ADHD and Autism: Why a Combined Assessment Could Save You Time and Money
Around 40–50% of people with ADHD also meet the diagnostic criteria for autism. A combined assessment can be quicker, cheaper, and more accurate than getting two separate diagnoses.
If you've recently been diagnosed with ADHD — or you're about to seek an assessment — you might be wondering whether autism could also be part of the picture. Research consistently shows that around 40–50% of people with ADHD also meet the diagnostic criteria for autism, and the overlap is even higher in women, where both conditions are frequently missed or misdiagnosed.
The good news is that a growing number of UK clinics now offer combined ADHD and autism assessments, which can be quicker, cheaper, and more accurate than getting two separate diagnoses. Here's what you need to know.
Why ADHD and autism are so often found together
ADHD and autism are both neurodevelopmental conditions, and they share a surprising number of traits. Executive function difficulties, sensory sensitivities, problems with time management, and struggles with social situations can all appear in both conditions.
The challenge is that when someone has both, the two conditions can mask each other. A person with ADHD might appear socially engaged (ruling out autism in a clinician's mind) when in reality they're masking autistic traits with ADHD-driven impulsivity. Conversely, someone with autism might appear calm and focused (ruling out ADHD) when they're actually hyperfocusing — a classic ADHD trait.
This is why so many people receive one diagnosis first and then discover the other years later. A combined assessment looks at both conditions at the same time, which gives the clinician a much clearer picture of what's actually going on.
What is a combined assessment?
A combined ADHD and autism assessment is a single appointment (or series of appointments) where a qualified clinician evaluates you for both conditions simultaneously. Instead of going through one full assessment for ADHD and then starting from scratch with a separate autism assessment, everything is done together.
The process typically involves a detailed developmental history, standardised questionnaires for both conditions, a clinical interview, and sometimes input from a family member or partner who knew you as a child. Some clinics also use computerised attention tests like QbCheck for the ADHD component.
The assessment is usually conducted by a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or a multi-disciplinary team that includes both. A multi-disciplinary approach is generally considered the gold standard because different professionals bring different expertise to the evaluation.
How much does a combined assessment cost?
Combined assessments in the UK typically cost between £1,000 and £2,500, depending on the provider and the depth of the assessment.
ADHD only
£500–£1,500
Autism only
£800–£2,000
Combined
£1,000–£2,500
If you had both done separately, you could be looking at £1,300 to £3,500 in total — so a combined assessment can save you anywhere from £300 to £1,000.
Beyond the cost saving, there's a significant time saving too. Two separate assessments might mean two different waiting lists, two sets of pre-assessment questionnaires, and two separate report-writing periods. A combined assessment condenses all of that into one process.
For a full breakdown of ADHD assessment costs across the UK, see our cost guide.
Who should consider a combined assessment?
A combined assessment might be right for you if:
- You've been diagnosed with ADHD but feel like something else is going on — perhaps you struggle more with social situations, sensory issues, or rigid routines than your ADHD diagnosis seems to explain.
- You've been diagnosed with autism but suspect you also have ADHD — perhaps you're more impulsive, restless, or struggle with attention in ways that don't fit the typical autism profile.
- You haven't been assessed for either condition yet but recognise traits of both — our free ADHD screener can be a useful starting point, and many people who score highly also identify with autistic traits.
- You're a woman who suspects either or both conditions — women are disproportionately likely to have both ADHD and autism missed, often receiving diagnoses of anxiety or depression instead. Our guide on ADHD in women covers this in detail.
How to find a clinic offering combined assessments
Not every ADHD clinic offers combined ADHD and autism assessments. On ADHD Compare, you can use the "Combined ADHD & Autism" filter on any city page to find providers that offer this service, or browse our dedicated combined assessments page.
Some of the UK providers currently offering combined assessments include clinics in Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and nationwide online providers. We're continuing to add more clinics and verify which ones offer this service.
If you're looking for an in-person assessment, check our city pages for clinics near you. If location isn't a concern, several online providers offer combined assessments via video call at competitive prices.
Find clinics offering combined ADHD & Autism assessments →What happens after a combined diagnosis?
If you're diagnosed with both ADHD and autism, your clinician will typically provide a single comprehensive report covering both conditions. This report can be shared with your GP to inform your ongoing care.
For ADHD, treatment usually involves medication (such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine), which can be managed through a shared care agreement with your GP. For autism, treatment focuses more on support strategies, environmental adjustments, and sometimes therapy such as CBT adapted for autistic people.
Having both diagnoses can actually be helpful because it gives you and your healthcare team a complete picture. Understanding which difficulties come from ADHD and which come from autism means you can access the right support for each.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get assessed for ADHD and autism at the same time?
Yes. A growing number of UK clinics offer combined ADHD and autism assessments. This involves evaluating both conditions in a single process, which is typically quicker and more cost-effective than having two separate assessments.
Is a combined assessment more expensive than just an ADHD assessment?
Yes, a combined assessment costs more than an ADHD assessment alone — typically £1,000 to £2,500 compared to £500 to £1,500 for ADHD only. However, it is usually significantly cheaper than having two completely separate assessments.
Will my GP accept a combined private diagnosis?
Most GPs will accept a private diagnosis from a registered provider, though individual practices vary. It helps if the assessment was conducted by a CQC-registered (in England) or HIS-regulated (in Scotland) clinician, and if the diagnostic report is detailed and follows NICE guidelines.
Can I use Right to Choose for a combined assessment?
The Right to Choose scheme in England allows you to choose a provider for your ADHD assessment, but it specifically covers ADHD. Whether a combined ADHD and autism assessment can be fully covered under Right to Choose depends on your GP and the provider. It's worth discussing with both before booking. Note that Right to Choose is currently available in England only.
How long does a combined assessment take?
Combined assessments typically take between 2 and 4 hours, sometimes split across two sessions. This is longer than a standalone ADHD assessment (usually 1–2 hours) but shorter than the total time of two completely separate assessments.
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