Frequently Asked Questions

Waiting lists for autism and ADHD assessments in the UK have become a significant concern, with many individuals facing prolonged delays.

Several factors contribute to these extended waiting times: 

• Increased Demand: There’s been a notable rise in referrals for assessments, driven by heightened awareness and understanding of neurodivergent conditions. In December 2023, over 172,000 individuals were awaiting autism assessments in England, marking a 47% increase from the previous year.
• Insufficient Resources: The surge in demand hasn’t been matched by a strain on resources. Specialist services are often understaffed and underfunded, leading to longer waiting times. Many regions report average waits of over a year for assessments, with certain areas experiencing waits of up to two and a half years.
  Systemic Challenges: The current assessment system struggles to keep pace with rising demand. A report by the Nuffield Trust described the system as “obsolete,” highlighting the need for a comprehensive overhaul to better serve those seeking assessments and support.

These delays can have profound implications, potentially leading to unmet support needs and increased pressure on emergency services, and remains a hot topic for discussion at political forums.

No, not everyone is on the autistic spectrum. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition with specific traits that affect communication, sensory processing, and social interactions. While some traits of autism—like liking routines or struggling with social cues—can be present in many people, having a few traits doesn’t mean someone is autistic. Autism is about how these traits come together in a way that significantly impacts a person’s daily life.

It’s a common misunderstanding, but it’s important to clarify that autism isn’t just a personality type or a set of quirks—it’s a different way of experiencing and processing the world.

Perhaps think of it like a Mac and a PC. Both are computers, but they run on different operating systems. A neurotypical brain is like a PC—designed for broad compatibility with most of the world’s systems. A neurodivergent brain, like an autistic one, is more like a Mac — it processes things differently, has strengths in certain areas, and sometimes struggles with systems designed for PCs. Neither is ‘better’ or ‘worse’—they just function differently and have their own unique ways of processing information and interacting with the world.

Getting a diagnosis later in life can be really valuable for a lot of reasons, even if you’ve already learned ways to cope.

Here are a few key benefits:

• Self-Understanding: A diagnosis can help you make sense of lifelong struggles, challenges, and differences. Instead of blaming yourself for certain difficulties, you can see them as part of how your brain works.
• Validation: It can be incredibly validating to have a professional confirm what you’ve suspected, especially if you’ve spent years feeling “different” without knowing why.
• Access to Support: Depending on where you live, a diagnosis might open up access to accommodations, therapy, or workplace adjustments that can make life easier.
• Better Coping Strategies: Instead of forcing yourself to fit into neurotypical expectations, you can find strategies that actually work for you, based on how your brain operates.
• Community: Many late-diagnosed people find comfort in connecting with others who share similar experiences. It can be reassuring to know you’re not alone.
• Reframing the Past: Understanding that certain struggles weren’t due to laziness or failure but were actually related to autism can help with self-acceptance and healing.

It’s not the right choice for everyone, but for many, it’s life changing.

Being compared to “Rain Man” can be both flattering and limiting, as it references a fictional portrayal that doesn’t encompass the full diversity of autistic experiences. If someone asks about your “special Rain Man talent,” you might consider responding in a way that educates and broadens their understanding.

Here are some suggestions:

• Highlight Individuality: While ‘Rain Man’ showcased certain abilities, autism is a spectrum, and talents vary widely. Personally, I excel in [mention your specific skill or interest], which is unique to my experience.
• Address Stereotypes: The ‘Rain Man’ character is just one depiction. Many autistic individuals have diverse skills and challenges. For example, I have a keen eye for detail and a passion for [your interest].
• Educate and Redirect: ‘Rain Man’ is a fictional character, and while some aspects are based on real experiences, it’s important to recognize the broad spectrum of autism. My strengths include [your strengths], which don’t align with that portrayal.
• Use Humour: If I had a ‘Rain Man’ talent, I’d probably be able to recall every movie quote ever made. But in reality, I’m more into [your hobby or skill], which is far more interesting!

By responding thoughtfully, you can gently challenge misconceptions and provide a more accurate perspective on the diversity of talents within the autistic community.

• Social Communication Challenges: Autistic children might struggle with understanding social norms and cues, leading to behaviours that others may misinterpret. For example, they may not grasp the rules of social interaction, resulting in actions that seem impulsive or inappropriate.
• Sensory Sensitivities: Many autistic individuals experience heightened or diminished sensitivity to sensory stimuli. Overwhelming sensory inputs can lead to distress, causing behaviours such as covering ears, avoiding certain textures, or becoming agitated in response to specific sounds or lights.
• Emotional Regulation Difficulties: Challenges in managing emotions can manifest as outbursts or meltdowns, especially when routines are disrupted or when facing overwhelming situations. These reactions are often a response to stressors that might not be immediately apparent to others.

By recognising and respecting the unique experiences of autistic children, we can create environments that nurture their development and well-being, moving beyond simplistic judgments to a deeper appreciation of their perspectives and needs.

If you’ve always felt “different” in ways that align with autism or ADHD traits—like struggling with executive function, sensory sensitivity, masking, or social interactions—it might be worth looking into.

You can start by talking to your GP, a psychologist, or a specialist in neurodevelopmental conditions. Some areas offer self-referral options.

This varies. Waiting lists for public healthcare can be months or even years, while private assessments are quicker but can be costly.

Typically, it involves interviews, questionnaires, and tasks to assess cognitive and behavioural traits. For autism, they may ask about childhood development. For ADHD, they look at attention, impulsivity, and executive function.

It’s helpful but not always required. Some clinicians rely on your own reflections instead.

Autism and ADHD present differently in different people. Many assessors understand that masking and coping mechanisms can make traits less obvious.

You’ll get a report explaining your diagnosis and possible recommendations for support, such as therapy, coaching, or accommodations at work/school.

It can be frustrating, but it doesn’t mean your struggles aren’t real. Some people seek a second opinion or explore self-identification.

It can help with self-understanding, access to accommodations, and finding a supportive community. But it’s a personal choice—some people find self-diagnosis enough.

Not necessarily. While avoiding eye contact and lining up objects can be common traits in autistic people, they don’t automatically mean someone is autistic.

• Eye Contact: Some autistic people find eye contact uncomfortable or overwhelming, but so do people with social anxiety, ADHD, or cultural differences in communication. Some autistic people do make eye contact, especially if they’ve learned to mask.
• Lining Things Up: This can be a form of play, organisation, or self-soothing. Many children (and adults) do it without being autistic. For autistic people, it’s often part of a broader pattern of behaviours, like a strong preference for routines, sensory sensitivities, or deep interests.

Autism is about a combination of traits that affect communication, sensory experiences, routines, and how someone interacts with the world. If you relate to multiple traits and feel they impact your life, it might be worth exploring further.

Consult Your General Practitioner (GP) or school:

• Discussion: Share your concerns and experiences related to ASD or ADHD symptoms with your school or GP. They can provide initial guidance and determine if a referral for a specialist assessment is appropriate.
• Referral: If deemed necessary, your GP will refer you to the relevant specialist services for further evaluation.

Understand the Assessment Process:

• What happens: Assessments typically involve interviews, questionnaires, and observations to understand developmental history and current challenges.
• Multidisciplinary Team: You may interact with various professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists, who collaborate to provide a comprehensive evaluation.

Prepare for Potential Waiting Times:

• NHS Services: Be aware that waiting times for assessments can vary. It’s advisable to inquire about current wait times and consider this in your planning.
• Private Assessments: If timely assessment is a priority, you might explore private options. Ensure that any private practitioner is reputable and registered with appropriate professional bodies.

Post-Assessment Support:

• Diagnosis Outcome: Regardless of the assessment outcome, seek guidance on available support services, coping strategies, and, if applicable, treatment options.
• Community Resources: Engage with local support groups and resources tailored for individuals with ASD or ADHD to share experiences and gain insights.

Remember, pursuing an assessment is a proactive step toward understanding yourself better and accessing appropriate support. Your GP is a valuable starting point in this journey, providing personalised advice and facilitating referrals to specialist services where you live.