Understanding autism and ADHD in children — from first concerns and referral waiting times, to post-diagnosis support, co-occurrence, and what schools must do.
Wondering if your child is autistic or has ADHD can feel overwhelming. Many families wait months or years for answers. The goal of these guides is to help you support your childwhile you wait, understand what to look for, and know what schools and services should be doing.
Check hearing first. Glue ear affects 8 in 10 children by age 10 and its symptoms — inattentiveness, speech delay, social withdrawal — are easily mistaken for autism. Read our Hearing & Glue Ear guide to rule out a physical cause before or alongside neurodevelopmental assessment.
Use the sections below as starting points. Every child is different, and one diagnosis does not rule out another. Keep what helps and ignore what does not.
Last reviewed: 31 May 2026
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