When ADHD and autism overlap
ADHD and autism frequently occur together, and their features can look similar from the outside. A combined pathway looks at both conditions for your child, so you get one clear picture rather than separate, partial answers.
Attention & focus
ADHD can bring difficulty sustaining attention; autistic people may focus intensely on special interests but struggle with other topics.
Impulsivity
In ADHD it often means acting without thinking; in autism, behaviour may seem abrupt because of rigid thinking or unwritten social rules.
Emotions & routine
Both can involve intense emotional reactions and a reliance on routines, for different underlying reasons.
Sensory differences
Sensitivity to noise, light or textures is common in autism and increasingly recognised in ADHD too.
ADHD is primarily characterised by difficulties with attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, whereas autism is defined by differences in social communication and restricted or repetitive behaviours. Careful assessment helps tell them apart, or confirm both.
How the assessment works
Every child and young person's pathway begins with screening to help identify whether a full diagnostic assessment is appropriate.
Initial contact with our team
Your journey begins with a conversation with our friendly team. We discuss your concerns, explain the screening process, answer questions and guide you through the next steps.
Screening forms
We email you forms to complete. These help us understand your or your child's experiences.
Initial Screening Consultation
You attend a structured interview with one of our clinicians. A calm, supportive conversation. Alongside it we use evidence-based tools suited to age and presentation.
Multidisciplinary team (MDT) review
Your assessment is reviewed by our multidisciplinary team, which includes psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist clinicians. This ensures every assessment is NICE-compliant, thorough and clinically safe.
Screening Assessment outcome & detailed report
You receive a comprehensive clinical report within 21 working days, including the conclusion, a clear explanation of the evidence, tailored recommendations for school, work and home, and signposting to further support. If criteria are not met, we still provide clear guidance and next steps. Where the screening findings indicate that a full ADHD or autism diagnostic assessment is appropriate, we will explain the next stage and arrange a further appointment.
Planning a combined assessment
Both pathways begin with the same dual screening. After screening, we will discuss which full diagnostic assessments are recommended and confirm the total cost before anything is booked.
Fees
Cancellations within 7 working days, or non-attendance, are charged in full. Rescheduling within 4 weeks of your appointment incurs a £150 fee. Changes to booked consultation dates outside four weeks incur a £55 administration fee.
We offer a free initial telephone chat to help you understand your options and choose the most suitable pathway.
Why a diagnosis matters
Receiving a diagnosis is not simply a label, it is a framework for understanding yourself. It can:
- Provide long-overdue clarity and self-understanding
- Explain lifelong patterns in learning, behaviour or emotional responses
- Unlock tailored support, coaching and practical strategies
- Improve wellbeing, confidence and day-to-day functioning
- Help schools, employers or families support you better
- Open access to treatment or accommodations where needed