Combined ADHD and autism assessment
An integrated pathway for adults, children and young people where ADHD and autism both need careful consideration.
Parents are part of the pathway—not the whole story
For a child or young person, assessment may include parent or carer developmental information, the young person’s own account and school or other-setting information where appropriate. Consent, assent, confidentiality and report recipients are agreed before assessment starts.
- Developmentally appropriate communication
- Strengths and interests considered alongside difficulties
- Home and education context explored
- Practical recommendations discussed with the family
Not a diagnosis based on one score
The initial consultation identifies whether there is a credible basis to consider both ADHD and autism and whether a combined online pathway is suitable.
- Clear question and intended report use
- Developmental and current information
- Functional impact and strengths
- Alternative and co-occurring explanations
- Feedback, limitations and practical recommendations
Suitability is assessed first
Online work is not suitable in every situation. Age, communication, risk, complexity, jurisdiction and the purpose of the report all influence the appropriate route.
See fee principles and payment information →Who this pathway may—and may not—fit
This pathway may be appropriate when
- Both ADHD and autism are credible parts of the referral question
- A single integrated developmental formulation would be more useful than separate screening
- Overlap, masking and alternative explanations need to be considered together
- An online pathway is clinically and practically suitable
Another route may be safer or more appropriate when
- Immediate crisis or acute risk needs urgent services
- Only one focused diagnostic question needs assessment
- The required report has a statutory or legal purpose not agreed in advance
- Online assessment would not provide sufficient or reliable information
Four stages with a clear purpose
Screen the full referral question
The initial consultation identifies whether there is a credible basis to consider both ADHD and autism and whether a combined online pathway is suitable.
Build one developmental formulation
Shared developmental history is gathered once, while condition-specific evidence is explored separately and systematically.
Test competing and co-occurring explanations
The assessment considers where ADHD and autism overlap, where they differ, and whether anxiety, trauma, learning or other factors better explain some experiences.
Give integrated recommendations
Feedback explains each conclusion independently and translates the combined profile into practical supports rather than treating two labels as separate silos.
Agree the output before the work begins
Different reports may be needed for personal understanding, a GP, education, employment or another professional. The practice does not promise that every third party will accept every report. The purpose, recipient and requested evidence should be clarified in advance.
Where medical treatment, legal evidence or statutory processes are involved, separate requirements may apply.
Information for referring professionals
Common questions
What does AuDHD mean?
AuDHD is an informal term commonly used by people who are both autistic and have ADHD. It is not a separate diagnostic category.
Is a combined assessment shorter?
It may reduce duplicated history-taking, but it should not shortcut the evidence needed for either question. Scope and appointments depend on complexity.
Can the outcome support one condition but not the other?
Yes. Each question is considered on its own evidence. Assessment should not assume that asking about both means both conclusions will be supported.
Will one combined report be provided?
The proposed report structure is agreed before booking. It may be a combined report with distinct sections, depending on the assessment purpose and pathway.
Clarify the suitable pathway before paying
The free consultation covers the question, suitability, stages, evidence, estimated timescale and fee.