ADHD & Autism

ADHD and autism spectrum conditions are among the most widely discussed neurodevelopmental differences -- and are often recognized late in many adults, since screening instruments were long developed mainly for children. The ASRS-v1.1 is the WHO's brief screener for ADHD symptoms in adults, and specifically asks about attention and impulsivity difficulties over the last six months.

For autistic traits in adults, the RAADS-R is one of the most established screening instruments, complemented by the CAT-Q on "camouflaging" or "masking" -- the strategies particularly used by autistic people diagnosed later in life to hide their traits in social situations. All three tests are screening instruments, not diagnostic tools; a diagnosis always requires a professional evaluation.

For a child-focused ADHD screen (filled out by a parent), see the Vanderbilt questionnaire in the Children & Family category.