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Assessments of ADHD and Autism
what happens at an ADHD assessment?
Adult ADHD Assessment
If you have been wondering whether ADHD may help explain some of the difficulties you experience, an assessment can offer greater clarity and understanding.
The process is collaborative, respectful and designed to help you feel heard. It looks at the whole picture, including your current experiences, your personal history and how attention, organisation, impulsivity or restlessness may affect different areas of your life.
Step 1: Initial Mental Health Assessment
The process begins with a 90-minute appointment.
During this session, we will talk about your current concerns, your personal history and the difficulties or differences you have noticed over time.
We may explore areas such as attention and concentration, organisation, time management, forgetfulness, restlessness, impulsivity, emotional regulation, relationships, work and education.
We will also consider your mental health, lifestyle and any significant life experiences that may have had an impact.
Screening questionnaires may be used to help us understand your experiences more fully and to consider whether there may be other explanations for the difficulties you are experiencing.
Step 2: Information From Someone Who Knows You Well
Because ADHD often affects people across different settings and is usually present from childhood, it can be helpful to gather information from someone who has known you for a long time.
This might be a parent, sibling, partner, family member or long-term friend. In some cases, it may also be helpful to speak with a teacher or trusted employer.
This information can help us understand how your strengths and difficulties may be noticed by others and how you manage in different areas of your life.
No one will be contacted, and no information will be gathered or shared, without your consent.
Step 3: ADHD Assessment Interview
A further 90-minute appointment will focus more specifically on your experiences in relation to ADHD.
A structured diagnostic interview will be used to explore how relevant traits may have affected you during childhood and in adult life.
This is an opportunity to talk through your experiences in more detail and consider how they may affect your day-to-day functioning, relationships, work or education.
Step 4: QBCheck
You will also be asked to complete a QBCheck.
This is an online assessment that provides additional information about attention, activity and impulse control.
The QBCheck is one part of the wider assessment and is not used on its own to make a diagnosis.
Step 5: Reviewing the Information
Once all parts of the assessment have been completed, the information gathered will be carefully reviewed.
This includes the appointments, questionnaires, background information, QBCheck results and any information provided by someone who knows you well.
A professional discussion will then take place to consider whether the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have been met.
The outcome is based on the full clinical picture rather than any single questionnaire, interview or test result.
Step 6: Feedback and Recommendations
You will receive clear feedback about the outcome of the assessment and have the opportunity to ask questions.
Recommendations will also be provided where appropriate. These may include practical strategies, workplace or educational adjustments, psychological support or a discussion with a suitable medical professional about treatment options.
Step 7: Written Report
A full diagnostic report will be provided following the assessment.
The report will explain the assessment process, summarise the information gathered, outline the outcome and include recommendations for any further support.
what happens at an assessment for autism spectrum disorder?
Autism Assessment
If you are considering an autism assessment, the process can help you develop a clearer understanding of your experiences, strengths and support needs.
The assessment is collaborative and respectful. I will take time to listen to your experiences, gather relevant background information and explain each stage clearly.
Step 1: Initial Contact
When you first get in touch, I will ask for some basic information about you and your reasons for seeking an assessment.
I will then send you an information sheet explaining the different stages of the assessment, what you can expect and how the process works.
Step 2: Initial Assessment
During the initial assessment, I will talk with you about what has led you to consider an autism assessment and what you hope to gain from the process.
I will also ask about your early development and your experiences throughout childhood, education and adult life, where applicable.
This may include exploring areas such as:
Social interaction and communication
Friendships and relationships
Sensory experiences
Routines and responses to change
Interests and patterns of behaviour
Education, employment and daily life
This appointment gives you the opportunity to share your experiences and ask any questions you may have about the assessment.
Step 3: Assessment of Social Communication
If you decide to continue, the next stage will involve a more detailed assessment of social communication and interaction.
This part of the assessment is carried out by my colleague, Dr Hannah Gray, at her clinic. Dr Gray will complete the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, commonly known as the ADOS.
The ADOS is a structured, activity-based assessment that provides an opportunity to explore communication, social interaction and other experiences that may be relevant to autism.
The assessment is not about judging how you communicate or expecting you to behave in a particular way. It is designed to help develop a fuller understanding of your individual communication style, experiences, strengths and difficulties.
Step 4: Gathering Background Information
I may gather further information from people or services who know you or have supported you.
This could include information from a family member, partner, educational setting, GP or another relevant professional.
Background information can help me understand your experiences across different stages of your life and in different environments.
No one will be contacted, and no information will be requested or shared, without your consent.
Step 5: Reviewing the Assessment
Once the direct and indirect parts of the assessment have been completed, all of the information gathered will be carefully reviewed.
I will consult with Dr Hannah Gray and consider whether the diagnostic criteria for autism have been met.
The outcome will be based on the full assessment rather than any single appointment, questionnaire or piece of information.
Step 6: Feedback and Post-Diagnostic Support
A final appointment will be arranged to talk you through the outcome of the assessment.
I will explain the findings clearly, give you the opportunity to ask questions and discuss what the outcome means for you.
Where appropriate, I will also offer post-diagnostic support and discuss recommendations that may help you move forward.
Step 7: Your Written Report
I will discuss the recommendations with you and finalise your report.
You will then receive a completed written report outlining the assessment process, findings, outcome and recommendations for further support.