An AuDHD assessment is a combined assessment for both ADHD and autism. It explores attention, planning, memory, impulse control and regulation, as well as sensory processing, communication style, social energy and patterns of interest. The aim is to understand your full neurodivergent profile and how it affects daily life.

This assessment is for people who feel like both ADHD and autism might describe them. You might relate to sensory overload, social burnout and needing substantial recovery time after being around people. You might also relate to racing thoughts, trouble starting tasks, losing track of time, or feeling "all or nothing" with energy and attention.

An AuDHD profile is very common in late-identified adults, who have learned to hide their struggles and appear fine on the outside but feel completely drained underneath. It is also helpful for teenagers who are sensitive, easily overwhelmed or routine-focused, but also fast, impulsive, distracted or constantly "on the go."

Parents often seek this assessment when their child seems to fit with both autism and ADHD. By obtaining clarity through assessment they are able to better understand their child’s needs and strengths to help them thrive.

There are several main parts to the assessment:

1. Clinical interview
   
   We explore developmental history, sensory profile, attention and organisation, emotional regulation, communication style, masking, burnout, meltdown or shutdown patterns and daily functioning at school, work and home.

2. Standardised questionnaires
   
   You and, if appropriate, a parent, caregiver or partner complete evidence based questionnaires that screen for both ADHD traits and autistic traits. This gives us comparative data across both areas.

3. Cognitive profile
   
   Where relevant we assess areas like working memory, processing speed and executive functioning, and we look at how these impact study, work, independent living skills and relationships.

4. Standardised autism testing
   
   We complete structured social or play based tasks designed to identify autistic style communication, routines and flexibility.

5. Report writing

   Over the next few weeks, all the information is then summarised into a detailed and comprehensive report.

6. Feedback
   
   We then have a final session wherein we go through the report together in detail, discuss whether diagnostic criteria was met, discuss recommendations to help you thrive (regardless of diagnoses), and identify next steps.

Yes, in many cases this is exactly why people seek a combined assessment.

A combined report can be used to speak with your GP or psychiatrist about ADHD medication review. It can also help request sensory and executive functioning supports at school or university, and can support workplace accommodations such as quieter environments, flexible communication styles, written instructions, predictable routines and support for planning tasks. Where daily functioning is significantly impacted, clear functional wording can also support NDIS style applications and allied health referrals.

No. We will not force both diagnoses if that is not accurate for you, and we will not rule something out just because you "look fine". We consider anxiety, trauma, OCD traits, depression, sleep issues, chronic fatigue and burnout, because all of these can affect attention, regulation and social energy. The goal is an honest and helpful picture.

Many AuDHD clients are already experiencing burnout by the time they get assessed. Sessions are paced to you. You can ask for breaks, you can move, you can mask or unmask and you will not be judged for either. You can info dump. You can avoid eye contact if that feels better. You can ask for questions to be repeated or rephrased. You are not being tested on how "well" you present. We aim to make the space as comfortable and relaxed as possible so you can just be you.

You receive a written report that explains whether criteria are met for ADHD, autism, both, or neither. The report describes how your brain works in day to day life, not just in clinical language. You also receive tailored recommendations that address both sensory needs and executive functioning load at the same time. We then have a feedback session together where you can ask questions.

Assessment can provide relief and clarity through greater self-understanding. It can help explain social exhaustion, rest needs, and why certain environments feel unsafe or too intense. Many people describe reduced shame because, for example, instead of thinking "I am failing at being a ‘normal’ adult", it becomes "I am a person that needs structure, clarity and recovery time to perform at my best".

You can get in touch to request an AuDHD assessment using the email form on this page (or our homepage). That’s a great chance to ask any burning questions as well. From there, we can then book the initial interview at a time and date that works for you.