ADHD in adults
Adult ADHD assessment and ongoing support.
Assessment and formal support
Assessment and diagnosis
There is no single assessment for every kind of neurodivergence. The starting point depends on the question, the person’s age and local services. The routes below are UK-focused; some NHS arrangements are specific to England.
For possible adult ADHD, a GP can discuss difficulties and whether to refer to an ADHD specialist. Assessment considers childhood history and impact across different areas of life.
For autism, ask about the local referral route. It may involve a GP, school or health visitor depending on age. Ask what support is available while waiting.
Coordination difficulties or tics can also be discussed with a GP, who can consider appropriate specialist input. Different symptoms do not necessarily share one assessment pathway.
Dyslexia diagnostic assessments are usually undertaken by an educational psychologist or specialist assessor. Dyscalculia requires appropriate expertise in mathematical learning difficulties. A brief screening exercise is not equivalent to a diagnostic assessment.
For children, discuss learning concerns with the school. For adults, ask a learning-support service or specialist organisation about assessment options, qualifications and costs.
Speech and language therapists assess language needs and their impact on daily participation. Ask the local service about referral criteria and age coverage. Adult DLD assessment has a more limited evidence base, so discuss what an assessment can usefully establish.
For ADHD or autism assessment, examples from present life, childhood history and any available school or previous assessment reports can be useful. Ask the service what it wants you to bring and how communication needs can be accommodated.
Agree what question the assessment is intended to answer and ask what happens afterwards. Referral criteria, waiting times and funding vary; use the relevant source and local service rather than assuming one route applies to everyone.
Resource library
All Assessment and diagnosis sources
7 resources
Autism assessments
Referral, assessment and support while waiting.
Dyspraxia in adults
Adult symptoms, assessment and support.
Tourette syndrome
Understanding Tourette syndrome and treatment options.
Dyslexia in adults
Adult assessment, learning and workplace support.
Assessment for dyscalculia
Screening, diagnostic assessment and assessor qualifications.
DLD: diagnosis and support
Professional guidance, including adult assessment limitations.
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