care
You may choose to continue with private treatment. This will require several follow-up appointments with a prescribing clinician to begin medication and monitor your progress and dosage levels. This is called titration. Several appointments are usually required to reach a stable level of medication and monitor for side effects. These appointments usually take place monthly.
NHS Care
If you choose to return to NHS care, your report will be shared with your GP so that they can explore medication and monitoring options with you. Please note that not all GPS do this, and it is strongly recommended that you discuss with your GP what options are available to you prior to being assessed privately if this is the path you wish to take.