Recognition, assessment, diagnosis and individual formulation
Resources to help with the recognition, assessment and diagnosis of Autism and neurodivergence
Different Minds. One Scotland.
This website was created by The Scottish Government and written in partnership with autistic people. Facts and myths about autism are explored, and the website includes comments and accounts from people with lived experience of autism.
What is autism?
This 10 minute film was designed to raise awareness and understanding of autism. The film follows 3 autistic individuals as they explore what their autism means to them, including: social communication; patterns and routines; sensory experience; and how to make things better.
This film was co-produced with autistic people and The National Autism Team in Wales, funded by the Welsh government. PSD Scotland would like to thank them for permission to use this resource.
Living with autism
In this 9 minute film 3 individuals share their experiences of living with autism to raise awareness. Increased understanding can improve the lives of autistic adults.
This film was co-produced with autistic people and The National Autism Team in Wales, funded by the Welsh government. PSD Scotland would like to thank them for permission to use this resource.
A film about the signs of autism in children.
This 19 minute film was designed to help frontline professionals identify the signs of autism in children.
The film describes the signs of autism seen in three children at a birthday party. The message of the film is that the same signs can show themselves in different ways. Because of these differences, sometimes the signs can be easy to miss. The signs can also be common in children without autism too so it is important to look for the pattern in which they present.
The film was produced as a partnership project between government, university and clinical partners and was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and the Welsh Government. Its development was based on Cardiff University led research. PSD Scotland would like to thank the National Autism Team in Wales and Cardiff University WARC for permission to use this resource.
Diagnostic assessment - ADOS-2
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) is a naturalistic, observational, standardised assessment that plays a key role in the differential diagnosis of autism. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guideline on autism assessment, diagnosis and intervention ('the SIGN Guideline') states that 'a clinical observation / assessment element is an essential part of the diagnostic pathway'. The ADOS-2 is globally recognised as the ‘gold standard’ instrument for this purpose.
PSD Scotland is pleased to be working with Hogrefe to increase access to ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition) training for staff who assess and diagnose Autism as a part of a multi-disciplinary team.
What does this mean?
- 70 places in quarter 4 of 2026-27
- Additional training planned through to 2030, as required.
- CAMHS Learning Coordinators (CLCs) and Psychological Therapies Training Coordinators (PTTCs) in each Health Board area have been asked, by PSD Scotland, to submit nominations for staff to attend ADOS-2 training in order of service priority to allocate these training places.
Training journey:
Before training
- Complete preparatory learning
- Link up with and observe an experienced ADOS-2 mentor deliver ADOS-2 assessments locally
During training
- Two-day remote course covering Module 1-4.
- The toddler module can be purchased separately as an e-learning module for staff who need this.
After training
- Complete certification requirements (score a module 3 video, return to Hogrefe for reliability evaluation)
- Engage with local ongoing mentoring and support to deliver ADOS-2 assessments
PSD Scotland and Hogrefe suggest that experienced ADOS-2 delivery staff who act as mentors should attend calibration training to ensure their scoring remains accurate and does not drift.
Our aim is simple: to strengthen assessment capacity and improve timely access to neurodevelopmental assessment and support.
What is Autism
What ADOS training involves
Broader issues in the autistic community
What is the ADOS?
What can i do right now for this autistic person?
ADHD learning resources
The following 2 learning modules relating to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are hosted by the University of Nottingham.
We want to be clear that we are aware there are differences in shared care agreements and treatment monitoring between PSD Scotland and NHS England (where these modules were developed), as well as across different health boards in Scotland so please hold this in mind when you are viewing these resources.
Both modules have been endorsed and accredited by the Royal College of General Practitioners and the content is consistent with the guidance provided by NICE in relation to supporting individuals with ADHD.
This resource provides healthcare professionals and members of the public with information about how to assess and recognise ADHD in children and adults.
The focus is on the potential risks of unrecognised and untreated ADHD which is helpful given this condition is often missed or misdiagnosed.
The beginning of the module has somewhat of a deficit focus (especially the ADHD timeline) and is not balanced in terms of the positives about ADHD, for example, creatively high energy and the potential benefits of hyper focus. However, there are good resources at the end with extended videos from the children and adults in the module which highlight their own views of their difficulties, as well as some positives of having ADHD.
Please also see our webinar series for more information about supporting individuals who have ADHD.
Our newsletters contain up to date details about our ADHD assessment training for staff who are involved in the formal diagnosis of ADHD across the lifespan. CAMHS Learning Coordinators (CLCs) and Psychological Therapies Training Coordinators (PTTCs) in each Health Board area have been asked, by PSD Scotland, to submit nominations for staff to attend ADHD assessment training in order of service priority to allocate these training places.
The role of general practitioners in ADHD diagnosis and management
This learning resource provides primary care professionals with information on their role in the diagnosis and management of ADHD within the context of primary care. Although the title suggests this resource is for G.P.s we also think that it will be useful for other professionals who wish to extend their knowledge about ADHD.