Across the UK and internationally, waiting lists for public diagnostic pathways can be very long. Many people turn to private services to access:
- Faster appointments
- Specialist clinicians with expertise in diagnosing neurodevelopmental conditions
- More personalised support
- Combined ADHD and autism assessment options
A private neurodiversity assessment can be an important step toward clarity, validation, and timely support.
Online Tests and Quizzes: A Helpful Starting Point
It is very common to begin with self-assessment tools or online questionnaires. You may have come across many of these if you have searched your ADHD or autism symptoms online before.
Tools like our Online ADHD Test and Online Autism Test can be useful for recognising traits, but they cannot confirm a diagnosis on their own.
A proper assessment goes far beyond a checklist and explores your full developmental history, daily functioning, and overlapping neurodivergent profiles.
Gold-Standard ADHD Assessment
One of the most recognised tools in adult and child ADHD diagnosis is the DIVA-5 (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults).
Many people seek out the DIVA-5 assessment for ADHD because it is widely regarded as part of best practice.
Read more about ADHD assessments.
Gold Standard Autism Assessment
A gold-standard autism assessment should be detailed, thoughtful, and based on recognised clinical standards.
In some cases, clinicians may use specialist tools such as the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) and the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised), alongside a structured clinical interview.
Read more about autism assessments.
The Best Assessments Explore Autism and ADHD Together
Many adults do not present with “pure” ADHD or “pure” autism. Instead, traits can overlap.
For example, someone can experience elements of both:
- difficulty focusing and impulsivity (ADHD)
- sensory sensitivity and social exhaustion (autism)
A good clinician will take time to explore whether one diagnosis is the best explanation for your symptoms, or whether both are present.
Female ADHD and Autism Often Look Different
One of the fastest-growing groups seeking assessment is adult women.
Many have spent years masking symptoms, leading to late diagnosis or misdiagnosis with anxiety or depression.
A quality private assessment should include:
- Understanding of female or gender-diverse presentations
- Sensitivity to masking and burnout
- Consideration of hormonal and life-stage impacts
3 Things to Keep in Mind for Your Assessment
- Your clinician should be qualified and regulated.
A private ADHD and autism assessment should always be completed by an appropriately trained and regulated professional, such as:
- Clinical psychologist
- Specialist neurodevelopmental clinician
- Psychiatrist
In the UK, this should align with NICE guidance, and internationally, with recognised diagnostic standards.
- Your assessment should take your whole life into consideration
ADHD and autism are lifelong neurodevelopmental conditions, not something that starts in adulthood.
A thorough assessment should cover:
- Childhood traits (school reports if available)
- Family history of neurodivergence
- Work, relationships, routines, emotional regulation
- Sensory and executive functioning challenges
- You should get the post-diagnostic support you need
Whether you receive a diagnosis of ADHD, autism, both, or neither, you should receive:
Look for services that provide:
- Detailed written reports
- Post-diagnostic guidance
- Medication discussion (where appropriate)
- Therapy or coaching referrals
- Workplace and education recommendations (if needed)
