ADHD & Autism
AUTISM
AUTISM
at School
In Primary School
In Secondary School
ADHD
ADHD
A self-serve toolkit for teachers
In Secondary School
In Primary School
About Us | How to use this toolkit
How to use this toolkit
About us - how to use this toolkit
About Us
Click the the button to reveal more about the topic.
How to use this toolkit
Primary School Age Autism Recommendations
Autism Passport
Making Choices & Demand Avoidance
Sensory Differences
Change & Transition
Communication & Language
Masking
Emotional Regulation
Tics & Repetitive Behaviours
Special Interests
Social Challenges
Co-presentations
Secondary School Age Autism Recommendations
Autism Passport
Making Choices & Demand Avoidance
Sensory Differences
Change & Transition
Communication & Language
Masking
Emotional Regulation
Tics & Repetitive Behaviours
Special Interests
Social Challenges
Co-presentations
Quick guides
We have created the two PDF quick guides below. These can easily download and printed if needed.
Autism in primary care
ADHD in primary care
ADHD Med monitoring
Developmental trajectories in autism refer to the varied ways autistic characteristics and needs emerge and change across the lifespan. Some children show clear differences very early (such as in social attention or communication), while in others differences become more noticeable later, for example with increasing social or educational demands. Trajectories can be uneven, with strengths in some areas alongside challenges in others, and are influenced by factors such as co-occurring conditions, environment, and support.
Referral guide
The referral process will typically follow these steps
The patient speaks to you and requests Healios as their chosen provider under the NHS Right to Choose framework.
You review the request and complete a simple quick online referral form here. You’ll receive an email confirmation, and we’ll start processing the referral.
Demonstration video: submitting an online referral.
We’ll contact the patient directly to begin the assessment journey, keeping you updated throughout.
More info & FAQs
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
- Making Choices & Demand Avoidance
- Tics & Repetitive Behaviours
Main Menu
Signs of autism in children
References & further reading
Signs of autism in adults
References & further reading
Assessment
Diagnosis is made via the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT).
Both autism and ADHD sessions consist of a minimum of three sessions.
Regardless of the outcome, a comprehensive report is created and shared with the family and with you as the referring GP.
A combined assessment consists of a minimum of four sessions.
A feedback session is also offered to discuss the outcome and next steps.
The assessment process covers a full developmental history and an observation session, using gold-standard assessment tools.
Sessions are tailored to the individual and their family, ensuring a comprehensive picture of strengths and challenges.
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
- Making Choices & Demand Avoidance
- Tics & Repetitive Behaviours
Main Menu
Co-occurring conditions
References & further reading
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
- Making Choices & Demand Avoidance
- Tics & Repetitive Behaviours
Main Menu
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
- Making Choices & Demand Avoidance
- Tics & Repetitive Behaviours
Main Menu
Got an idea?
Bring it to life with an interactive window
Create a new layer with all the Genially features.
- Generate experiences with your content.
- It’s got the Wow effect. Very Wow.
- Make sure your audience remembers the message.
- Activate and surprise your audience.
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
- Making Choices & Demand Avoidance
- Tics & Repetitive Behaviours
Main Menu
Concerns raised in general practice
General principles for GPs
- Validate concerns and avoid watchful waiting in isolation.
- Support early, even if the diagnosis is pending.
- Use language that reflects functioning and impact, not just labels.
- Encourage schools to follow the graduated response (Assess–Plan–Do–Review).
- Signpost to support for families — needs may be urgent even if diagnosis is delayed.
Generally a patient will come to you with concerns. You may suggest an assessment may be helpful, but it's important to note that getting a diagnosis or not doesn't typically alleviate the need or challenge that prompted them to seek care. A multi-pronged 'Waiting Well'* approach works best. You can:
- Agree if an assessment is warranted and desired.
- Discuss possible assessment routes including Right to Choose.
- Sign post to resources that can help with the presenting issue(s) in the meantime.
Ongoing support
Support for all
All patients receive clinician recommendations and resources following assessment, regardless of the outcome. We also provide signposting to local services and supports. In most cases, patients are offered up to four sessions of Post-Diagnostic Support with a member of our clinical team.
Additional support for adults with an ADHD diagnosis
Adults diagnosed with ADHD may be offered medication, provided they meet the required criteria. If initiated, prescribing is managed by our team until titration is complete and the patient is stable. At that point, care is transferred back to local health services for ongoing prescribing and monitoring.
Developmental trajectories in ADHD refer to the different ways attention, activity and impulse and emotional regulation emerge and change across the lifespan. Much like autism, some children show noticeable differences very early (in areas such as high activity, impulsivity or difficulty focusing), whilst in others these differences do not become apparent until later in development. Often these factors will become clearer as academic, social and organisational demands increase in late childhood and adolescence. Trajectories can be uneven, with strengths and challenges in different areas, and much like many neurodivergence, are influenced by factors such as co-occurring conditions, environment, and available support.
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
- Making Choices & Demand Avoidance
- Tics & Repetitive Behaviours
Main Menu
Got an idea?
Bring it to life with an interactive window
Create a new layer with all the Genially features.
- Generate experiences with your content.
- It’s got the Wow effect. Very Wow.
- Make sure your audience remembers the message.
- Activate and surprise your audience.
ADHD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in attention, activity level, and impulse control. Presentations vary widely and can include inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined features. It often co-occurs with other conditions and may affect functioning in education, work, relationships, and health.
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
- Making Choices & Demand Avoidance
- Tics & Repetitive Behaviours
Main Menu
- ADHD in children around 5%. Reference.
- ADHD in adults around 3-4%. Reference.
- Autism in children is around 1-2%. Reference.
- Autism in Adults is around 1.1%. Reference.
- Co-occurrence (AuDHD) is 30-50%. Reference.
Rates in diagnosis of autism, ADHD, as well as co-occurring autism and ADHD are increasing, and this is thought to be due to a combination of factors including improved diagnostic understanding and research (both empirical and anecdotal) regarding factors such as presentation in women. However, worthy of note is that the explanation for increased diagnosis remains widely debated, with differing perspectives on the extent to which this reflects genuine increase in prevalence versus changes in awareness, diagnostic processes and access to services.
Note: Find more information about Common co-occurring conditions and differential diagnoses in the section 'Recognising ADHD & Autism in General Practice.'
How to use this toolkit
This toolkit is here to support you in recognising, understanding, and supporting pupils with ADHD, autism, or both. We know every teacher and school staff member comes to this with different experiences. Some of you work with neurodivergent children every day, while for others this may feel newer — or raise questions. Wherever you are starting from, this resource is designed to meet you there. You don’t need to read it all at once. Dip in and out by topic, explore what feels most relevant to your role, and return as your confidence and needs grow.
Our aim is to make it easier for you to provide informed, inclusive and compassionate support, so that every child can thrive in your classroom and school community.
+ Navigation index
Non-Pharmacological Support for ASD and ADHD
- Psychoeducation: essential for patients and families to understand their diagnosis and treatment options.
- Behavioural & psychological support: CBT, organisational skills training, parenting support programmes.
- School/occupational support: liaison with education/employers to implement reasonable adjustments.
- Navigating Complexity
- Comorbidities are common (anxiety, depression, autism, substance misuse). Screening and integrated management are essential.
- Referral thresholds: we have procedures in place to escalate back to secondary care if complex comorbidity emerges, significant adverse effects occur, or response to medication is inadequate.
- Continuity: ensure smooth transitions (child to adult services) and avoid treatment breaks where possible.
GP role in ongoing care
- Provide continuity, holistic support and physical health monitoring where appropriate.
- Encourage lifestyle interventions (regular sleep, diet, exercise).
- Coordinate care with secondary services, schools, and mental health teams.
Got an idea?
Bring it to life with an interactive window
Create a new layer with all the Genially features.
- Generate experiences with your content.
- It’s got the Wow effect. Very Wow.
- Make sure your audience remembers the message.
- Activate and surprise your audience.
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
- Making Choices & Demand Avoidance
- Tics & Repetitive Behaviours
Main Menu
About us
As a trusted NHS partner since 2013, Healios provides specialist ADHD and autism assessments that align with NICE guidelines. Our experienced clinical team ensures that every referral is handled with the highest standards of care, making it easy for you to confidently refer your patients through the NHS Right to Choose scheme.
- Trusted NHS Partner – Over a decade of experience delivering neurodevelopmental care services in partnership with the NHS since 2013.
- NICE-Compliant Assessments – Meeting the highest clinical standards.
- Specialist Team – ADHD & autism clinicians dedicated to personalised care.
- Convenient & Accessible – Online assessments from the comfort of home.
Autism can be first recognised in adulthood, often when life demands exceed coping strategies. Adults may present with mental health concerns, relationship or employment difficulties, or a history of feeling “different.” Diagnosis can provide clarity, access to support, and improved self-understanding, but may be complicated by masking, co-occurring conditions, and long delays in recognition. For GPs, awareness of these presentations is key to making timely referrals and reducing the risk of misdiagnosis or unmet need.
Supporting needs & preparation
The referral process will typically follow these steps
- Patients and families are given an interactive guide (like the one shown on the right) to help them understand what to expect from the assessment and how to prepare.
- While waiting, they also have access to supportive resources to address any challenges they may be experiencing.
- As part of the preparation, families are asked to complete standard questionnaires, such as the AQ-10 (Autism), SNAP-IV (ADHD), ASRS (Adult ADHD), and RCADS/SDQ for broader mental health and wellbeing.
Families are given an interactive guide like the one above, to help them prepare for a standard autism assessment for their child or young person.
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
- Making Choices & Demand Avoidance
- Tics & Repetitive Behaviours
Main Menu
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
- Making Choices & Demand Avoidance
- Tics & Repetitive Behaviours
Main Menu
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
- Making Choices & Demand Avoidance
- Tics & Repetitive Behaviours
Main Menu
Got an idea?
Bring it to life with an interactive window
Create a new layer with all the Genially features.
- Generate experiences with your content.
- It’s got the Wow effect. Very Wow.
- Make sure your audience remembers the message.
- Activate and surprise your audience.
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
- Making Choices & Demand Avoidance
- Tics & Repetitive Behaviours
Main Menu
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
- Making Choices & Demand Avoidance
- Tics & Repetitive Behaviours
Main Menu
Signs of autism in adults
References & further reading
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
- Making Choices & Demand Avoidance
- Tics & Repetitive Behaviours
Main Menu
Hidden presentations
Why it matters
ADHD and autism are frequently under-recognised in certain groups. Presentations can differ from the stereotypical picture (e.g., hyperactive boys or children with obvious social differences). Awareness of these “hidden” profiles helps avoid missed or late diagnoses.
Hidden presentations mean ADHD and autism may not be obvious, especially in women, late-diagnosed adults, and those with mental health conditions. Be alert to persistent, impairing patterns across life settings, even if not overtly visible in the clinic.
Takeaway for GPs
Signs of ADHD in children
References & further reading
Concerns raised in general practice
General principles for GPs
- Validate concerns and avoid watchful waiting in isolation.
- Support early, even if the diagnosis is pending.
- Use language that reflects functioning and impact, not just labels.
- Encourage schools to follow the graduated response (Assess–Plan–Do–Review).
- Signpost to support for families — needs may be urgent even if diagnosis is delayed.
Generally a patient will come to you with concerns. You may suggest an assessment may be helpful, but it's important to note that getting a diagnosis or not doesn't typically alleviate the need or challenge that prompted them to seek care. A multi-pronged 'Waiting Well'* approach works best. You can:
- Agree if an assessment is warranted and desired.
- Discuss possible assessment routes including Right to Choose.
- Sign post to resources that can help with the presenting issue(s) in the meantime.
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
- Making Choices & Demand Avoidance
- Tics & Repetitive Behaviours
Main Menu
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
- Making Choices & Demand Avoidance
- Tics & Repetitive Behaviours
Main Menu
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
- Making Choices & Demand Avoidance
- Tics & Repetitive Behaviours
Main Menu
ADHD persists into adulthood with varying impact, though it may be under-recognised. Adults may present with difficulties in attention, planning, time management, or emotional regulation, with difficulties such as anxiety, depression, or substance misuse frequently co-occurring. For GPs, recognising ADHD in adults is important for timely referral, appropriate support, and reducing the risk of misdiagnosis or untreated need.
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
- Making Choices & Demand Avoidance
- Tics & Repetitive Behaviours
Main Menu
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
- Making Choices & Demand Avoidance
- Tics & Repetitive Behaviours
Main Menu
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person experiences social communication, interaction, sensory input and patterns of thinking or behaviour. It is dimensional and highly variable, with strengths as well as challenges, and may present differently across age, gender, and context. Autism is not a mental illness, and it does not have a single presentation.
Pharmacological Treatment for ADHD
- First-line: Stimulants (methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine) are most commonly used. Atomoxetine, guanfacine, or dexamfetamine may be considered if first-line options are not tolerated or effective.
- Shared care: Initiation and titration will be undertaken in our specialist ADHD prescribing service. Once stable, prescribing may be transferred to primary care under a shared care protocol, with responsibilities clearly outlined.
- Monitoring: Baseline: weight, height, BP, pulse, cardiac history.
- Ongoing: weight/BMI, BP, pulse at least every 6 months; monitor mental health and adherence.
- Side effects: appetite suppression, sleep disturbance, tics, mood changes, cardiovascular symptoms. Side effects often subside after initiation and will be managed by specialist services.
GP’s play a key role in helping manage any ongoing side effects and assisting with monitoring requirements where required. Whilst we will treat and manage common side effects from ADHD medication, we may refer patients back to their GP for management of certain conditions such as high blood pressure.
Got an idea?
Bring it to life with an interactive window
Create a new layer with all the Genially features.
- Generate experiences with your content.
- It’s got the Wow effect. Very Wow.
- Make sure your audience remembers the message.
- Activate and surprise your audience.
A Self-Serve Neurodiversity Toolkit for Schools
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Transcript
ADHD & Autism
AUTISM
AUTISM
at School
In Primary School
In Secondary School
ADHD
ADHD
A self-serve toolkit for teachers
In Secondary School
In Primary School
About Us | How to use this toolkit
How to use this toolkit
About us - how to use this toolkit
About Us
Click the the button to reveal more about the topic.
How to use this toolkit
Primary School Age Autism Recommendations
Autism Passport
Making Choices & Demand Avoidance
Sensory Differences
Change & Transition
Communication & Language
Masking
Emotional Regulation
Tics & Repetitive Behaviours
Special Interests
Social Challenges
Co-presentations
Secondary School Age Autism Recommendations
Autism Passport
Making Choices & Demand Avoidance
Sensory Differences
Change & Transition
Communication & Language
Masking
Emotional Regulation
Tics & Repetitive Behaviours
Special Interests
Social Challenges
Co-presentations
Quick guides
We have created the two PDF quick guides below. These can easily download and printed if needed.
Autism in primary care
ADHD in primary care
ADHD Med monitoring
Developmental trajectories in autism refer to the varied ways autistic characteristics and needs emerge and change across the lifespan. Some children show clear differences very early (such as in social attention or communication), while in others differences become more noticeable later, for example with increasing social or educational demands. Trajectories can be uneven, with strengths in some areas alongside challenges in others, and are influenced by factors such as co-occurring conditions, environment, and support.
Referral guide
The referral process will typically follow these steps
The patient speaks to you and requests Healios as their chosen provider under the NHS Right to Choose framework.
You review the request and complete a simple quick online referral form here. You’ll receive an email confirmation, and we’ll start processing the referral.
Demonstration video: submitting an online referral.
We’ll contact the patient directly to begin the assessment journey, keeping you updated throughout.
More info & FAQs
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
Main Menu
Signs of autism in children
References & further reading
Signs of autism in adults
References & further reading
Assessment
Diagnosis is made via the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT).
Both autism and ADHD sessions consist of a minimum of three sessions.
Regardless of the outcome, a comprehensive report is created and shared with the family and with you as the referring GP.
A combined assessment consists of a minimum of four sessions.
A feedback session is also offered to discuss the outcome and next steps.
The assessment process covers a full developmental history and an observation session, using gold-standard assessment tools.
Sessions are tailored to the individual and their family, ensuring a comprehensive picture of strengths and challenges.
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
Main Menu
Co-occurring conditions
References & further reading
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
Main Menu
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
Main Menu
Got an idea?
Bring it to life with an interactive window
Create a new layer with all the Genially features.
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
Main Menu
Concerns raised in general practice
General principles for GPs
Generally a patient will come to you with concerns. You may suggest an assessment may be helpful, but it's important to note that getting a diagnosis or not doesn't typically alleviate the need or challenge that prompted them to seek care. A multi-pronged 'Waiting Well'* approach works best. You can:
Ongoing support
Support for all
All patients receive clinician recommendations and resources following assessment, regardless of the outcome. We also provide signposting to local services and supports. In most cases, patients are offered up to four sessions of Post-Diagnostic Support with a member of our clinical team.
Additional support for adults with an ADHD diagnosis
Adults diagnosed with ADHD may be offered medication, provided they meet the required criteria. If initiated, prescribing is managed by our team until titration is complete and the patient is stable. At that point, care is transferred back to local health services for ongoing prescribing and monitoring.
Developmental trajectories in ADHD refer to the different ways attention, activity and impulse and emotional regulation emerge and change across the lifespan. Much like autism, some children show noticeable differences very early (in areas such as high activity, impulsivity or difficulty focusing), whilst in others these differences do not become apparent until later in development. Often these factors will become clearer as academic, social and organisational demands increase in late childhood and adolescence. Trajectories can be uneven, with strengths and challenges in different areas, and much like many neurodivergence, are influenced by factors such as co-occurring conditions, environment, and available support.
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
Main Menu
Got an idea?
Bring it to life with an interactive window
Create a new layer with all the Genially features.
ADHD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in attention, activity level, and impulse control. Presentations vary widely and can include inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined features. It often co-occurs with other conditions and may affect functioning in education, work, relationships, and health.
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
Main Menu
Rates in diagnosis of autism, ADHD, as well as co-occurring autism and ADHD are increasing, and this is thought to be due to a combination of factors including improved diagnostic understanding and research (both empirical and anecdotal) regarding factors such as presentation in women. However, worthy of note is that the explanation for increased diagnosis remains widely debated, with differing perspectives on the extent to which this reflects genuine increase in prevalence versus changes in awareness, diagnostic processes and access to services. Note: Find more information about Common co-occurring conditions and differential diagnoses in the section 'Recognising ADHD & Autism in General Practice.'
How to use this toolkit
This toolkit is here to support you in recognising, understanding, and supporting pupils with ADHD, autism, or both. We know every teacher and school staff member comes to this with different experiences. Some of you work with neurodivergent children every day, while for others this may feel newer — or raise questions. Wherever you are starting from, this resource is designed to meet you there. You don’t need to read it all at once. Dip in and out by topic, explore what feels most relevant to your role, and return as your confidence and needs grow.
Our aim is to make it easier for you to provide informed, inclusive and compassionate support, so that every child can thrive in your classroom and school community.
+ Navigation index
Non-Pharmacological Support for ASD and ADHD
GP role in ongoing care
Got an idea?
Bring it to life with an interactive window
Create a new layer with all the Genially features.
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
Main Menu
About us
As a trusted NHS partner since 2013, Healios provides specialist ADHD and autism assessments that align with NICE guidelines. Our experienced clinical team ensures that every referral is handled with the highest standards of care, making it easy for you to confidently refer your patients through the NHS Right to Choose scheme.
Autism can be first recognised in adulthood, often when life demands exceed coping strategies. Adults may present with mental health concerns, relationship or employment difficulties, or a history of feeling “different.” Diagnosis can provide clarity, access to support, and improved self-understanding, but may be complicated by masking, co-occurring conditions, and long delays in recognition. For GPs, awareness of these presentations is key to making timely referrals and reducing the risk of misdiagnosis or unmet need.
Supporting needs & preparation
The referral process will typically follow these steps
Families are given an interactive guide like the one above, to help them prepare for a standard autism assessment for their child or young person.
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
Main Menu
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
Main Menu
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
Main Menu
Got an idea?
Bring it to life with an interactive window
Create a new layer with all the Genially features.
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
Main Menu
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
Main Menu
Signs of autism in adults
References & further reading
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
Main Menu
Hidden presentations
Why it matters
ADHD and autism are frequently under-recognised in certain groups. Presentations can differ from the stereotypical picture (e.g., hyperactive boys or children with obvious social differences). Awareness of these “hidden” profiles helps avoid missed or late diagnoses.
Hidden presentations mean ADHD and autism may not be obvious, especially in women, late-diagnosed adults, and those with mental health conditions. Be alert to persistent, impairing patterns across life settings, even if not overtly visible in the clinic.
Takeaway for GPs
Signs of ADHD in children
References & further reading
Concerns raised in general practice
General principles for GPs
Generally a patient will come to you with concerns. You may suggest an assessment may be helpful, but it's important to note that getting a diagnosis or not doesn't typically alleviate the need or challenge that prompted them to seek care. A multi-pronged 'Waiting Well'* approach works best. You can:
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
Main Menu
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
Main Menu
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
Main Menu
ADHD persists into adulthood with varying impact, though it may be under-recognised. Adults may present with difficulties in attention, planning, time management, or emotional regulation, with difficulties such as anxiety, depression, or substance misuse frequently co-occurring. For GPs, recognising ADHD in adults is important for timely referral, appropriate support, and reducing the risk of misdiagnosis or untreated need.
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
Main Menu
Primary school age
Autism Recommendations
Main Menu
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person experiences social communication, interaction, sensory input and patterns of thinking or behaviour. It is dimensional and highly variable, with strengths as well as challenges, and may present differently across age, gender, and context. Autism is not a mental illness, and it does not have a single presentation.
Pharmacological Treatment for ADHD
GP’s play a key role in helping manage any ongoing side effects and assisting with monitoring requirements where required. Whilst we will treat and manage common side effects from ADHD medication, we may refer patients back to their GP for management of certain conditions such as high blood pressure.
Got an idea?
Bring it to life with an interactive window
Create a new layer with all the Genially features.