Understanding Diagnosis in Children with ADHD, Autism, and Co-occurring ADHD+Autism

The thesis aimed to examine the diagnostic process for ADHD and autism in Australia and explore the potential utility of neurocognitive measures in the diagnostic process. This involved evaluating the journeys of caregivers whose children obtained their ADHD or autism diagnoses through public or private clinics. Alternative approaches to diagnosis within existing and alternative systems were explored, focusing on the utility of neurocognition. Children with both ADHD and autism face the most challenges, including delayed diagnosis and neurocognitive difficulties. Finally, transdiagnostic subtypes based on neurocognitive performance demonstrated promise as a potential alternative approach to classifying children with ADHD and autism.