Autism + ADHD Evaluation Explained | How Psychologists Test for Both

Video Description

What really happens when psychologists test for both autism and ADHD at the same time? In this educational video, Dr. James Thatcher, licensed psychologist at Forest Psychological Clinic in Lake Oswego, Oregon, explains how comprehensive evaluations identify the overlap and differences between autism (ASD) and ADHD — also known as AuDHD. Dr. Thatcher walks through every step of the process: the intake, testing methods, developmental history, and the psychological tools used to reach an accurate diagnosis and plan for effective support. 🔹 What You’ll Learn Why quick checklists often miss AuDHD How masking and compensation can hide autism or ADHD The role of ADOS-2, ABAS-3, Vineland-3, WAIS-V, and D-KEFS How psychologists separate executive functioning issues from social communication differences Key differences between hyperfocus and restricted interests How results shape school accommodations, therapy plans, and medication decisions 🧠 About Forest Psychological Clinic At Forest Psychological Clinic, we specialize in comprehensive psychological evaluations for autism, ADHD, and learning disorders across the lifespan — from toddlers to adults. Our goal is to deliver accurate, same-day feedback and actionable recommendations you can use right away. 📍 Location: 300 Oswego Pointe Drive, Suite 220, Lake Oswego, Oregon In the Portland, Oregon metro area 📞 Call: (971) 331-1366 🌐 Website: https://forestpsychologicalclinic.com Timestamps: 0:00 – Why Quick Checklists Don’t Work for AuDHD Evaluations 0:17 – Meet Dr. James Thatcher, Licensed Psychologist (Portland, OR) 0:58 – How Overlap and Masking Can Hide the True Autism and ADHD Diagnosis 1:40 – The Goal: Accurate, Evidence-Based Diagnosis 2:04 – What’s the Same in Autism and ADHD Evaluations 2:54 – Developmental History: The Foundation of Both Diagnoses 3:16 – Autism Testing Tools: ADOS-2 and Social Reciprocity 4:03 – Adaptive Behavior and Social Functioning (ABAS-3 & Vineland) 4:20 – Sensory Processing and Regulation in Autism 4:37 – ADHD Testing Tools: WISC-V, WAIS-V, and Stanford-Binet 5:04 – Using D-KEFS to Evaluate Cognitive Flexibility 5:24 – How Autism and ADHD Overlap and Diverge 5:33 – Shared Traits: Attention, Task Initiation, and Social Misses 6:42 – Key Differences: Social Reciprocity and Restricted Interests 7:10 – Hyperfocus vs. Restricted Interests Explained 7:59 – Why It’s Critical to Differentiate Autism from ADHD 8:36 – Classroom Accommodations for ADHD and Autism 9:17 – Medication Considerations: ADHD vs. Autism 9:47 – Why a Psychiatric Specialist Is Better than a PCP 10:29 – Questions to Ask About ADHD Medication and Autism 11:04 – Choosing the Right Evaluation Clinic 11:10 – What to Ask: Do You Test for Both Autism and ADHD? 11:17 – Understanding the Tools: ADOS-2, Cognitive Tests, D-KEFS 11:52 – Ask About Turnaround Time and Feedback Sessions 12:07 – Coordinating with Schools, Colleges, and Disability Services 12:25 – Preview of Next Video: How to Prepare for Testing American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.; DSM-5-TR). Wechsler, D. (2014). Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (5th ed.). Pearson. Wechsler, D. (2024). Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (5th ed.). Pearson. Delis, D. C., Kaplan, E., & Kramer, J. H. (2001). Delis–Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS). Pearson. Lord, C., et al. (2012). Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2). Western Psychological Services. #neurodiversity #audhd #autismdiagnosis