New Year, New Mindset: Why Now Is the Time to Get Your ADHD or Autism Assessment.

Clinical Advice from Assistant Psychologist Grace Waudby

A new year brings a fresh start. It's the perfect time to build new goals, new habits, and for many people, a new commitment to understanding themselves better. One of the most powerful steps you can take in 2025 is finally seeking clarity about symptoms you'vrebeen questioning for years. If you’ve ever wondered whether ADHD or Autism might explain your experiences, this is the perfect moment to get an assessment and start the year with the support you deserve.

Why Consider an Assessment Now?

• Clarity leads to empowerment. A formal diagnosis can help you understand why you think, feel, and function the way you do.

• Support becomes accessible. With an official assessment, you may gain access to tailored accommodations, therapies, or workplace/school support.

• Self-compassion grows. Instead of blaming yourself for “struggling,” you can recognise your brain works differently and learn strategies that fit you.

• Early intervention helps at any age. It is never too late to learn about your neurodivergence.

  
  

Our Assistant Psychologist, Grace Waudby explains the common signs of both ADHD and Autism that may suggest it’s time to book an assessment.

"Many adults only begin to recognise long-standing behavioural or emotional patterns as possible signs of ADHD or Autism later in life. These conditions frequently go undetected in childhood, particularly in women and individuals who learned early on to mask their struggles. Understanding these subtle, everyday signs can be a powerful first step toward self-awareness and support.”

ADHD in Adults: More Than Difficulty Paying Attention

Grace explains that ADHD in adulthood is often overlooked because “when they were growing up there wasnt as much awareness. Now people are realising. Adults often have 'masked throughout life' and often when children leave home, during menopause or when mid life hits it can a time when the focus shifts onto themselves and they start questioning their own behaviours"

Inattention & Executive Functioning Difficulties

Common signs include:

• Difficulty focusing or staying on one task

• Feeling “scattered” or forgetful

• Challenges starting or completing projects

• Frequently losing items like keys, phones, or paperwork

• Ongoing time-management difficulties or chronic lateness

• Becoming overwhelmed by planning or multitasking

Grace emphasises that “these challenges reflect neurological processing differences, not a lack of motivation or effort.”

Internal Hyperactivity

In adults, hyperactivity often becomes inward. Grace describes this as:

• A restless mind or body

• Difficulty relaxing or switching off

• Rapid speech or unintentional interruptions

“Many adults feel like they’re constantly ‘on,’ even when exhausted,” she explains.

Impulsivity

Impulsivity may appear as:

• Making quick decisions without full consideration

• Struggling to wait your turn

• Experiencing strong emotional reactions

“These reactions can feel automatic rather than deliberate,” Grace notes.

Common Autism Spectrum Traits in Adults

Autism in Adults: Subtle Signs Behind Everyday Functioning

"Autism often shows differently in adults than stereotypes usually suggest. You can be sociable, have great verbal skills, be successful and still be autistic." You can appear really sociable but on the inside you can be struggling which can often be missed by others and appear as "being fine".

Social & Communication Differences

Autistic adults may experience:

• Feeling “out of sync” in conversations

• Taking language literally or missing subtle cues

• Difficulty with small talk

• Social exhaustion after interactions

• Not being able to read the room

“These can often being missed as people can mask to fit in..."

Sensory Sensitivities

Sensory experiences are a key part of the autistic profile. These may include:

• Sensitivity to light, noise, textures, or smells

• Overwhelm in busy or chaotic spaces

• Preference for calm, predictable environments

“People often underestimate how deeply sensory input can affect daily life. They can be all consuming and limit where you can go and how you live your life” Grace notes.

Routine & Predictability

Many autistic adults rely on structure for emotional stability. They may have:

• A strong need for routine

• Distress around unexpected changes

• Comfort in repetition or familiar interests

  "Predictability makes autistic people feel safe, but when life changes it can have a dramatic effect and completely shift their mood"

  
  

Special Interests

Grace describes these as “an intense fixation on a certain object, person, place that impacts daily life and can be all consuming.”

Masking

Masking, consciously or unconsciously hiding autistic traits, is common, particularly among women. It can involve:

• Rehearsing conversations

• Copying others’ social behaviours

• Concealing sensory discomfort

• Forcing eye contact

Grace advises that “masking may help individuals fit in socially, but it can also lead to significant fatigue and burnout over time.”

ADHD vs Autism...Or Both?

Grace explains that “it’s very common for individuals to show traits of both ADHD and Autism,” and distinguishing between the two can be complex. To support this, she conducts a structured triage process. “The initial screening helps me guide clients toward the most appropriate assessment pathway,” she says. “It ensures we’re exploring the right questions from the very beginning.”

How Getting Assessed Can Change Your Year

• A diagnosis can bring relief. You’re not lazy, dramatic, or broken.

• It can help your relationships. Loved ones can better understand your needs and communication style.

• It can transform work or school. You may qualify for accommodations that make life easier.

• It can improve your wellbeing. You’ll learn coping tools tailored to your brain, reducing stress and burnout.

  
  

If you’ve spent years questioning, doubting, or endlessly Googling your symptoms, take this as your sign: This is your year for clarity. Your year for support. Your year for a new mindset.

Ready to Begin?

Book your ADHD or Autism assessment with us at Montrose Health Group today. The earlier you start the process, the sooner you can move into the new year with understanding and confidence.

Call: 01144 990 500

Email: support@montrosehealthgroup.com