Combined Autism and ADHD Assessment

Both autism and ADHD are neurodevelopmental differences, and whilst some of the characteristics can overlap, each have their own diagnostic criteria. A combined presentation is commonly being referred to as ‘AuDHD’.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

It is important to understand that individuals experience autism and ADHD differently. Some may attempt to “mask” their difficulties around certain people or settings. If you notice that you, or your loved one has been struggling with social communication, language development, repetitive and restricted behaviours, or hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention a combined assessment may be appropriate.

The first step to getting the right support is to receive a robust and reliable assessment from a qualified clinician. Taking that first step can be daunting, but Harley Street ADHD are here to support you every step of the way.

AUTISM

What is autism?

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference which impacts how people view, communicate and interact with the world.

It is important to understand individuals experience autism differently. Some may attempt to “mask” their difficulties around certain people or settings in order to fit in.

ADHD

What is ADHD?

Characterised by hyperactivity, impulsivity or inattention, or by a combination of all three of these.

A diagnostic assessment will explore signs and symptoms of autism and ADHD, their length, along with the impact on a person’s general level of functioning. More information can be found here.

THE PROCESS

Why pursue a combined assessment?

Early and accurate diagnosis can be a powerful step toward unlocking potential and improving quality of life.

  • Gain a clearer understanding of how ADHD and/or autism may be impacting your behaviour, emotions, and daily functioning—building greater self-awareness and confidence.
  • Identify personal strengths alongside areas where targeted support may be beneficial.
  • Enable others to better support you, whether that’s in professional, academic, or personal settings.
  • Access appropriate support and accommodations, such as adjustments at work or in higher education, and eligibility for relevant services or benefits.

At Harley Street ADHD, we provide comprehensive combined assessments for ADHD and autism, led by experienced clinicians. This allows for a full and nuanced understanding of any challenges related to focus, behaviour, communication, or sensory processing.

Our team adopts a needs-led and multi-modal approach to enable that individuals receive tailored and person-centred support.

Assessment information

Our combined assessment explores the client’s developmental history, their mental health experiences, as well as the characteristics of both autism and ADHD. The clinician will review these characteristics in line with the diagnostic criteria for autism and ADHD.

1
Pre-screening

Prior to your assessment, we will ask you to complete some questionnaires detailing possible traits of ADHD and autism that you may be experiencing. Where possible, we will also ask one of your parents/carers, or someone else who has known you well in childhood, to provide information about any difficulties that they remember you experiencing when younger.

2
Psychiatric assessment

This assessment lasts 60 minutes and is directly between you and the clinician. observation behaviour This and is observation of your social responses using different scenarios, tasks conversation topics.

3
Multi-disciplinary team (MDT) discussion

After these assessments are complete, the results will be discussed in a MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) meeting. In this discussion, the clinicians conduct a collaborative analysis of your assessment evidence. They will discuss whether the evidence collated meets the criteria for ADHD and autism.

4
Feedback

The results of your assessments will then be fed back to you by your clinician. The reasons for any diagnosis of autism and/or ADHD made will be carefully explained to you. If a diagnosis is not made, suggestions for any further assessment or support that may be needed, will be provided.

If a diagnosis of autism is made, you will receive useful post-diagnostic resources and support, and if a diagnosis of ADHD is made, your psychiatrist will discuss with you a variety of treatment options, including medication.

5
Report

This comprehensive document will state the outcome of the assessment and may contain a formal diagnosis if decided upon. It will also include clear recommendations for any essential support.

6
Post-diagnostic support and treatment options

Harley Street ADHD offers medical treatment of ADHD, through a series of 25-minute appointments, where your medication will be carefully dosed, and your response to this monitored.

If the medication is suitable for long-term use, your psychiatrist will seek to enter into a shared care agreement with your GP. Shared care agreements allow you to pay NHS prescriptions fees, reducing the costs of your ongoing treatment.

Harley Street mental health care

MEDICATION AND TITRATION

ADHD Medication Support

Following an ADHD diagnosis, your clinician will support you through a personalised treatment plan delivered over a series of 25-minute appointments. You’ll receive clear, comprehensive information about the potential benefits and side effects of medication, empowering you to make informed decisions about your treatment.

The timings of the appointments can be flexible, to suit your needs. At each treatment appointment your clinician will carefully review your response to medication and monitor for side effects and tailor your treatment accordingly. The clinician’s aim will be to safely and efficiently find a medication and dosing regimen that works for you.

If you have received a diagnosis of ADHD elsewhere and want to start treatment with Harley Street ADHD, then please provide us with a copy of your ADHD diagnosis report. We will then offer a 45-minute treatment initiation appointment to review any changes in your health since your diagnosis, and develop your personalised treatment plan.

FUTURE

Long term care

We understand the importance of cost-effective care. It will be your clinician’s aim to move your care to a shared care agreement as soon as you are stabilised on medication for a period of time. Our clinicians ensure that their treatment plans follow NICE guidelines and are experienced in the requirements for successful shared care agreements.

Shared care agreements for ADHD take place between a specialist clinician and a GP. Typically, the NHS GP takes responsibility for prescribing the medication, and the specialist clinician conducts a treatment review each year. Shared care agreements help to reduce the cost for ongoing ADHD treatment, by reducing the prescription costs to the NHS rate.

At Harley Street ADHD, we offer 45-minute yearly medication reviews for people that are stabilised on treatment, and have a shared care agreement in place.

Harley Street Autism Diagnosis

(including 180 minute psychiatric assessment, ADOS, MDT discussion and 30 minute feedback appointment)

£2000

Repeat prescription fee

£50