Signs of ADHD and autism as thousands of children are on 'hidden' waiting lists

Here are the signs which either you or someone in your family could have undiagnosed autism, ADHD or a combination of the two, as thousands across the country face extended wait lists.

Over the past couple of years, research has revealed that children, young people and adults with suspected undiagnosed neurodivergent disorders, such as autism or ADHD, have been left to wait years for an assessment from healthcare specialists.

Earlier today, the BBC revealed that 'thousands' of children in Scotland had been placed on 'hidden' waiting lists, with charities supporting neurodivergent people in the area seeing a 295% increase in demand.

This follows an investigation which revealed that backlogs for ADHD assessments in certain areas of the UK could take as long as 'eight years' to clear, while some patients on one Adult Autism Diagnostic and Support Service could be waiting until at least 2041 for assessment.

Waiting lists for neurodivergent disorders on the NHS vary by region (Getty Stock Images)

Faced with such a long wait to receive support for suspected neurodivergent disorders, thousands are turning to advice and guidance shared by online charities such as Autistica, ADHD UK and AuDHD UK.

What are common signs of autism?

According to Autistica, common characteristics of autism include:

• Having a strong preference for routine and expressing anxiety during uncertainty
• Sensory differences: such as an aversion to certain sounds, tastes or smells
• A keen interest in certain subjects
• A difference in communication style to neurotypical people, which may appear 'blunt'
• Restrictive or repetitive behaviours, also referred to as 'stimming'

Long waiting lists have led to people seeking support online and from charities (Getty Stock Images)

According to the British Medical Association, around 700,000 people Brits have autism, with one in 100 children also having a diagnosis. Autism.org adds that 212,964 people were waiting for assessment at the end of last year, per NHS data.

What are the common traits of ADHD?

It's believed that around 2.6 million people in the UK have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), symptoms vary from person-to-person, however, common traits involve a combination or inattention and hyperactivity or impulsivity. These can include:

• Often being easily distracted and struggling to follow conversations
• Frequently losing belongings such as glasses, phones, keys etc
• Issues with time-management
• Having a lot of energy and feeling restless
• Struggling with interrupting conversations

Characteristics of autism, ADHD and combined AuDHD vary from person-to-person (Getty Stock Images)

What is AuDHD?

Autistica adds that a combination of both autism and ADHD are common as people both conditions having overlapping traits. Research suggests that around 21 percent of children with ADHD are also autistic, while 28 percent of autistic children have ADHD.

Overlapping symptoms again vary among individuals, but include:

• An intense focus on hobbies and interests
• Rejection sensitivity
• Social challenges