Our ADHD enhanced screening will inform you as to whether or not ADHD is likely and if a full diagnostic assessment is necessary

ADHD and Autism

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum (ASD) can be difficult to distinguish, particularly in young persons. Both are considered neurodevelopmental conditions effecting behaviour and communication.

How you assess for and diagnose each condition, however, is very different and often delivered by different clinical practitioners or teams which can mean added costs. Our enhanced ADHD screening for adults and young persons explores whether ADHD is likely and if a full diagnostic assessment is necessary.

How are they different?

To start with, Autism or ASD primarily causes challenges with socialising and communication. ADHD on the other hand can cause difficulties with concentrating and makes it hard to curb impulsivity.

A young person with Autism transitioning to adulthood will often continue to experience these same challenges, however, someone with ADHD may find they lessen as they become older.

There are many differences between ASD and ADHD and for those who would like to know more, we recommend reading our blog post on the topic.

Treatment and Support

It is entirely possible for individuals to have both ASD and ADHD, however, in these cases it is usually common for one to be considered the ‘primary diagnosis’.

Recommended support and interventions are different which is why it is important to identify which diagnosis is more appropriate for someone.

Assessment for ASD

To assess for ASD in children (depending on age), a psychologist or paediatrician alongside a speech and language or occupational therapist, as a team will typically assess and diagnose.

In adults, a psychologist who specialises in Autism and trained in the specific assessments used is able to do this.

Assessment for ADHD

Although psychologists who have undertaken additional training in assessing for ADHD may provide a diagnosis, due to the potential medication that is often recommended (especially in children) we believe a psychiatrist is best to deliver your full diagnostic assessment.

For young persons, if medication is recommended, psychologists are unable to prescribe, and your GP will not prescribe medication until a young person has been ‘stabilised’.

This means a psychiatrist will need to review and prescribe your medication for anything between 3 and 12 months before your GP may take responsibility for this.

A psychiatrist is unlikely to prescribe without undertaking their own full assessment of you which could result in you paying twice for the same assessment if you had one with a psychologist.

This is why our enhanced screening option is recommended for clients who think ADHD may be relevant for them

Individuals aged 18+

For adults aged 18 and over we use the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS).

This assessment is completed by the individual being assessed along with a family member or friend that knows them very well.

The assessment is scored and interpreted by the team who will consider the results alongside all the information gathered from the autism diagnostic assessment.

The lead psychologist will formulate their opinion on whether or not ADHD is likely and advise you on whether a full diagnostic assessment is necessary.

Individuals aged 6 to 17 years 11 months

For young persons under 18 we use the Connors 3rd Edition for parents and teachers. Using the full-length assessment forms (not the short!) we explore in detail those behaviours and challenges that may be related to ADHD.