What Happens After Your ADHD or Autism Assessment

How to Prepare for Your ADHD or Autism Assessment: A Guide to Diagnosis and Support

If you think you or your child might be autistic or may have ADHD, preparing for an assessment can feel overwhelming. An ADHD assessment or an autism assessment is a structured process that helps identify whether a person meets the criteria for an official diagnosis. Knowing what to expect, what information to bring, and how to work with healthcare professionals can make the process smoother and less stressful.

This article will guide you step by step through the assessment process, explain what happens during an autism and ADHD diagnosis, and provide tips to help you feel ready. Whether you’re seeking a professional assessment for yourself or want to help your child, this guide will give you the knowledge and confidence you need.

What Is an ADHD or Autism Assessment and Why Is It Important?

An ADHD assessment or autism assessment is a structured evaluation carried out by trained healthcare professionals. It helps determine whether a person meets the criteria for ADHD or the criteria for autism. For children and adults, this process can provide clarity, access to treatment, and pathways to support services such as the NDIS or special educational needs resources.

An assessment helps identify patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity that align with ADHD diagnostic criteria. Similarly, for autism, the process looks at how someone’s behaviour, communication, and development relate to the autism spectrum.

Without a formal assessment, it’s difficult to know whether difficulties are due to ADHD traits, autism may be present, or conditions that may complicate the diagnostic process. A comprehensive assessment provides answers and opens doors to the next stage of care.

How Do Healthcare Professionals Diagnose ADHD and Autism?

To diagnose ADHD or autism, clinicians follow established guidelines. A psychologist, psychiatrist, or paediatrician may be involved. They use diagnostic tools, clinical interviews, and psychological assessments to determine whether you or your child meet the criteria for a diagnosis.

For ADHD, professionals look at symptoms of ADHD such as attention deficit, impulsivity, and hyperactivity disorder. For autism, they explore how someone may relate to autism traits like social communication difficulties and restricted interests.

The assessment team might include multiple clinical psychologists or a qualified psychiatrist, depending on your location and whether you’re going through the NHS, private clinics, or school referrals. Their approach to assessment ensures accuracy, while also working to rule out other medical conditions.

What Symptoms of ADHD or Autism Should You Track Before the Assessment?

Before you book an appointment, it helps to track key signs that suggest you or your child might be autistic or may show ADHD symptoms. For ADHD, these may include forgetfulness, poor organisation, or difficulty sustaining attention. For autism, traits may involve challenges in communication, sensory sensitivities, or difficulty with change.

Parents can support your child by noting behavioural differences at school, home, or in social settings. Adults may reflect on aspects of your life where difficulties show up—such as work, relationships, or study.

Documenting these observations gives the professional you choose concrete examples, helping them understand how neurodivergent traits impact daily life. This process of discovery also prepares you for questions that might arise during the clinical interview.

How to Prepare for the ADHD Assessment Process

The ADHD assessment process usually begins when you enquire with your GP or a private clinic. You may be asked to complete a questionnaire or fill out a questionnaire about behaviour patterns and medical history.

Preparation involves gathering reports from school, employers, or family members who can provide insights. Think carefully about how difficulties like inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity affect your daily functioning.

Throughout the assessment, stay open and honest about challenges. This makes it easier for professionals to diagnose ADHD, confirm whether you’re diagnosed with ADHD, or explore if autism or ADHD are present.

What to Expect During an Autism Assessment

An autism assessment process is more detailed and may take several sessions. The evaluator uses autism diagnostic criteria and may involve direct observation, behavioural assessments, and structured tasks.

For children, parents and teachers often provide background information. For adults, the focus is on developmental history and current challenges.

A feedback session will be scheduled to explain the results and whether the person has a diagnosis of autism. If the assessment confirms autism, this assessment would give you an official diagnosis, which can be crucial for accessing support.

Who Carries Out the Assessment and Diagnosis? (Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Paediatrician)

The type of professional depends on your pathway. A GP can refer you to specialists such as a paediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist.

• Psychologists and clinical psychologists often handle psychological assessments and diagnostic tools.

• A qualified psychiatrist can prescribe medication to treat ADHD with stimulants or non-stimulants, providing medication to help manage symptoms.

• A paediatrician often evaluates children with developmental concerns.

Working with the right assessment team ensures that diagnosing and treating ADHD and autism is handled professionally.

What Happens in the Clinical Interview and Questionnaires?

The clinical interview is the heart of the assessment process. Here, the clinician asks about history, symptoms of ADHD, social behaviour, and development. You may also be asked to complete a structured questionnaire.

These tools help professionals identify whether you meet the criteria for ADHD or the criteria for autism. The assessment and diagnosis stage requires honesty and detailed answers.

This part of the evaluation may feel intense, but it is essential for the professional to get a diagnosis right and provide meaningful recommendations.

Can ADHD and Autism Co-Occur in the Same Person?

Yes. It is common for ADHD and autism to co-exist, a situation known as co-occurring conditions. This can complicate the diagnostic process, as traits often overlap.

Some autistic people may also have ADHD traits, and vice versa. Recognising both conditions is important, as they may present differently in children and adults, especially in females.

A professional assessment considers both conditions together, helping ensure that interventions support the whole person, not just part of their neurodivergence.

What Happens After the Assessment and Diagnosis?

After an assessment, the clinician explains whether a diagnosis is confirmed. If positive, they discuss treatment and support options. For ADHD, a psychiatrist may prescribe or prescribe medication to treat ADHD. For autism, tailored therapies and social support are more common.

You’ll also receive recommendations about the next stage—whether it’s therapy, medication, educational support, or referral to additional services. This may include workplace adjustments, school support, or NDIS applications.

The journey doesn’t end with the assessment and diagnosis; it’s the beginning of targeted support that improves aspects of your life significantly.

How to Support Your Child or Yourself After Getting a Diagnosis

If you think you or your child may benefit from an evaluation, remember that an official diagnosis brings clarity. Once you’re diagnosed with ADHD or receive an autism diagnosis, you can better support your child or yourself with strategies, therapy, and resources.

Parents can work with schools to address special educational needs. Adults can seek workplace accommodations or community support that aligns with their neurodiversity.

No matter the path, recognising that you are part of the neurodivergent community can help foster self-acceptance and resilience.