AuDHD Assessment for Children and Adults in Sydney
At The Balmain Practice, we conduct thorough AuDHD assessments for children and adults across Sydney. An AuDHD assessment looks at the combined presence of autism (ASD) and ADHD, two neurodevelopmental conditions that often occur together.
Our warm and experienced team takes a careful, evidence-based approach, helping you understand how your brain processes information and responds to the world around it.
When autism and ADHD overlap, their traits can interact in ways that make assessment more complex. Traits from one condition can mask or amplify the other. A combined assessment offers a clearer, more complete understanding of your or your child’s needs, facilitating access to the right support.
Understanding AuDHD Assessments
AuDHD is an informal term used to describe people who meet the diagnostic criteria for both Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ASD affects social communication and interaction, sensory processing, and patterns of behaviour, while ADHD affects attention, impulse control, and executive functioning, including organisation and planning. When these conditions occur together, they can interact in ways that make everyday tasks, learning, and relationships more challenging.
A combined assessment examines both sets of traits simultaneously. Rather than assessing autism and ADHD separately, our psychologists consider how they relate to one another. This helps identify how autism and ADHD, and the interactions between them, contribute to an individual's experiences.
Our supportive team uses evidence-based methods throughout the assessment. We take the time to listen, gather a detailed history, and conduct thorough testing in a calm, supportive environment.
AuDHD Assessment for Children
For children, an AuDHD assessment helps clarify why certain aspects of daily life feel difficult. A child may struggle to stay focused, find changes to routine unsettling, or have trouble reading social cues. Some children show clear signs of inattention or restlessness, while others mask their challenges and appear to cope, only to feel exhausted or overwhelmed later.
Our experienced team considers every aspect of your child's development during the assessment. We gather information from parents and teachers, building a holistic understanding of how a child functions across different settings. The aim of this process is to understand how a child learns best and identify the support that best meets their needs
AuDHD Assessment for Adults
Many adults spend years wondering why everyday tasks feel more challenging and why they approach the world differently from others. You may have managed at school by working twice as hard, found particular work environments draining, or struggled with organisation, focus, or social settings without a clear explanation.
An adult AuDHD assessment looks at your history and current experiences to understand how autism and ADHD traits may both be present. Our psychologists explore early development, social interactions, work and study, interests, and emotional wellbeing.
For many adults, a diagnosis explains lifelong patterns of thinking, behaviour, and experience. It can also help guide decisions about support and next steps. Our caring team conducts every adult assessment professionally and discreetly while focusing on your individual needs.
Evidence-Based Modalities
Our AuDHD assessments draw on a range of evidence-based tools. Each test is tailored to the individual, and not every instrument is used in every case. The assessment may include:
​​
-
Cognitive ability testing: Measures areas such as verbal comprehension, fluid reasoning, visual-spatial reasoning, working memory, and processing speed
-
Executive function assessment: Looks at impulse control, planning, attention, concentration, and cognitive flexibility
-
Social and emotional questionnaires: Explore emotional patterns, social skills, and behaviour across different settings
-
Standardised screening tools: Completed by the individual and, where relevant, parents, teachers, or caregivers, to add context
​
The findings from these assessments help our psychologists recognise traits consistent with autism, ADHD, or related conditions such as specific learning disorders.
Our Assessment Process
We follow a clear, structured, five-step process for AuDHD assessments. Each step is designed to be supportive and straightforward, so you always know what to expect.
STEP 1: INTAKE CALL
​​
The process begins with an intake call with our Client Concierge, Candy Elliott. Candy holds a Diploma in Psychotherapy and an Associate Diploma in Psychotherapy and is well-equipped to guide you.
During this call, she will listen to your concerns, explain our services, and answer your questions. She will help determine whether an AuDHD assessment is suited to your or your child’s needs.
INTAKE CALL
STEP 2: ONLINE CLINICAL INTERVIEW
An in-depth clinical interview is conducted online with one of our experienced psychologists. For children, this interview is held with parents to understand their developmental history, emotional wellbeing, behaviour across different settings, and any existing reports.
For adults, the interview explores your history, social interactions, interests, and overall health. We review any relevant medical, psychological, or school records to build a complete understanding of your background.
CLINICAL INTERVIEW
STEP 3: TESTING AND ASSESSMENT
The procedure involves focused testing sessions, tailored to individual needs. Depending on the situation, these may include cognitive ability testing, executive function assessment, academic performance evaluation, and social and emotional questionnaires. Each session is conducted in a calm, quiet setting.
PSYCHOMETRIC TESTING
STEP 4: COMPREHENSIVE REPORT AND ANALYSIS
Once testing is complete, our psychologist carefully reviews all the results, integrating data from testing, interviews, and any additional reports. We look for patterns consistent with autism or ADHD. We then prepare a clear, easy-to-read report that outlines the key findings and provides practical, personalised recommendations.
ANAlYSIS & REPORT
STEP 5: FEEDBACK SESSION
​
Finally, we hold an online feedback session to talk through the results. Your psychologist will explain the findings, answer your questions, and discuss the next steps. You will receive an electronic copy of the report, which can be shared with other health professionals if needed.
FEEDBACK SESSION
Take the Next Step
If you are seeking an AuDHD assessment for a child or for yourself, our kind and supportive team at The Balmain Practice is here to help. We offer clear guidance, evidence-based AuDHD testing, and practical recommendations, all delivered with care and understanding. Contact us today to arrange your intake call and take the first step towards clarity.