ADHD Assessment & Testing Calgary
Adult autism and ADHD can overlap. Learn how comprehensive assessment uses developmental history, symptom patterns, standardized measures and differential diagnosis to clarify the difference.
Why this matters
An accurate assessment should clarify the reasons behind attention, learning or executive-function concerns—not simply attach a label. The goal is to connect the findings with practical recommendations for everyday life, school or work.
Clinical Spotlight
Assessment should answer the right clinical question.
- Developmental history
- Standardized measures
- Differential diagnosis
- Practical recommendations
Where autism and ADHD can overlap
- Executive-function difficulties
- Problems sustaining attention
- Inconsistent performance
- Sensory overwhelm
- Emotional dysregulation
- Social fatigue
- Burnout after prolonged compensatory effort
What tends to distinguish autism?
Autism assessment examines lifelong social-communication patterns, restricted or highly focused interests, sensory differences, routines, developmental history and the ways a person has adapted, compensated or masked across settings.
What tends to distinguish ADHD?
ADHD assessment focuses on persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that began developmentally and interfere with functioning across relevant settings. Concentration problems caused by anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep disruption or burnout are not automatically ADHD.
Can someone have both?
Yes. Autism and ADHD can co-occur. When both are present, the clinical picture may include social-communication and sensory differences alongside attention, organization, time-management and impulse-control difficulties.
Why developmental history matters
Both autism and ADHD are neurodevelopmental conditions. The clinician therefore looks for evidence of earlier-life patterns rather than relying only on current adult symptoms. School records, family observations and childhood examples can help, but assessment can still proceed when collateral information is limited.
What can a comprehensive differential assessment include?
- Clinical and developmental interview
- Autism-specific measures when indicated
- ADHD rating scales and symptom history
- Assessment of mood, anxiety, trauma, sleep and other contributors
- Cognitive or executive-function testing when clinically useful
- Integration of records and collateral information
- Diagnostic feedback and individualized recommendations
Which assessment should you book?
If autism is the primary question, review our Adult Autism Assessment Calgary service. If attention and executive-function concerns are primary, see our Adult ADHD Assessment Calgary service. When the picture is mixed, a broader psychological or neuropsychological evaluation may be appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
Can ADHD look like autism in adults?
There can be overlap, especially in executive functioning, social fatigue and emotional regulation. The developmental pattern and presence of autism-specific social-communication and restricted/repetitive features help clarify the diagnosis.
Can autism be missed in high-functioning adults?
Yes. Some adults develop strong compensatory strategies or masking that can obscure longstanding social, sensory or behavioural differences.
What if both are diagnosed?
Recommendations should address both conditions and the way they interact in daily life, including executive-function supports, sensory needs, mental health, work or school accommodations and treatment planning.
Registered Psychologist with declared competence in Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology at Calgary Mind & Wellness Clinic.
Would an ADHD assessment help clarify the concern?
A brief consultation can help determine the appropriate assessment pathway based on symptoms, developmental history, learning concerns and the questions that need to be answered.
Book an Assessment Consultation Explore ADHD Assessment Calgary
Related Calgary service: Autism Assessment Calgary
Educational information only. Diagnosis and recommendations require an individualized clinical assessment.