Autism & ADHD Resources

Explore trusted information about autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, and the evaluation process for children, teens, adults, and families.

These resources are provided for general education and do not replace individualized medical or psychological advice. Links to outside organizations do not imply endorsement of all content or positions expressed by those organizations.

  • Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that can affect communication, sensory processing, relationships, routines, and how someone experiences the world. It may look different across ages, cultures, and genders, and it can be overlooked in people who mask or do not fit common stereotypes.

  • ADHD is a neurodevelopmental difference involving attention regulation, activity level, impulse control, motivation, organization, and executive functioning. ADHD can affect children and adults, and it may present as distractibility, restlessness, forgetfulness, difficulty beginning tasks, or inconsistent performance.

  • An autism or ADHD evaluation is an opportunity to better understand your or your child’s experiences, strengths, challenges, and support needs. The process may include clinical interviews, questionnaires, standardized assessment measures, observations, and information from caregivers or other trusted people.

    Before your appointment, it may help to:

    • Write down your main questions and concerns.

    • Gather relevant medical, developmental, educational, or previous evaluation records.

    • Think about current strengths, challenges, routines, sensory experiences, and support needs.

    • Ask family members or other trusted people about early developmental history when appropriate.

    • Complete requested questionnaires by the due date.