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2,800
£
A joined-up pathway that benefits children who show signs of both autism and ADHD.
One assessment team, one detailed report, one clear outcome.
Combined Child Autism & ADHD Assessment
At The Autism Pathway, we provide comprehensive combined autism and ADHD assessments for children across the UK. We understand that many children show traits of both autism and ADHD, and getting a clear, accurate diagnosis can make a meaningful difference.
Our assessments are child-centred, neuroaffirmative and supportive, helping families better understand their child’s needs, strengths and experiences.
No long NHS waiting lists | NICE-compliant diagnostic process | Clear, detailed reports for school and support
Please note we can only complete ADHD assessments for children aged 7+.
Unsure if it's Autism or ADHD or both? Find out more about the signs here.
What is a Combined ADHD and Autism Assessment?
Autism (ASC) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are both neurodevelopmental differences that many individuals have naturally. Autism tends to affect social communication, sensory processing and flexibility of thought. ADHD tends to affect attention, impulsivity and activity levels.
Many children have features of both, sometimes referred to as AuDHD and a combined autism and ADHD assessment helps make sure neither profile is missed.
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Autism (ASC) may affect social communication, sensory processing, and flexibility
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ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) impacts attention, impulsivity, and activity levels
Many children present with traits of both autism and ADHD (sometimes called AuDHD). A combined assessment helps ensure nothing is missed and provides a complete understanding of your child.
To find out more about how autism and ADHD can occur together, please click here.
Signs that a Combined Assessment May Help
Children who are both autistic and have ADHD are often misunderstood, sometimes mislabelled, and occasionally diagnosed with only one of the two.
If any of the following sounds like your child, a combined autism and ADHD assessment could make sense:
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Masking or camouflaging at school, then struggling at home.
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Being labelled as "naughty" or "lazy".
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Strong focus on interests but difficulty shifting attention when needed.
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Sensory sensitivities alongside restlessness or fidgeting.
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Low self-esteem, overwhelm or anxiety on top of attention or social differences.
Why choose The Autism Pathway?
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No long waiting lists
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HCPC-registered clinicians
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Multi-disciplinary team assessments
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Neuro-affirmative, strengths-based approach
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Clear, detailed reports for schools, EHCPs and support services
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Clinics across the UK
The Autism Pathway recognises an individual's strengths as well as differences and challenges.
Strengths of Autism and ADHD:
Many children with ADHD and autism traits show high levels of energy and enthusiasm, often driven by the ability to hyperfocus on interests and passions.
Children with autism and ADHD often demonstrate strong creativity and original thinking, with an ability to think outside the box and approach problems differently.
Children navigating autism and ADHD differences frequently develop resilience and determination as they learn to overcome challenges.
Many children with autism traits have a strong sense of fairness, honesty, and loyalty, reflecting deeply held values and a clear understanding of right and wrong.
What to Expect from a Combined Autism and ADHD Assessment for Children
Our combined child autism and ADHD assessment process is designed to be thorough, supportive, and easy to understand. Here’s what to expect at each stage.
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1. Screening Information
The first step in your child’s combined autism and ADHD assessment is completing some initial screening information. This helps our clinicians understand your child’s needs and determine whether a full assessment is appropriate.
This stage also gives you the opportunity to ask questions and share any preferences. It can be completed via telephone or a secure online form.
2. Questionnaires
You will be asked to complete detailed autism and ADHD screening questionnaires for children, designed to identify traits, strengths, and areas where your child may need support.
These questionnaires form an important part of the diagnostic process for autism and ADHD in children.
3. Clinical Interviews
As part of your child’s combined autism and ADHD diagnosis, you will take part in two structured clinical interviews with experienced clinicians.
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A specialist clinician will complete the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised) to explore your child’s development, communication, relationships, behaviour, and sensory experiences. Your child does not need to attend this part.
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A second clinician will carry out the Young DIVA-5 (ADHD diagnostic interview for children) to assess attention, impulsivity, and activity levels. This session includes both parent and child and is completed online.
These interviews ensure a thorough and accurate autism and ADHD assessment for your child.
4. ADOS-2 Observation Face-to-Face
Your child will attend a face-to-face session using the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule), a gold-standard tool used in child autism assessments in the UK.
This involves structured activities and interaction to better understand your child’s communication style, social interaction, and behaviour.
5. Liaison with School
With your consent, we will gather information from your child’s school to understand how they present in an educational setting.
This helps ensure the autism and ADHD diagnosis reflects your child’s experiences across different environments.
6. Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Meeting
Once all assessment components are complete, our clinicians hold a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meeting.
All information is reviewed in line with DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for autism and ADHD, ensuring a reliable and evidence-based diagnosis.
7. Additional Information (not always necessary)
In some cases, further information may be required to support diagnostic clarity.
This may include:
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Additional questionnaires
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A follow-up session
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A QbCheck test (a computer-based ADHD assessment measuring attention, impulsivity, and activity levels)
8. Outcome & Feedback
You will receive a detailed written diagnostic report for autism and/or ADHD, suitable for schools, GPs, and support services.
We will then arrange a feedback session to:
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Clearly explain the outcome
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Answer your questions
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Provide personalised recommendations for support
Why choose The Autism Pathway for a combined assessment?
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No long waiting lists.
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HCPC-registered clinicians. Our team are all highly trained specialists.
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Experienced professionals who specialise in child neurodevelopmental assessment.
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Neuro-affirmative, strengths-based approach. Every child is treated as an individual - everyone is unique and has their own strengths.
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Clear, detailed reports. Written to be genuinely helpful and to aid you in improving both home life and school for your child.
Where We Can Carry Out Combined Child Autism & ADHD Assessments
We run combined child autism and ADHD assessments at our welcoming clinics across the UK. If you are searching for a combined autism and ADHD assessment near you, see whether your nearest town is listed. We can also arrange remote options where appropriate (ages 14+).
Support After Your Child’s Autism and ADHD Assessment
Following your child’s combined autism and ADHD assessment, you will receive a detailed report outlining clear, personalised recommendations for next steps.
We provide post-diagnostic support for autism and ADHD, including signposting to relevant services that can support your child’s wellbeing, confidence, and development. This may include guidance to help build a positive autistic and ADHD identity and a strong sense of belonging.
We also offer practical recommendations for:
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School support and SEN provision (including EHCP guidance)
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Educational adjustments and classroom strategies
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Everyday support at home
In addition, we provide tailored advice around areas identified during the assessment, such as:
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Emotional regulation
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Communication preferences
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Sensory differences
Our goal is to ensure your child has the right support in place to manage challenges, build confidence, and thrive.
FAQs About Our Combined Autism and ADHD Assessment for Children
What is a combined ADHD and autism assessment?
A combined ADHD and autism assessment is a single structured pathway that explores both together. At The Autism Pathway, it combines screening questionnaires, the ADI-R parent interview, the Young DIVA-5 ADHD interview, an ADOS-2 face-to-face observation, school information and a multi-disciplinary team
review to give one clear outcome for autism, ADHD or both.
Who is the combined assessment suitable for?
The combined assessment is suitable for children aged 7+ where there are signs of autism and signs of ADHD, or where the picture is unclear, and the family wants both considered.
How long does the combined pathway take?
From the screening call to the feedback meeting, most combined pathways take around six to eight weeks, depending on how quickly questionnaires and school information are returned.
Will my child have two separate reports?
No. You will receive one detailed written diagnostic report covering both assessments, written in clear language and suitable for schools, GPs, EHCPs and support services.
Is the combined assessment recognised by schools?
Yes. Our reports are NICE Guideline compliant, follow the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and are written in clear, practical language. They are widely accepted by schools, local authorities and EHCP panels across the UK.