Combined Autism & ADHD Assessments for Adults (18 years old & above)

We are delighted to offer a combined Autism and ADHD assessment; a comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment for ADHD and Autism delivered by our skilled multi-disciplinary team including Psychiatry, Speech and Language Therapy and Psychology. Read more about our clinical team

A screening consultation with one of our Clinical Psychologists can be helpful if you feel unsure whether you might need a full neurodevelopmental assessment, or if you feel unsure which assessment may be best suited. Our screening consultation is one hour long and can be offered in person or remotely. During the appointment our Clinical Psychologist will carry out a structured clinical interview, in line with best practice guidelines, to assess mental health and neurodiversity. Alongside the clinical interview, our clinicians incorporate relevant validated clinical tools which are suited to individual clinical needs, for example to screen for autism, ADHD and mental health difficulties. At the end of the appointment, our clinician will then make personalised recommendations, including the next best steps for you.

All recommendations will be based on clinical needs and may include:

• Recommending a neurodevelopmental assessment i.e. an autism, ADHD or combined assessment
• Recommending psychological therapy to address mental health difficulties
• Recommending a psychiatry consultation to address mental health difficulties

If you are happy to proceed with our clinician’s recommendations, the relevant internal referral can be arranged.  Our clinician will summarise the consultation in a letter which can be sent to your GP.

All recommendations will be based on clinical needs and may include:

• Recommending a neurodevelopmental assessment i.e. an autism, ADHD or combined assessment
• Recommending psychological therapy to address mental health difficulties
• Recommending a psychiatry consultation to address mental health difficulties

If you are happy to proceed with our clinician’s recommendations, the relevant internal referral can be arranged.  Our clinician will summarise the consultation in a letter which can be sent to your child’s GP.

Stage 1: Initial Consultation

The initial consultation will cover an overview of the assessment process and potential outcomes. A comprehensive clinical interview will be carried out and this will include discussing your background, daily functioning, relationship history, education and employment, medical and mental health history and symptoms and experiences which may be in line with ADHD and Autism.

• How long is the appointment? Up to 90 minutes.
• Who is the appointment with? A Consultant Psychiatrist.
• Who should attend this appointment? You can attend this appointment alone, or you can bring someone along with you who knows you well.
• How is this appointment carried out? Online or in person.

Stage 2: DIVA-5 and Developmental History

The DIVA-5 (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults, Fifth Edition) is a structured clinical interview used to assess symptoms of ADHD in childhood and adulthood, in line with DSM-5 criteria. It involves a detailed exploration of current and past symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, supported by real life examples to determine their presence, severity, and impact on daily functioning.

A key component of the assessment is taking a comprehensive developmental history, which helps establish whether symptoms were present in childhood. This includes gathering information about early behaviour, school experiences, family context, and social development. Together, this process ensures a thorough, evidence-based understanding of how potential ADHD traits have evolved over time and how they currently affect you.

• How long is the appointment? Up to two hours.
• Who is the appointment with? A Consultant Psychiatrist or Clinical Psychologist.
• Who should attend this appointment? Please attend this appointment with someone who knows you well, preferably someone who has known you since you were a baby/young child.
• How is this appointment carried out? Online or in person.

Stage 3: The ADOS-2

The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) is an evidence based assessment tool that helps clinicians understand whether someone may be autistic. It involves a structured but relaxed session, where we will guide you through a series of conversational topics and activities. These are designed to explore areas such as communication style, social interaction, imagination, and patterns of behaviour. There are no “right” or “wrong” answers, and it is not a test you can pass or fail. It provides an opportunity for you to be yourself while the clinician observes how you naturally communicate and engage.

• How long is the appointment? Up to 90 minutes.
• Who is the appointment with? A Clinical Psychologist or Speech and Language Therapist.
• Who should attend this appointment? You can attend this appointment alone, or you can bring someone along with you.
• How is this appointment carried out? In person.

Stage 4: Team discussion and integration of assessment information

A multi-disciplinary team (MDT) discussion is an important step in ensuring that your assessment is as thorough, balanced, and accurate as possible. After your assessment appointments, our team will come together to carefully review all the information gathered, including interviews, observations, questionnaires, and your developmental history. By bringing together different professional perspectives, the team can consider your experiences in a holistic way and ensure that any diagnosis of ADHD and/or autism is based on clear, evidence-based criteria (DSM-5). This collaborative approach helps to provide a detailed understanding of your strengths and differences, and ensures that any conclusions and recommendations are thoughtful and tailored to you.

Stage 5: Feedback appointment

At your feedback appointment we take time to talk through the results of your assessment in a clear and supportive way. During this session, we will explain what we found from the different parts of the assessment, and how these relate to your experiences both now and in your early life. We will discuss whether the findings are consistent with autism and/or ADHD, and what this means for you. There will be plenty of space for you to ask questions, reflect on the information, and make sense of it in a way that feels meaningful to you. We will also talk through personalised recommendations, which may include a combination of strategies, support options, psychological approaches and/or medication. We will highlight your individual strengths and differences. Our aim is that you leave the appointment with a clear understanding and a plan that feels helpful and supportive for you.

• How long is the appointment? Up to one hour.
• Who is the appointment with? The Consultant Psychiatrist who you met with for your first appointment.
• Who should attend this appointment? You can attend this appointment alone, or you can bring someone along with you.
• How is this appointment carried out? Online or in person.

A comprehensive report will be sent out to you and your GP approximately 6 – 8 weeks after your feedback appointment.

Please note that if further appointments are required outwith the full assessment that there may be additional charges for these appointments.