The
Effra Clinic

Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD, autism, or both is a big deal. For many people, diagnosis means relief and validation. Experiences that may have felt confusing for years suddenly begin to make sense. Patients often tell us that they finally have an explanation for lifelong patterns, strengths and challenges. At the same time, diagnosis may well raise new questions. What does this diagnosis mean for me? How do I explain it to other people? Should I tell my employer? Why wasn't

Recently the question of whether ADHD is being overdiagnosed has become a frequent topic in the media. Coverage in the general public often suggests that ADHD diagnoses are increasing rapidly and implies that clinicians may be medicalising normal variations in attention or behaviour. An often overlooked consequence of the “overdiagnosis” narrative is the impact it can have on people who are trying to make sense of lifelong difficulties. Many adults who seek assessment describ