Combined Psychologist-led* Autism & ADHD Discoveries (assessments) for Adults
*This means that we are not a medical team and we do not prescribe medication for ADHD following the discovery/assessment process.
Being Autistic and ADHD is often called ‘AuDHD’ - might that be you?
When exploring their neurotype, people often wonder if they can be both Autistic and ADHD. The answer is yes!
Being Autistic and ADHD is often called ‘AuDHD’ and just like Autism and ADHD, we recognise and celebrate the AuDHD way of being as another neurotype in the amazing array of human neurodiversity.
We draw from best-practice clinical guidelines that incorporate a Neuro-affirmative informed approach to Combined assessment, where we work with you collaboratively through the whole process.
Whilst we continue to use the term ‘assessment’, we prefer the neuro-affirmative terms ‘ADHD and Autistic Discovery’ as this more faithfully describes what we do:
We support you to discover your neurotype.
The Discovery Process has several parts as there are so many ways of being to explore with your psychologist. You will find a breakdown of these steps below.
*Rong Y, Yang C-J, Jin Y, Wang Y. Prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: a meta-analysis. Res Autism Spectr Disord. (2021) 83:101759. 10.1016/j.rasd.2021.101759 [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
The Combined Autism and ADHD Discovery Process (assessment) has 4 parts:
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An online intake form for you to complete that asks questions that are consistent with the DSM V criteria for ADHD and Autism, as well as some screening measures. You can complete it in your own time. We can also send supplementary intake forms for your family or friends to fill in.
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Four collaborative and relaxed sessions where you will meet the same clinical psychologist to go through the information you have already provided in your online forms. Your psychologist will ask you to expand on the information. You work collaboratively with your psychologist in an open and transparent process.
In person or online.
Sessions are 75 mins approx.
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An Outcome session where you explore the outcome of whether your way of being is aligned with the AuDHD neuro-type and you meet the DSM V criteria.
In person or online.
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If you learn that you are AuDHD you will be provided with neuro-diversity affirmative supporting documentation confirming that you are Autistic and ADHD which is consistent with best-practice clinical guidelines for Autism and ADHD confirmation (diagnosis).
All sessions are offered online or in person in Sligo and Athlone
(Please note that there is a longer waiting time for in person discoveries, especially in Sligo; there is currently a very short waiting time for full online assessments).
Cost: € 2,500
Introducing an optional and additonal element to the Combined Discovery Process…
The Qb Check is an objective, standardised computerised test of an individual’s attentional and activity profile over 20 minutes. It is not a necessary tool for confirming ADHD in adults, however it can be used when either:
✅ On the rare occasion where, after two sessions, your psychologist feels that they may need additional information to complete the discovery
Or
💡You would like to learn about your attentional and activity profile as measured by a standardised and computerised test.
This test can be carried out online or in person, with an Assistant Psychologist supporting you.
There is an additional fee of €300 for this added element, which can be paid on the day of the Qb Check.
“The process of arranging appointments and completing forms was seamless.”
Step by Step Guide to the Combined ADHD and Autistic Discovery Process (assessment)
Here is the break-down of steps from start to finish
Step 1:
Book online – go to Book an Assessment and fill in the contact form. You will be asked to sign a GDPR form so that we can legally hold your family’s information.
Step 2:
We will contact you via email and you will be invited to fill out online consent and screening forms and an ‘intake form’ with questions that are drawn from the DSM V criteria, which are the clinical diagnostic criteria we follow. There are also supplementary forms for your family/people who know you well to fill out - these forms are an important part of the discovery process. Your name goes on a waiting list.
Step 3:
When your name is near the top of the waiting list, we will email you with dates for the assessment. You pay a deposit of € 440 to secure the discovery.
Step 4: The Combined Discovery Process (assessment)
There are 4 Discovery Sessions:
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You meet with your clinical psychologist either in person or online and go through in detail the many different ways of being that make up the criteria for ADHD. This interview is based on the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA) using neuro-affirmative language. You will also explore your childhood experiences and how your experiences then and now affect your everyday functioning in all aspects of your life. On occasion, it can be helpful to bring along a family member to this session.
These sessions will take 60-75 minutes.
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Autistic ways of being: On your second and third Discovery sessions you will go through in detail the many different ways of being that make up the DSM V criteria for Autism.
Typically, towards the end of the third session or the start of the Outcome Session your psychologist will share with you the provisional findings from the process and whether you are meeting the criteria for Autism and/or ADHD, including which type (if this is indicated).
These sessions are 60- 75 mins.
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This additional element to the discovery is not standard, and can be added, with your consent, either if a) on the rare occasion where your psychologist feels that your process would benefit from additional, objective information or b) if you would like to engage with the Qb Check to learn more about your attentional profile as measured objectively.
You will meet with an Assistant Psychologist to complete the Qb Check computerised and objective measure of your attentional profile.
This can take place In Person or Online (with online guidance from a team member); if this appointment is In Person, it can come before your Discovery Session 1.Duration: 25-30 minutes
Step 5: Outcome Session
Your psychologist checks in with you and together you review how the process has gone so far and talk about how you are feeling regarding the Autism and/or ADHD Confirmation (diagnosis) if this is the case for you. You will explore supports and resources available for you whether you are AuDHD or not, and your psychologist will go through the supporting documentation that we provide to confirm your AuDHD Confirmation. 75 mins approx.
The Supporting Documentationcontains reporting of how you fulfil the DSM V criteria for Autism and/or ADHD (with evidence from childhood, and in your adult life, as well as how it affects your functioning and screening information). This is consistent with best practice clinical guidelines
Combined Autism and ADHD Discovery Process Payment
We recognise that it is a big financial undertaking to pay for a private Combined Discovery (assessment).
The cost is based on the amount of clinical time it takes to explore your ways of being that are aligned with the AuDHD neurotype, which captures the richness of your experiences, as well as the provision of neuro-affirmative supporting documentation.
We spread the payment for the assessment over 5 time points that are paid via our secure online system:
€500 deposit to secure the full Combined Discovery
€500 due on the day of your first Discovery session
€500 due on the day of your second Discovery session
€500 due on the day of your third Discovery session
€500 due on the day of your Outcome session
Please let us know if you would like the cost spread out over more instalments and we will be happy to work with you on an arrangement.
Important Notes
Due to high demand for our services, a cancellation fee for individual sessions will be applied if less than 48 hours notice is given. If you cancel within 48 hours of your appointment or fail to attend without notifying the psychologist, a fee of €100 will be charged.
Preparing additional documentation, outside our standard suite, will attract an additional fee (fee details available as and when such documents are requested)
If you are applying for Disability Allowance and require a supporting letter, there is an additional fee of €200. Preparing a rich and detailed letter requires additional time and administration to gather and present relevant information in support of your application.
Post-ADHD Discovery Support
Thinking about medication as an option?
Our ADHD discoveries are psychologist-led and as such, we do not prescribe medication.
If you are confirmed ADHD as part of your discovery and you would like to explore medication, you can speak to your psychologist about the pathways open to you.
We can give you information about HSE services and private medical services who specialise in ADHD medication advice and prescribing. Please note that these private services are entirely separate to The Butterfly Practice and charge separate fees.
Thinking about ADHD/Autistic Coaching and lifestyle support?
We really want you to feel supported following the end of your time with us, and that’s why we can suggest several different pathways of ‘Post-Confirmation’ support.