Understanding Autism and ADHD

What is autism?

Autism is a different way of seeing and relating to the world. It’s a lifelong condition that affects how people think, feel, and do things in daily life. People with autism are all different, but they often share differences in areas like communication, social interaction, behaviour, interests, mental health, how they manage emotions and how they process sensory information.

Signs of autism usually appear in early childhood, but they might not be noticed until something changes in the child’s life, like starting school. These differences can affect things like relationships, learning, and daily activities, and are often noticeable in different places, such as at home and school.

Other terms used to describe autism are Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Asperger’s Syndrome. Asperger’s Syndrome, however, is no longer diagnosed.

Autism strengths and challenges

Autism is not a learning disability or a mental health condition. However, if you have autism, you may also experience other conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, learning difficulties and mental health problems. You may also experience differences in processing sensory information, regulating your emotions, engaging in motor tasks or planning, organising, and managing thoughts and actions.

Autistic individuals often have unique strengths, such as excellent memory, reasoning, attention to detail, or problem-solving skills. Other strengths can include honesty, dedication, and a strong work ethic. It is important that we understand the wide spectrum of autism and create a world that recognises and supports individuals with autism. This will allow autistic individuals to flourish, making the most of their unique talents.

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. A person with ADHD has differences in the way their brain develops and functions. People with ADHD tend to be curious, creative and enthusiastic. They can seem restless or hyperactive, or like they need constant stimulation. They may find it difficult to remember and focus on tasks and often act impulsively. It is usually identified in childhood but may also be diagnosed in adulthood. Often, people with ADHD say that it is difficult to function in their everyday lives.

What does ADHD and autism look like together?

When ADHD and autism co-occur, it can be challenging to differentiate between the two conditions due to their overlapping symptoms. Some common traits include finding social situations difficult, repeating certain behaviours, experiencing the senses differently, having trouble planning or organising, and learning in different ways.

What age can ADHD and autism be diagnosed?

The age at which ADHD and autism can be diagnosed varies, but behaviours related to both autism and ADHD can be seen in early childhood. The age at which we can diagnose tends to depend on the impact of autism and ADHD related behaviours on people’s lives.

Autism and ADHD assessments

We can help

We provide assessments of autism and ADHD to adults, children, young people and families. We understand that spotting autism and ADHD early and giving the right support can make a big difference. That’s why we’re dedicated to offering thorough assessments with outcomes delivered within 4 - 6 weeks.

What does an autism and ADHD assessment involve?

Our autism and ADHD assessments are person-centred, high-quality, evidence-based, multidisciplinary and comprehensive. As part of our assessment, we consider other aspects of your life related to physical health, mental health, emotional well-being, cognition, and psychosocial situations.

We create an environment of trust and compassion, where you feel comfortable sharing information about your lives and the challenges you face every day. We focus on building a strong relationship with you. During the assessment, we take time to understand what matters most to you, so we can create a care plan that suits your strengths and needs, supports your goals, and helps you reach your full potential.

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Where can I get support?

The type of support you may need depends on the challenges you face in your day-to-day life.

At school or work, you have the right to ask for reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010. This means you can talk to your school or employer about your needs and explore ways to help you feel more supported and less overwhelmed. Examples of reasonable adjustments include:

At work: Changes to the workspace, flexible working hours or patterns, assistive technology, or adjusting certain tasks.

In services: Sensory-friendly spaces, information in different formats, access to interpreters or support staff, or priority appointments.

In education: Extra time in exams, different ways of being assessed, or access to specialised equipment or support.

Available support from MCTS

At MCTS, as well as providing timely and comprehensive autism and ADHD assessments, we also offer different therapies and can support you with a care plan tailored to your needs.

We also provide: