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Neurodiversity · Information for adults

Understand your experiences.
Explore your next step.

An introduction to autism and ADHD, recognising possible traits and finding an assessment route in the UK.

You may have questions after noticing a pattern at work, at home or in relationships. This page offers a starting point and links to specialist information. You can explore at your own pace.

Explore possible traitsFind assessment routes

General information, not a screening test or diagnosis. The workplace character quiz is a separate reflection exercise and cannot identify autism or ADHD.

Recognising possible traits

Notice patterns.
Leave room for a fuller picture.

People’s experiences differ. Recognising one or several traits does not establish a diagnosis. A clinician considers your history, the impact across your life and other possible explanations.

01

Autism

Some autistic adults describe:

  • Finding implied meanings, facial expressions or tone difficult to interpret.
  • Needing consistency, with unexpected changes feeling difficult.
  • Strong interests, repetitive movements or particular ways of doing things.
  • Differences in sensitivity to light, sound, smells or textures.
  • Adapting or copying social behaviour to fit in, sometimes with exhaustion afterwards. This is often called masking.

Traits may be less obvious in someone who masks. Women can be overlooked, but masking is not limited to women.

Read the NHS adult autism guide ↗
02

ADHD

Adult ADHD can involve:

  • Being easily distracted, forgetting things or frequently losing items.
  • Difficulty organising time, following instructions or finishing tasks.
  • Restlessness or a strong need to move.
  • Talking or interrupting more than intended.
  • Acting or deciding quickly without considering the consequences.

Some people mainly experience difficulties with attention; others also have hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. Assessment looks at patterns from childhood and their effect in different settings.

Read the NHS adult ADHD guide ↗

A starting point for a conversation

Autism and ADHD can occur together. A specialist assessment explores your individual experience; a checklist or online score alone cannot provide a diagnosis.

If these experiences affect your everyday life, discuss them with your GP. You do not have to be certain of a diagnosis before asking about support.

Where to go in the UK

NHS and private assessment routes.

Start with your GP to ask about local adult services. Autism assessment usually involves a specialist team; ADHD assessment is carried out by a suitably trained specialist, such as a psychiatrist. These are clinical assessments rather than a single pass or fail test.

England

Your GP can discuss an NHS referral. Ask whether Right to Choose applies and which eligible NHS-funded providers are available. A provider must offer the relevant NHS service; choosing private self-funded care is a different route. Waiting times vary.

Assessment routes and Right to Choose ↗

Northern Ireland

Your GP can advise on referral to the relevant local Health and Social Care service. England’s Right to Choose route does not apply in Northern Ireland.

nidirect autism assessment guidance ↗

Considering a private assessment

Ask who will assess you, their professional registration and their specific autism or ADHD assessment experience. Check the assessment process, written report, total fees and follow-up before booking. A psychiatrist’s UK registration can be checked on the GMC register.

For ADHD, clarify whether treatment, medication monitoring and ongoing costs are included. NHS prescribing after private care is not automatic; discuss any proposed shared care arrangement with the specialist and your GP before committing.

For private autism assessment, ask how the report will be used by the services you need. The National Autistic Society explains assessment options and points to independent services.

Check the GMC register ↗Explore autism assessment guidance ↗

Prepare for a conversation

Bring examples from your own life.

Before seeing your GP

It can help to make brief notes about:

  • What you have noticed and when it began.
  • Examples from work, home, education and relationships.
  • The impact on daily life and what already helps.
  • Childhood experiences or school reports, if available.
  • What you hope an assessment or support would clarify.

Ask the service what information it needs. Autism and ADHD assessments may include questionnaires, a developmental history and information from someone who knows you.

Practical support at work

Consider what would make a particular task easier: clear written instructions, help structuring priorities or a quieter workspace. The NHS adult ADHD guide gives examples of workplace adjustments.

You can use coaching to reflect on goals and practise communication. Coaching does not replace specialist assessment, diagnosis or treatment.

Explore career and confidence support →

This page focuses on adults. For a child or young person, ask their GP about the local age-appropriate pathway; autism referrals may also involve school or other professionals.

Private assessment information

Let’s get clinical.

For information about private psychiatric assessment options for autism or ADHD, email me directly. You can ask about the next steps without booking coaching.

Email Jo about a private assessment

Blakeivy33@gmail.com

Keep your first message general. Please do not send medical records, identity documents or a detailed health history. I will not pass your enquiry to a clinician without your agreement.

This is an information enquiry, not a clinical consultation or an assessment booking. Any assessment is provided separately by an appropriately qualified clinical provider. Suitability, availability, fees and terms must be confirmed with that provider.

Trusted UK information

Read further, in your own time.

Information checked on 9 October 2026. Services and referral arrangements can change; confirm the current route with your GP or the provider.