Autism and ADHD in adults: when seeking a diagnosis may help

There are still many misunderstandings about how autism and ADHD can present, although fortunately this is improving thanks to the likes of well known celebrities such as Chris Packham, Daryl Hannah and Anthony Hopkins. Before then, many people thought someone who was autistic presented as Dustin Hoffman in 'Rain Man'- limited verbal skills but with exceptional ability in one area, such as memory for facts. This can be true, but there is so much variation in how autism presents, that this is only one example.

Having autism or ADHD still means you can have a happy and fulfilling life, but having the clarity of a diagnosis can help to do so

Common signs of autism in adults

To be diagnosed as autistic, a person would present with differences/difficulties in relation to socialising, communication, and some element of need for sameness (which could be in interests, activities, actions, thinking style). How this actually presents in someone depends on many other factors, including intellectual ability, personality, history, neurology and probably many other factors, just as in the same way that a neurotypical profile varies!

Common signs of ADHD in adults

Similar misconceptions exist about ADHD: that this is simply a word for badly behaved children or adult criminals, or that it only describes someone who cannot maintain attention. Actually, many people with ADHD have hyper-focus: an ability to maintain attention for long periods in some areas and in some conditions. The term ADHD is misleading, since it can be a difference in attention styles as opposed to a consistent and pervasive deficit, and many people with ADHD are not hyper-active. A key aspect of ADHD is the need for novelty, so attention can actually be very good if the topic or activity is highly interesting or perhaps new.

Common signs of ADHD in adults include inattention (especially to activities that are monotonous), hyperactivity (sometimes!), and impulsivity. Individuals may struggle with staying focused, organizing tasks, or following instructions. They might frequently interrupt others, fidget, or have difficulty remaining still. These behaviours can impact daily activities and relationships.

Autism and ADHD in adults

A significant number of individuals with autism also experience ADHD, a combination sometimes called AuDHD. When both conditions are present, diagnosis can become complex due to their unique interactions. For instance, someone with autism may require routine, but their ADHD might necessitate incorporating novelty into these routines.

When to consider an autism or ADHD assessment

A thorough assessment from an appropriately experienced and qualified individual is needed to establish if either or both of these conditions is present. Considering alternative explanations , or differential diagnoses, such as trauma, mental health, or personality traits will be important.

Adult ADHD assessment in the UK can be problematic, as NHS services have very long waiting lists. Seeking a private assessment can be helpful, but do check with your local NHS services as to whether they will accept a private assessment, especially if you are considering medication options.

How PATH Northwest can help

If you are struggling in key areas of your life, for example work, relationships, friendships, and believe this may be due to autism, ADHD, or both, then please get in touch. I have worked for many years in assessing neurodiversity in adults, both in the NHS and privately. My priority is in assessing accurately but also in putting you at ease, understanding and validating your needs, and helping you to understand yourself and consider ways in which your specific autistic/ADHD/AuDHD profile impacts upon you and what you can do to minimise this impact.

Frequently asked questions

• How long does an assessment take? It varies, but usually it takes two 1.5 hour sessions, followed by a report and a feedback session. Some completion of screening tools will be required. Sometimes a parent, partner or sibling may be asked to provide further information, but this is not essential.

• Can assessments be online? yes they can. Whilst the assessments used may differ if they are online, with more questioning to gather information and less observation, assessments can be done perfectly well online. In my experience, most adults with autism/ADHD can 'mask' their difficulties very well and so observation in person often does not reveal very much in any case.

How to get in touch/useful resources:

www.pathnorthwest.co.uk

www.autism.org.uk

https://adhduk.co.uk/