Everyone's brain works differently. This is called neurodiversity. Just like no two people look exactly the same, no two people think, learn, communicate, or experience the world in exactly the same way.

 

Some people have brains that work in ways that are described as autistic and ADHD. This is sometimes called being AuDHD. Being autistic and ADHD doesn't change who you are. It simply describes the way your brain processes information, understands the world around you, and responds to different situations.

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If you are autistic and ADHD, you might:

 

• Have lots of ideas and interests, and enjoy learning about things that excite you

 • Become deeply interested in certain topics and know lots of information about them

 • Find it easy to focus on things you enjoy, but hard to concentrate on things that do not interest you

 • Sometimes like routine and knowing what to expect, but at other times enjoy novelty and excitement

 • Have lots of energy and find it difficult to sit still or wait your turn

 • Forget things, lose track of time, or find it difficult to stay organised

 • Have certain movements or behaviours that help you feel calm, focused, or regulate your emotions

 • Experience big emotions and find it difficult to manage feelings when you are overwhelmed

 • Find friendships confusing at times, even though you may really enjoy being around other people

 • Feel exhausted after spending time with others because social situations can take a lot of energy

 • Be sensitive to noises, lights, smells, foods, clothing textures, or busy environments

 • Notice details that other people miss and think about things in creative and unique ways

 

People who are autistic and ADHD often have many strengths. They can be imaginative, passionate, curious, honest, creative, determined, and excellent problem-solvers. However, because most schools, workplaces, and environments are designed for people who think differently, they may sometimes find everyday life more challenging.

 

Your assessment

 

When we meet you, we want to learn about what it is like to be you. We want to hear about the things you enjoy, the things you are good at, and the things you find difficult.

 

During the assessment, we will spend time getting to know you through conversations and activities. There are no right or wrong answers. We know that meeting new people can sometimes feel worrying, so we will send you information beforehand to help you know what to expect.

 

We will also talk to the adults who know you well, such as your parents, carers, and teachers. We may ask them questions about your development, behaviour, learning, friendships, attention, activity levels, and how you cope in different situations.

 

We will put together information from everyone involved, including questionnaires, interviews, and assessment activities. We will then consider whether the way your brain works is best explained by autism, ADHD, a combination of both, or something else.

 

Being autistic and/or ADHD is not a bad thing. It is simply a different way of experiencing and understanding the world. If we identify that you are autistic, ADHD, or both, this can help the people around you better understand your needs and strengths. It can also help to put the right support in place at home, in school, and in the community so that you can thrive.

 

If you would like to learn more about neurodiversity, autism, and ADHD, we can provide a range of child-friendly v resources before and after your assessment.