The diagnosis of ADHD and autism involves a multidisciplinary approach rather than a single individual. According to the provided content, these evaluations are typically conducted by the following qualified professionals:

  • Developmental Pediatricians: These medical doctors specialize in child growth, assess developmental milestones, and rule out other medical conditions.
  • Child Psychologists: These experts possess a doctorate in psychology and use standardized tools, such as the ADOS-2, to evaluate behavioral symptoms and social interactions.
  • Neurologists: These specialists focus on brain-related factors and identify neurological comorbidities, such as seizures.
  • Child Psychiatrists and Multidisciplinary Teams: These teams may also include speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists to provide a comprehensive view of a child’s needs.

When co-occurring conditions like ADHD are present, these professionals use differential diagnosis and targeted interviews to distinguish overlapping symptoms, such as inattention or impulsivity, from core autism traits. For adults, the process may involve neuropsychologists and specialists experienced in recognizing subtler presentations or masking behaviors.


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