What Happens After an ADHD or Autism Diagnosis

A diagnosis is a starting point, not an endpoint. Depending on the condition and the person, support can include education and self-management strategies, psychological approaches, reasonable adjustments at work or school, and, for ADHD, medication where appropriate, always guided by your clinician.

A diagnosis opens up support

Receiving a diagnosis can bring clarity and access to support tailored to how your brain works. What that support looks like depends on the condition, your circumstances, and what you want, and it is guided by the clinician who assessed you.

For ADHD

NICE recommends a combination of approaches. These can include education about the condition and self-management strategies, psychological support such as CBT, practical adjustments, and, where appropriate, medication, which is started and reviewed by a specialist. Medication is one option among several, not a foregone conclusion, and any treatment plan is a shared decision with your clinician.

Source: NICE NG87 (combination treatment; CBT; medication review).

For autism

Support focuses on understanding, adjustments and addressing any coexisting conditions, rather than "treating" autism itself. NICE is clear that certain interventions should not be used; for example, it advises against facilitated communication, and against using oxytocin or chelation for core features. Good support is about environment, understanding and any co-occurring needs.

Source: NICE CG142 (do not use facilitated communication, oxytocin or chelation for core features).

This is general information

Exactly what is right for you is a clinical decision made with your own clinician; this page describes the landscape, not a personal recommendation.