Child AuDHD assessment

What is AuDHD?

AuDHD is the co-occurrence of autism and ADHD. While autism predominantly looks at social-communication differences and ADHD looks at attentional differences, both include a great deal of cross-over including an ability to hyper-focus on interests, executive function challenges and differences in sensory profiles.

AuDHD can be a confusing experience for a child, and a confusing one to watch. Your child may be highly social and then need to be on their own the moment they get home, ask for a routine and then resist it, or experience big feelings that they struggle to communicate.

Children with AuDHD may:

• Become deeply absorbed in the things that interest them, while finding it very hard to start or stay with things that do not.
• Enjoy being spontaneous, but only within certain areas of their life or within limits they have set themselves.
• Experience strong feelings that come on without warning, and sometimes disappear just as fast.
• Take on lots of clubs, activities and friendships, and then find the whole week has become too much.
• Become exhausted or burnt out from managing competing demands, particularly after a long day at school.

An assessment helps us build a shared understanding of your child’s unique profile of strengths, differences and support needs. Parents often tell us that developing this understanding brings relief and clarity, and helps them feel more confident in supporting their child at home, at school and in the wider community.

How does the process work?

It is important to be clear that AuDHD is not recognised as a separate neurotype. Therefore, when we talk about an AuDHD assessment, what we are doing is conducting an autism assessment and an ADHD assessment at the same time. If your child meets the criteria, you will receive a separate set of documentation for each diagnosis.

Step 1: After registering with us, we will ask you to complete a consent form, and some optional intake forms that help us gather background information about your child and how they experience the world.

Step 2: Parents' meeting. I will meet with you to talk about your observations. This meeting can take place in our office or online via video call.

Step 3: We meet your child at our office in Leeds. We often do this as a team to ensure we cover everything. You can attend as a family so that your child feels safe and comfortable. This stage typically requires one or two meetings.

Step 4: Collateral information and consultation. We consult with other professionals, including members of our team and your child's school to ensure we have a comprehensive understanding.

Step 5: Results. We will have gathered all of the information needed to reach a clear conclusion. We will meet with you to explain the outcome of the assessment and answer any questions you may have. This feedback can take place in person or online. Whether your child meets the criteria for autism and/or ADHD or not, we will provide guidance and signposting to appropriate sources of support.

What are the potential outcomes?

We may identify that your child is both autistic and ADHD. We may identify that your child is autistic or ADHD but not the other. We may identify that your child is not autistic or ADHD. If so, we will be able to signpost you to appropriate support. On rare occasions, we may be unable to reach a clear conclusion.

Alternatively, start with a consultation

A consultation is a one-hour session with me for you as parents or carers, without your child. We can talk through what you've noticed, ask questions, and think about what would be most useful. Some parents use it to decide between an autism, ADHD or AuDHD assessment. Others come with a specific question, or to make sense of something with someone who understands neurodivergence. It isn't an assessment, so I won't be able to tell you whether your child is autistic or ADHD, but you'll leave with a clearer sense of what to do next.

Location

Frequently asked questions

*Can the whole assessment be done online?

Typically not, but it depends on the age and communication preferences of your child. For older teenagers who are comfortable using video conferencing, this may be an option. However, we typically find it best to meet the young person in person.

What is the minimum age for assessment?

We usually assess children from age 6. If you are unsure whether our service is the right fit for your child, we are very happy to discuss this with you before you book.

Can I use my private health insurance?

If your private health insurance allows you to select any Registered Psychologist then yes. You will need to arrange payment with your health insurance provider.

Will my child's assessment be recognised?

Yes. Our assessments follow the best practice guidelines defined by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and are carried out by psychologists registered with the Health & Care Professions Council. However, if you are in any doubt, please check with your child's school first.

Can you prescribe medication?

No. Medication can only be prescribed by a doctor, usually a paediatrician or a CAMHS clinician. If medication is your main reason for seeking an assessment, ask your GP what they will accept before you book.

Do you see people outside of the UK?

No, unfortunately not.

Is there a payment plan?

You can split the cost of assessments across three monthly payments using Klarna. This is managed by Klarna and subject to their approval. To get started, just ask us for a payment link when you're ready to book. Payment plans are not available for consultations.

If my child is one but not the other, do they still get a diagnosis?

Yes. You will receive a separate outcome for both autism and ADHD.