Autism and ADHD Assessments

An autism assessment is a detailed evaluation carried out by a clinical psychologist or neuropsychologist to explore an individual’s developmental history, behaviours, strengths and challenges. It aims to gain a clear understanding of how the person functions in different areas such as communication, social interaction, and flexible thinking.

The assessment typically involves clinical interviews, standardised questionnaires, cognitive testing and behavioural observations. Information from parents, partners, teachers or other professionals is often included to provide a comprehensive picture of the individual across different settings.

The purpose of the assessment is to determine whether the person meets criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder. If a diagnosis is made, the clinical psychologist will offer recommendations for support, therapy and any adjustments needed at home, school or in the workplace. A detailed report is provided to support further planning, referrals or access to services.

An ADHD assessment by a clinical psychologist or neuropsychologist is a structured and evidence-based process designed to understand patterns of attention, concentration, activity level and impulse control. The assessment begins with a clinical interview to gather background information, including developmental history, academic or occupational performance, and any current difficulties in daily life. This interview may also explore emotional wellbeing, sleep and other lifestyle factors that can affect attention and behaviour. The psychologist may speak with parents, caregivers, or teachers to obtain a clearer picture of the challenges across different settings, especially when the assessment involves a child or adolescent.

A core component of the assessment is psychometric testing, which involves the use of standardised tools to evaluate cognitive abilities, executive functioning, working memory, processing speed and sustained attention. These tests help differentiate ADHD from other conditions that can affect concentration, such as anxiety, learning disorders, or depression. Questionnaires are typically completed by the individual and sometimes by people who know them well, to identify specific symptoms and patterns over time. The results are interpreted by a clinical psychologist and integrated into a written report that outlines the findings and provides practical recommendations.

It is important to note that while psychologists are experts in assessment and diagnosis, they do not prescribe medication. Instead, the outcome of the assessment can support referrals to a GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist if medical treatment is being considered. The focus of this assessment is on psychological and psychometric evaluation to provide a clear and evidence-based understanding of ADHD and any co-occurring difficulties. This information is often used to guide therapy, academic support or workplace accommodations to improve daily functioning and wellbeing.

A cognitive assessment is designed to provide a detailed understanding of how a person thinks, learns, remembers information, and maintains attention. The core of the assessment typically involves a comprehensive measure of intellectual functioning such as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) for adults or the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fifth Edition (WISC-V) for children. These tests examine key areas of cognitive ability including verbal reasoning, visual–spatial skills, working memory, and processing speed. Memory functioning is often evaluated using specialised instruments such as the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS-IV), which assesses different aspects of short-term and long-term memory. Attention and concentration are also examined through structured tasks such as the Stroop Test or similar attention measures that evaluate sustained focus, impulsivity, and response control. Together, these tests provide a comprehensive profile of cognitive strengths and difficulties, helping to clarify learning needs, guide educational or workplace support, and inform recommendations for intervention where needed.