Seeing the whole picture.
Specialist combined assessments for Autism and ADHD. Save time, reduce stress, and understand how your unique traits interact with a single, comprehensive pathway.
Understanding “AuDHD”
When it’s more than just one thing.
Autism and ADHD frequently go hand-in-hand. Research suggests a significant overlap in these neurotypes (often called “AuDHD”). Assessing them separately can sometimes lead to an incomplete picture.
For example, ADHD impulsivity might “mask” Autistic social differences, or an Autistic need for routine might suppress ADHD disorganisation.
At AYC, we don’t force you into a box. Our combined pathway allows our multi-disciplinary team to untangle these threads simultaneously, giving you a diagnosis that truly reflects your reality.
The Combined Pathway
Two Gold Standards. One Streamlined Process.
We merge our specific Autism and ADHD tools into a unified clinical journey. You get the full depth of both assessments without duplicating the paperwork.
Extended Clinical Interview
We conduct a “deep dive” interview covering developmental history for both conditions.
Tools Used: ADI-R (Autism) combined with DIVA-5 (Adult ADHD) or ACE (Child ADHD).
The Technology Layer (QbTest)
You (or your child) will complete the QbTest at our Warrington centre. This objective computer task measures attention and impulse control, providing hard data to support the ADHD investigation.
The Interaction Layer (ADOS-2)
We conduct the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2). This play-based (for children) or conversational (for adults) session allows our two-clinician team to observe social communication styles.
The Sensory Layer
You complete the Sensory Processing Measure. This helps us identify if sensory overwhelm (a key Autistic trait) is contributing to attention difficulties (a key ADHD trait).
Unified MDT Review
Our team reviews all the data together. This is the “magic moment” where we see how the conditions interact—for example, does anxiety stem from sensory overload or executive dysfunction?
Why Choose a Combined Assessment?
The Benefits.
Clinical Accuracy
By looking at both conditions at once, we avoid misdiagnosis. We can see where one trait ends and another begins.
Cost & Time Efficient
A combined pathway is significantly faster and more affordable than booking two separate assessments. You only pay for one administrative process.
One Comprehensive Report
You receive a single, holistic report. This is easier for schools, universities, and employers to understand and act upon.
Who is this for?
Signs of Co-occurrence.
Routine vs. Chaos
Do you (or your child) have a need for routine (Autism) but struggle to stick to it (ADHD)?
Special Interests
Do you have intense special interests (Autism) but jump between them rapidly (ADHD)?
Social Communication
Do you struggle with social cues (Autism) but talk excessively and interrupt others (ADHD)?
Sensory & Meltdowns
Do you experience sensory overwhelm (Autism) leading to impulsive meltdowns (ADHD)?
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We use exactly the same diagnostic tools (ADOS-2, ADI-R, QbTest, DIVA/ACE) as the individual pathways. We simply schedule them efficiently to reduce the burden on you.
That is a common outcome. The assessment might confirm ADHD but rule out Autism (or vice versa). You will still receive a full report explaining exactly why, which provides peace of mind.
Because we are doing two assessments, the in-clinic session is longer (usually a half-day). However, most clients prefer this “one and done” approach.