How to Get an Autism or ADHD Diagnosis in Ontario: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you wondering how to get tested for ADHD or autism in Ontario? Whether you’re a parent trying to understand your child’s struggles, a teen looking for answers, or an adult who’s always felt “different,” navigating the diagnostic process can feel overwhelming. The good news is, you’re not alone; there are clear, supportive pathways to getting a formal assessment and diagnosis.

At Stillpoint Psychology, we provide neuroaffirming, evidence-based assessments for ADHD and autism across the lifespan. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting an autism or ADHD diagnosis in Ontario: who can assess, what the process involves, and how it can help you or your child move forward with greater clarity and support.

Why Seek a Diagnosis?

Whether you suspect ADHD, autism, or both (they often co-occur), getting a diagnosis can offer:

• Validation for lifelong experiences

• Access to supports like therapy, academic accommodations, or workplace adjustments

• Self-understanding that can reduce self-blame and strengthen confidence

• Guidance for next steps at home, school, or in daily life

While labels aren’t everything, the insight that comes from a high-quality assessment can be transformative.

Step 1: Know the Signs of ADHD or Autism

Before seeking a diagnosis, it can help to recognize common traits. These vary by age and gender, and often show up differently in girls, women, and gender-diverse individuals.

Common Signs of ADHD:

• Difficulty sustaining attention

• Easily distracted or forgetful

• Trouble starting or completing tasks

• Restlessness or impulsivity

• Feeling disorganized or overwhelmed

• Difficulty regulating emotional reaction

Common Signs of Autism:

• Social communication differences

• Sensory sensitivities (to noise, light, textures, foods)

• Intense interests or rigid routines

• Difficulty with transitions or unpredictability

• Emotional regulation challenges

Autistic individuals may mask their traits, especially if they’ve grown up without support. Many adults realize only later in life that their struggles stem from neurodivergence.

Step 2: Understand Your Options in Ontario

In Ontario, you can pursue a diagnosis for autism or ADHD through either public or private systems. Here’s how they differ:

Public Pathway (OHIP-Covered):

• Diagnoses through hospitals, family health teams, or government-funded mental health programs

• Typically limited to children or youth under 18

• Usually requires a referral from a physician (e.g., family doctor or pediatrician)

• Longer waitlists (6–24+ months is common)

• May offer partial assessments (e.g., for ADHD only, not learning or cognitive profile)

Private Pathway (Fee-for-Service):

• Diagnoses by registered psychologists (no doctor’s referral needed)

• Available for children, teens, and adults

• Shorter or no wait times (often 1–4 weeks)

• Comprehensive assessments including cognitive, learning, attention, adaptive, and socio-emotional factors

• Reports can be used for school accommodations, therapy planning, or workplace support

At Stillpoint Psychology, we offer private autism and ADHD assessments across Ontario, including in-person in Toronto and secure virtual options for remote clients.

Step 3: Choose the Right Clinician

In Ontario, autism and ADHD assessments can be completed by:

• Psychologists (registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario)

• Medical doctors or psychiatrists (typically for ADHD only, but some may also assess/diagnose Autism)

• Pediatricians/Developmental Pediatricians (for children)

Psychologists often provide more in-depth assessments that evaluate cognitive functioning, executive functioning skills, learning style, adaptive functioning, and emotional needs, as well as any co-occurring mental health concerns. These are particularly helpful for:

• Understanding the full picture (especially for twice-exceptional or masked presentations)

• Accessing school supports (e.g., IEPs, accommodations)

• Parents who want to go beyond the diagnostic label and understand their child’s unique strengths and needs

• Adults seeking clarity after years of unanswered questions

Step 4: Start the Assessment Process

At Stillpoint Psychology, we offer neuroaffirmative, respectful, and collaborative assessments. Here's what to expect:

1. Intake Meeting

We start with a detailed conversation to learn about:

• Developmental and school history

• Strengths and challenges

• Daily functioning, sensory needs, attention patterns, and social-emotional wellbeing

• What questions you’re hoping to answer

This session may be with the individual, parents/caregivers, or both, depending on age.

2. Standardized Testing

You or your child will meet with the psychologist for one or two assessment sessions. While these are typically in person in our Toronto office, they may be conducted virtually with clients across Ontario. We use a mix of evidence-based tools, including:

• Cognitive testing

• Behavioural and executive functioning questionnaires

• Autism- or ADHD-specific tools

• Socioemotional and adaptive functioning measures

For younger children, breaks are built in, and the process is playful. For adults, we create space for thoughtful reflection and validation. We often collect information from other sources, such as teachers, spouses, or other loved ones, to help us better understand your or your child’s needs across contexts.

3. Feedback and Report

We’ll hold a feedback session to walk you through the results and answer questions. During this meeting, we will explain the results of the assessment and provide an overview of recommendations that can help you plan forward.

You’ll receive a comprehensive report including:

• Diagnoses (if applicable)

• A clear summary of how you or your child thinks, learns, and functions

• Personalized, practical recommendations

• Guidance for next steps at home, school, or work

Whether or not there is a diagnosis, our assessments will still include valuable insight about you or your child, as well as helpful, practical recommendations to help you find the support you or your child needs.

Step 5: Accessing Supports After a Diagnosis

Receiving a diagnosis is just the beginning; it opens the door to helpful supports.

For Children:

• School accommodations (IEPs, extra time, organization and planning supports)

• Parent support or family therapy

• Occupational therapy, speech/language support, social skills programs

• Eligibility for OAP (Ontario Autism Program) or Special Services at Home (SSAH)

For Teens & Adults:

• Therapy (e.g., CBT, DBT, autism-informed support)

• Academic or workplace accommodations

• Employment search support and guidance

• Coaching for executive functioning

• Community supports for neurodivergent adults

Why Choose Stillpoint Psychology?

We believe in affirming, respectful, and individualized care for every client. We bring expertise in:

• Neurodiversity-affirming autism and ADHD assessments

• Child, adolescent, and adult evaluations

• Complex or “masked” presentations (e.g., girls, women, gifted or twice-exceptional individuals)

• Services in English and Spanish

• In-person assessments in Toronto and virtual options across Ontario

Our goal is to help you understand your rights, advocate for your needs, and feel empowered, not to pathologize neurodivergence. We see assessment not as a label, but as a tool for understanding, support, and growth.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you’re a parent seeking clarity for your child, a teen struggling socially or in school, or an adult looking for answers, our team is here to help. Contact us to book a free 15-minute consultation and learn more about our autism and ADHD assessments.