Autism & ADHD Resources
A curated collection of authoritative resources for autism and ADHD information, covering clinical guidelines, validated assessment instruments, key research, and UK support organisations. Whether you are a clinician, researcher, or someone exploring a personal question, these links are a solid starting point.
Clinical Guidelines
National guidance on recognising and diagnosing autism in children and young people, including multi-agency assessment recommendations.
Guidance on identifying, assessing, and managing autism in adults, including recommendations for multi-disciplinary assessment.
Quality standard covering support and interventions for autistic children, young people, and adults across health and social care settings.
Guidance on recognising, diagnosing, and managing ADHD in children, young people, and adults.
NHS overview of the autism diagnostic pathway, including what to expect during assessment and how to get referred.
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Assessment Tools
Validated instruments commonly used in autism and ADHD assessment. These tools are administered by trained professionals as part of a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation.
ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
Semi-structured, standardised assessment of communication, social interaction, and play. Considered a gold-standard diagnostic instrument for autism.
ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview — Revised)
Structured interview conducted with a caregiver, covering developmental history, communication, social interaction, and restricted/repetitive behaviours.
AQ-10 and AQ-50 (Autism Spectrum Quotient)
Self-report screening questionnaires measuring autistic traits. The AQ-10 is a brief version recommended by NICE for initial screening; the AQ-50 provides a more detailed trait profile.
RAADS-R (Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale — Revised)
Self-report scale designed for adults who suspect they may be autistic. Covers language, social relatedness, sensory-motor, and circumscribed interests.
M-CHAT-R/F (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers)
Parent-report screening tool for toddlers aged 16 to 30 months. Widely used in paediatric settings as an early autism screener.
DIVA-5 (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults)
Structured interview based on DSM-5 criteria for ADHD, covering current and childhood symptoms with examples for both patient and informant.
Research Papers
Influential papers on topics frequently raised in neurodiversity conversations, from autistic burnout and camouflaging to sex differences in presentation and mental health risks.
Raymaker, D.M., Teo, A.R., Steckler, N.A., et al. (2020). Autism in Adulthood, 2(2), 132-143.
Hull, L., Petrides, K.V., Allison, C., et al. (2020). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47(8), 2519-2534.
Lai, M.C., Lombardo, M.V., Auyeung, B., Chakrabarti, B., & Baron-Cohen, S. (2015). Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 54(1), 11-24.
Cassidy, S., Bradley, L., Shaw, R., & Baron-Cohen, S. (2018). Molecular Autism, 9(42).
UK Support Organisations
The UK’s leading charity for autistic people. Provides information, support services, and campaigns for better understanding and provision.
Neurodiversity charity offering training, resources, and support for people with ADHD, their families, and professionals.
National charity for autistic children and young people, running schools, programmes, and campaigns to improve education and employment outcomes.
Organisation providing support, community, and resources for autistic women, non-binary people, and all others of marginalised genders.
AskSheldon Guides
In-depth guides and tools built into AskSheldon, covering everything from self-screening to understanding your diagnostic results.
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