At Healios, a combined autism and ADHD (AuDHD) assessment for a child or young person is delivered through a series of structured video appointments with specialist clinicians.
These assessments aim to understand attention, activity levels, behaviour, social communication, sensory experiences, and daily challenges. Some children may receive a diagnosis of autism, ADHD, both (AuDHD), or neither. Even if a diagnosis is not given, the assessment provides valuable insights, strategies, and guidance to support learning, wellbeing, and everyday life.
Many families seek combined assessments after noticing overlapping signs of attention difficulties, impulsivity, social challenges, or sensory sensitivities. The process helps bring clarity, reassurance, and practical advice, regardless of whether a diagnosis is given.
At Healios, we make combined assessments clear, supportive, and compassionate, helping children and young people thrive.
What are autism and ADHD?
Autism is a natural variation in how people think, communicate, and experience the world. It can affect social interaction, communication, routines, sensory processing, and interests. Autism is not an illness and does not need to be cured, but understanding it can help families, schools, and clinicians provide effective support.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, activity levels, and behaviour. Children with ADHD may experience difficulties with focus, organisation, impulsivity, or restlessness.
Some children experience signs of both conditions (AuDHD). combined assessments capture overlapping and distinct patterns to provide a clear understanding of how these differences may affect everyday life at home, school, and socially.
What are the signs of autism and ADHD in children and young people?
Autism and ADHD present differently in each child. Common signs include:
Autism signs:
- Difficulty understanding social cues or others’ perspectives
- Sensory sensitivities (e.g., to noise, touch, or light)
- Preference for routines and predictability
- Intense focus on particular interests
ADHD signs:
- Trouble maintaining attention and focus
- Forgetfulness or missing details
- Difficulty organising tasks and managing time
- Restlessness or impulsive behaviour
Because these behaviours can also appear in children without autism or ADHD, an experienced clinician is required to make a formal diagnosis. A diagnosis is only given when signs have been present over time, across multiple settings, and clearly impact daily life.
Accessing combined assessments at Healios
Healios provides online combined ADHD and autism assessments for children aged six and above and young people across the UK. We accept referrals via NHS services, including CAMHS and other local pathways, as well as private self-referrals for families seeking an independent assessment.
Once a referral is received, our team will contact you to schedule appointments.
What is an online combined ADHD and autism assessment?
A combined assessment brings together an autism and ADHD assessment separately but explores signs of both conditions together. All appointments take place via secure video calls using our digital platform, Panacea. Families can:
- Join video appointments
- View session notes
- Manage appointments
- Invite parents, carers, or supporters to take part
Completing assessments at home allows children and young people to feel comfortable, giving clinicians a more accurate understanding of everyday behaviour, attention, and social interaction.
How do online combined ADHD and autism assessments work at Healios?
Step 1
Complete questionnaires
Parents or carers complete online questionnaires about the child’s attention, behaviour, social interaction, routines, sensory experiences, and daily challenges. With consent, input may also be requested from someone who knows the child well, such as a teacher.
Step 2
Attend assessment sessions
Combined assessments usually include:
- Initial session
Parents or carers meet the clinician to discuss concerns, explain how the assessment works, and review the child’s developmental, educational, and medical history.
- Observation and structured assessment session
The child participates in structured activities while the clinician observes behaviour, attention, impulsivity, social interaction, and sensory processing. This session typically lasts around two hours. Clinicians also consider whether other neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions may be contributing to challenges.
Step 3
Receive outcome and discuss next steps
After the appointments, the clinician meets with a multidisciplinary team to review findings and agree on an outcome. A detailed report is prepared, and a follow-up session is arranged to explain the results, answer questions, and discuss recommended strategies, therapies, or educational adjustments.
What happens next?
Whether a child receives a diagnosis of autism, ADHD, both (AuDHD), or neither, Healios ensures families feel informed, supported, and clear about next steps.
If a diagnosis is given
A diagnosis can help families, schools, and professionals understand the child’s strengths, challenges, and needs. It can guide access to classroom adjustments, therapies, and practical strategies for everyday life.
Where available, Healios provides post-assessment support for children and young people. These online sessions allow families to explore the diagnosis, ask questions, and develop strategies for home, school, and daily routines.
If NHS-funded post-assessment support is unavailable, we provide information about other helpful services and charities, and your local NHS team may offer further guidance. Private post-assessment support is also available.
If no diagnosis is given
Not receiving a diagnosis does not invalidate a child’s experiences. Clinicians provide a detailed report explaining findings and reasoning, with recommendations such as:
- Further assessments (e.g., for anxiety, learning differences, or other neurodevelopmental conditions)
- Practical strategies for attention, organisation, social interaction, and daily routines
- Signposting to local services, charities, or support organisations
Clinicians take time to discuss the outcome with families, helping them understand the results and available support options.
Beginning a combined ADHD and autism assessment can feel daunting, but Healios provides high-quality, compassionate care to help children and young people feel understood, supported, and equipped to thrive, regardless of the outcome.
Frequently asked questions about online autism assessments
How long does a combined assessment take at Healios?
combined assessments usually take place over two main appointments: an initial session to gather background information, followed by a longer structured assessment session of around two hours. A separate feedback appointment is then used to discuss the outcome and next steps.
Are online combined assessments as robust as in-person assessments?
Yes. Healios’ online combined assessments follow the same clinical standards as in-person assessments. Clinicians use structured interviews, validated questionnaires, and expert clinical judgement.
Who can refer a child for a combined ADHD and autism assessment at Healios?
Referrals are usually made via NHS services such as CAMHS or other local pathways. Private online combined assessments are also available for families seeking an independent route.