Quick answer: Autism and ADHD commonly occur together, and since 2013 it has been possible to diagnose both in the same person. A combined autism and ADHD assessment looks at both in one process: an intake form, questionnaires, an autism diagnostic interview, the DIVA-5 interview for ADHD, and a feedback session. At Emu Heights Psychology, the combined interview takes about 2–3 hours, and there are four options depending on the level of reporting you choose.
What does AuDHD mean?
AuDHD is an informal term many people use to describe being both autistic and an ADHDer. It isn't a separate diagnosis. It simply means someone meets the criteria for both.
Until the DSM-5 was published in 2013, clinicians couldn't formally diagnose autism and ADHD together, so many adults today were only ever assessed for one, or neither.
How do autism and ADHD show up together?
When someone is both autistic and an ADHDer, the two can interact in ways that feel confusing or even contradictory. For example, people often describe:
Needing routine, but struggling to keep one. You might feel calmer with structure, yet find it hard to stick to.
Craving novelty, but finding change distressing. New things are exciting, but unexpected changes are overwhelming.
Deep focus that's hard to control. You can hyperfocus for hours on an interest, but can't make yourself start a necessary task.
Sensory overload combined with restlessness. You may be sensitive to noise and busy places while also needing movement or stimulation.
Social exhaustion plus impulsivity. You might interrupt or overshare, then spend a long time replaying the conversation.
Because the traits can mask each other, some people are assessed for one condition and told they don't quite fit, when the real picture includes both.
What's involved in a combined autism and ADHD assessment?
At Emu Heights Psychology, a combined assessment includes:
A comprehensive intake form and psychometric questionnaires
An autism diagnostic interview: a semi-structured interview based on DSM-5-TR criteria for Brief and Focused options, or the MIGDAS-2 structured interview with additional assessments for Detailed and Comprehensive
The DIVA-5 diagnostic interview for ADHD, which looks at both childhood and adult experiences
A written letter or report, depending on the option you choose
A feedback session to talk through your results
You can attend by telehealth anywhere in Australia, or in person in Blaxland in the Blue Mountains.
How much does a combined assessment cost?
Brief (telehealth only): a 1-page outcome letter
Focused: a concise written summary with some recommendations
Detailed: a detailed report with personalised recommendations
Comprehensive: adds sensory and executive functioning profiles
See current fees and exactly what's included in each option on our Autism & Combined Assessments page.
Should I get a combined assessment or just one?
If you recognise yourself in both autism and ADHD, a combined assessment is usually the most efficient choice, because it looks at how the two interact rather than treating them separately. If you're mainly wondering about ADHD, you might prefer our ADHD assessment. If you're unsure, get in touch and we'll help you decide.
Can a psychologist prescribe ADHD medication?
No. Psychologists don't prescribe or manage medication. If you're interested in exploring medication, your GP or a psychiatrist can help, and your assessment report may help guide their care.
About the author
Kylie Wheeler is a registered psychologist and the founder of Emu Heights Psychology. She is a late-diagnosed neurodivergent adult (AuDHDer) and provides neurodiversity-affirming adult autism and ADHD assessments in person in Blaxland and by telehealth across Australia.
This article is general information only and isn't a substitute for an individual assessment or clinical advice.
