What happens during an ADHD or autism assessment?

The short answer

The exact pathway varies, but assessment usually combines developmental and health history, the child's and family's account, information from education, questionnaires or structured tasks, and clinical observation. ADHD diagnosis should be made by an appropriately qualified specialist using a full clinical and psychosocial assessment, developmental and psychiatric history, observer reports and impairment across important settings. Autism assessment uses information from all sources with clinical judgement and should not rely on one tool. The team also considers other and coexisting explanations. Ask who is involved, what each appointment is for, what information remains missing, how your child can communicate or pause, when feedback will happen and what the report will cover.

• The pathway and professional team vary by service and child.
• No questionnaire, observation or computer task makes the diagnosis alone.
• Development, current function, health and several settings are considered together.
• Differences between sources may lead to more information or observation.
• Ask how findings, uncertainty and recommendations will be explained.