Maybe you've read about ADHD and recognized yourself, but some things didn't fit. Then you read about autism and recognized yourself again. Many adults end up wondering whether both apply, a combination people often call AuDHD. An ADHD and autism assessment can help you get clear answers, understand how your brain works and figure out what support would actually help.
This post is general information, not a diagnosis.
Why ADHD and autism can show up together
ADHD and autism are separate conditions, but they often overlap. For a long time, diagnostic rules didn't allow clinicians to diagnose both in the same person. That changed in 2013, when the DSM-5 made it possible to recognize them together, as an expert consensus paper in BMC Medicine describes.
Because of that history, many adults were assessed for one condition years ago and never looked at for the other. Others were never assessed at all, especially if they learned to mask their differences or did well in school while struggling privately.
Signs you might be wondering about both
Everyone is different, but adults who seek an assessment for both often describe things like:
Attention that swings. Losing focus on boring tasks, but locking in for hours on something that interests you.
Craving routine and novelty at once. Wanting predictability, while also getting bored or restless quickly.
Social exhaustion. Finding conversations tiring or confusing, needing long recovery time or feeling like you're always "performing."
Sensory overload. Being bothered by noise, light, textures or busy spaces.
Executive function struggles. Trouble starting tasks, managing time or keeping track of things.
A long sense of being "different." Feeling out of step with others for as long as you can remember.
These traits can also come from anxiety, depression, trauma or burnout. That's one reason a careful assessment matters more than an online quiz.
Is there an ADHD and autism test for adults?
There isn't one single test. An ADHD and autism test for adults is really a process. A registered psychologist gathers information from several sources, looks at the full picture and decides whether either diagnosis, both or neither fits. At our clinic, assessments are led by a registered psychologist, who can make a diagnosis. Our Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Social Workers provide therapy, not diagnosis.
Autism and ADHD testing for adults usually looks at your history, your current daily life and how traits show up across settings like work, school and relationships.
Masking and late diagnosis
Many adults who wonder about both conditions are skilled at hiding their struggles. You might rehearse conversations, copy how others act, push through sensory discomfort or rely on last-minute pressure to get things done. This is often called masking.
Masking can help you get by, but it can be exhausting. Over time, it can lead to burnout, anxiety or low mood, and it can make your traits harder for others to see. A thorough assessment takes masking into account by asking about your inner experience, not only what other people notice.
How to prepare
You don't need to do anything special before you book, but a few things can help:
Write down examples. Note situations at work, home or school where you struggle, and where you do well.
Think about childhood. Old report cards, family stories or memories of how you were as a kid can be useful.
List your questions. What do you most want to understand? What would a helpful result look like for you?
Bring past reports. If you've had any earlier assessments, they can add helpful context.
What an assessment involves
Based on how our adult assessments are set up, the process generally includes:
Intake. You share what's bringing you in and what questions you want answered.
A clinical interview. You meet with a registered psychologist and psychometrist to talk through your development, history and current challenges.
Standard screening tools and questionnaires. These may be filled out by you and sometimes by someone who knows you well.
Additional testing as needed. This can include cognitive or executive function testing.
A written report. It explains the findings and recommendations, including any co-occurring concerns.
A feedback session. The psychologist walks you through the results and answers your questions.
You can read more on our pages for adult autism assessments in Kitchener-Waterloo and adult ADHD psychological assessments in Kitchener-Waterloo.
One combined assessment or two separate ones
People often ask whether an ASD and ADHD assessment happens all at once or in two parts. The answer depends on your questions and your history. Some people want to look at both from the start. Others already have one diagnosis and want to explore the other.
The best way to find out how an assessment that looks at both would be set up for you is to ask during your free 15-minute consultation. Our admin team can explain the options and help you choose a starting point.
Either way, the goal is the same: a clear, honest picture of how your mind works, so the recommendations fit your real life at work, at home and in relationships.
What the report can support
A clear report can be useful in practical ways:
Work and school. It can support requests for workplace or academic accommodations.
Children and teens. For younger people, an autism report can support school accommodations and an application to the Ontario Autism Program (OAP).
Self-understanding. Many adults say the biggest benefit is finally having words for their experience.
Next steps in care. Recommendations can guide counselling, skill building and other support.
If you're asking about a child or teen, assessments start at age 6. Mention their age in your free consultation so our team can guide you.
After an AuDHD assessment
An AuDHD assessment is often the start of a new chapter, not the end. Some people feel relief. Others feel grief for the years they struggled without knowing why. Both are normal.
If the results point to only one condition, or neither, that's still useful information. The report can help explain what else might be going on, such as anxiety or burnout, and what kinds of support could help.
Counselling can help you make sense of the results, reduce shame and build strategies that work with your brain instead of against it. That might include planning around energy and sensory needs, setting up routines that stick, handling burnout or learning to unmask safely in relationships that matter to you.
In person or virtual
Our adult assessment pages describe assessments as in-person and/or virtual where appropriate. Some parts may work well online, while others may be better in person. Ask about this when you book.
Our Kitchener-Waterloo offices are:
Waterloo: 22 King St S, Waterloo, near King and Erb. Free parking is available in nearby municipal lots off Regina or King.
Kitchener: 72 Victoria St S, 3rd Floor, Kitchener, ON N2G 4Y9, inside CollabHive.
You can reach our Kitchener-Waterloo team at (519) 954-4900.
Counselling costs and billing
Assessment costs depend on what's involved, so ask our admin team about this during your consultation. For counselling before or after an assessment:
Individual sessions with our therapists range from $130 to $200, depending on the clinician.
Depending on your plan, insurance may cover some or all of the cost. Coverage varies, so it's worth checking your plan.
We accept Health Spending Accounts (HSAs).
We can direct bill many insurers, including for sessions with a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). Desjardins is the exception: through TELUS eClaims, we can direct bill Desjardins for sessions with an RSW, RP or psychologist, but not for an RP (Qualifying).
Your first step
Book a free 15-minute consultation with our admin team. Let them know you're wondering about both ADHD and autism, whether you already have either diagnosis and whether you'd prefer Waterloo, Kitchener or virtual options where appropriate.
If you're in crisis: call 911 if you're in immediate danger. If you're having thoughts of suicide, call or text 9-8-8 any time, day or night. You can find more options on our crisis lines page.
Understanding your brain is a good reason to reach out, and you deserve clear answers.