Psychometric Tests

Psychometric tests can be a helpful way to explore how you experience the world. They offer information you can reflect on personally or bring into conversations with a therapist, GP, or other helping professional. These tests do not provide a diagnosis, but they can support self‑understanding and may contribute to self‑determination or to seeking a formal assessment if that feels right for you.

Available self-assessment tests (external links):

• Autism Screening

• ADHD Screening

Not all distress is related to autism or ADHD. It can also be helpful to explore your general wellbeing:

• General Wellbeing Questionnaire

If you want to explore further tests, at your own pace, Psychology-Tools.com provides many additional options.

If you are pursuing a formal assessment for diagnosis — for example, to access medication or social housing — your GP or a private diagnostician is usually the best first point of contact. A formal diagnosis typically involves showing a number of traits, and it’s completely normal for people to experience these traits in different ways. 

Not everyone who is referred for ADHD and autism assessment will receive a diagnosis, and it's important to understand that there are many factors that can affect your wellbeing. Counselling or talking with a trusted person may help you to explore these issues and work on enhancing your wellbeing, whether or not you believe you are autistic or have ADHD. While some may debate thresholds for diagnostic criteria and labels, I simply believe that your lived experience is valid. You deserve support, understanding and respect.

Formal assessments involve a series of lengthy interviews, each lasting up to about 2 hours long, with numerous personal questions about your life and childhood. It can be an emotionally demanding process so it's a good idea to have some support in place before and after the process. This is why many people choose to seek counselling or peer support around this time.

Waiting lists for NHS funded assessments may be up to three years in some areas. Your GP will have more information and be able to signpost you to NHS diagnostic services or NHS-funded private services available through the 'Right to Choose' scheme. You may wish to take a friend or support person with you to see your GP to help you express your needs and ensure that you are understood and receive appropriate care.

Diagnostic assessments may cost in the region of £800 to £2000. If you would like an assessment and you are sure that paying privately would not financially disadvantage you, I may recommend you find a qualified private diagnostician. This may be a wise choice for shorter waiting times, as well as to free up space on NHS waiting lists. Diagnosticians are usually psychiatrists, mental health nurses, speech and language therapists, or clinical psychologists who have attended appropriate diagnostic training. 

You can search for private ADHD & Autism diagnosticians via the National Autistic Society directory.