Autism And ADHD Together: When A Combined Assessment Makes Sense
At NeuroFX, we can provide both ADHD and ASD assessments. Here we explore this in more detail.
Noticing traits that look like both ADHD and autism can be confusing. You might see intense focus yet forgetfulness, strong interests alongside social fatigue, a busy mind and a need for routine. You do not have to pick one label before you seek help. A combined assessment can bring clarity, reduce duplication, and give you a single, practical plan.
ADHD and autism can co-occur
ADHD and autism often appear together in children, teens, and adults. They are distinct neurodevelopmental conditions with different diagnostic criteria, but they share areas that can overlap, such as executive functioning, social communication, sensory processing, and emotional regulation. This overlap can blur the picture if each condition is assessed in isolation or in the wrong order.
A combined pathway takes a step back and looks at attention, organisation, sensory profile, social communication, and development as one integrated picture. It helps you understand what might be explained as ADHD, where autism more accurately describes specific symptoms, and where both are present.
Myth-busting with kindness
Is ADHD a form of autism? No. ADHD and autism are different conditions. They have separate diagnostic criteria and can exist alone or together. Many people have both, which is why a clear differential diagnosis matters.
Do I have ADHD or autism? You might have one, the other, or both. Trying to self-sort can be stressful and inaccurate. A clinician will map your history, observe your current presentation, and apply recognised tools to reach the right conclusion.
Does autism run in families? Autistic traits have a strong genetic component, so patterns within families are common. That does not make anyone’s experience less valid. It can help explain why multiple relatives recognise similar strengths and challenges.
When a combined assessment makes sense
Consider a combined assessment if:
You or your child shows traits of both conditions, for example, inattention plus strong sensory needs, or social communication differences plus hyperactivity.
Previous single-condition screening did not fully fit your experience, or feedback from school or work differs from home life.
You want one coordinated process, one outcome, and one plan rather than two separate pathways.
At NeuroFX, triage helps you choose the right route. If that points to an integrated evaluation, we build a single plan that covers both ADHD and autism comprehensively.
What tools are used in a combined pathway?
A quality assessment follows NICE standards. For ADHD, we align with NICE NG87. For autism assessments, we follow NICE CG142 (adults) and CG128 (under‑19s). Depending on age and presentation, clinicians may include:
Developmental and medical history was gathered via pre-assessment forms and interviews.
Standardised autism tools, such as the ADI‑R (a structured developmental interview with a parent or carer) and the ADOS‑2 (an in-person observation with two clinicians for validity), are in line with CG142/CG128.
ADHD measures and structured clinical interviews to map inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive symptoms, with examples across home, education, or work, consistent with NG87.
Collateral input, with consent, from the school or a partner to document how traits present in other settings.
Functional impact review to understand strengths, challenges, masking, and day-to-day adjustments that already help.
The aim is not to collect endless data. It is to gather the right evidence to support a clear, defensible diagnosis and useful recommendations.
What are the three main symptoms of autism?
Clinicians do not diagnose on symptoms alone, but three common areas stand out:
Social communication and interaction differences, such as difficulty with back-and-forth conversation, reading social cues, or understanding the unwritten rules that others seem to know.
Restricted or repetitive behaviours and interests, which can include routines, repetitive movements, or deep, focused interests.
Sensory processing differences, such as hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to noise, light, touch, or textures. These can drive overwhelm, shutdowns, or the need for predictable environments.
These areas vary widely between people. Many autistic individuals build strong compensatory strategies, which is why careful assessment is so important.
How to get a full autism assessment
A full assessment includes detailed developmental history, observation, and recognised tools, with clear differentiation from other conditions. For children and teens, ADOS‑2 is completed in person in the Bedford clinic with two clinicians, and the ADI‑R can be completed online with parents or carers. Adults can be assessed in person or online, where appropriate, though autism observation components are in person to protect validity. Autism assessments are delivered in accordance with NICE CG142 (adults) and CG128 (under‑19s).
If you are in the region and looking at options, it may be helpful to read more about our autism assessment service for Bedfordshire communities via Bedford Autism Assessments. Adults who suspect both conditions may prefer a single combined pathway to reduce duplication and get a unified report.
Costs and practicalities
Families often ask, how much does an autism assessment cost in the UK? Prices vary by provider, what is included, and whether you need autism, ADHD, or an integrated assessment. NeuroFX provides fixed, transparent fees for each pathway at booking. Our current prices include a standalone autism assessment at £1,200 and a top‑up autism assessment following a NeuroFX ADHD assessment at £950. Interest‑free options can be arranged via Klarna or Clearpay, and phone support is available on 0333 533 3303 to discuss payment plans. If you have an existing external diagnosis and need ongoing care, an onboarding review aligns prior reports to our clinical standards; please confirm the current fee directly, as published sources vary.
The NeuroFX combined assessment pathway
Triage and booking: we help you choose ADHD, autism, or combined. Adults can often be seen online or in Bedford; under‑18s attend in person.
Pre-assessment: You complete easy-to-navigate forms that capture developmental and medical history. With consent, we gather school or partner input.
Assessment appointments: ADOS‑2 for autism is conducted in person with two clinicians. We complete structured ADHD interviews and measures and explore sensory, social, attention, and executive function profiles.
Diagnostic feedback: We explain findings clearly and answer questions. Where clinically appropriate, some patients receive same-day clarity on direction and next steps.
Reporting: You receive a concise diagnostic report that separates ADHD from autistic traits, explains overlap, and includes practical recommendations. We also provide a GP summary letter to support NHS coordination and education or workplace adjustments.
Onwards support: If ADHD is diagnosed and medication is appropriate, our 6‑month treatment pathway aligns with NICE NG87 for prescribing, titration, and monitoring with clear timelines, side‑effect reviews, and GP coordination. We also signpost non‑medication supports, such as coaching approaches, school strategies, and sensory environment adjustments.
Support after diagnosis
A diagnosis is a starting point. We focus on everyday support that makes a difference:
For school or university: targeted recommendations for reasonable adjustments, communication supports, sensory breaks, and task planning.
For work: adjustments for focus, time management, and meetings; written instructions and predictable routines; quiet spaces or headphone policies.
For home: simple planning tools, visual schedules, short timed tasks, and collaborative problem solving. Sensory strategies can reduce overwhelm and prevent shutdowns or meltdowns.
For ADHD medication where indicated: a structured titration plan with regular monitoring, clear guidance, and GP letters to support shared care.
Quick answers to common questions
Is ADHD a form of autism? No. They are separate conditions that can co‑occur.
Do I have ADHD or autism? You do not need to decide. A combined assessment can clarify one, the other, or both.
How do I get a full autism assessment? Book with a clinic that follows NICE CG142 (adults) and CG128 (under‑19s), uses recognised tools like ADI‑R and ADOS‑2, gathers collateral information, and provides a clear, accepted report.
How much does an autism assessment cost in the UK? At NeuroFX, a standalone autism assessment is £1,200. If you have completed an ADHD assessment with NeuroFX, a top‑up autism assessment is £950. For combined pathways and itemised inclusions, please contact us for a quote.
Ready to take the next step?
If you are weighing ADHD versus autism and the picture is mixed, a combined pathway can save time and give you one clear answer with one plan. You can request guidance or book a combined assessment today. If you are nearby and exploring ADHD options, our ADHD clinic Cambridge page explains local access for adults alongside medication management where appropriate. Families in Bedfordshire looking for integrated pathways can also start with combined ADHD and autism assessments in Bedford to discuss availability and format.
Summary
ADHD and autism often intersect, but they are not the same thing. When traits overlap, a combined assessment provides clarity by looking at attention, organisation, social communication, and sensory profile together. At NeuroFX, ADHD assessments and treatment align with NICE NG87, while autism assessments align with NICE CG142 (adults) and CG128 (under‑19s), using recognised tools such as ADI‑R and ADOS‑2 alongside ADHD measures. We produce concise reports with practical recommendations and GP letters. Pricing is transparent: a standalone autism assessment is £1,200, or a £950 top‑up autism assessment following a NeuroFX ADHD assessment. Post‑diagnosis, you have access to a structured ADHD treatment pathway where indicated, plus tailored support for school, university, work, and home. If you are ready to move from uncertainty to clarity, book a combined assessment or contact us for guidance.
