About Us
Who We Are
We are a neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ led multi-disciplinary practice founded by Professor Davida Hartman in 2020, dedicated exclusively to adult autism and ADHD assessment. As Clinical Director, Professor Hartman brings over 25 years of experience in this field. On opening, we were the first practice anywhere in the world focussing solely on adult autism assessment, and were also the first practice in the world to undertake autism and ADHD assessments for any age group using a neurodiversity affirmative approach. Our team includes Psychologists, a Consultant Psychiatrist, Occupational Therapist, Speech & Language Therapist, and support staff, many of whom are Autistic, AuDHD, ADHD, or otherwise neurodivergent themselves.
All psychologists working in our practice are either registered with the HCPC if UK based, or are Chartered Psychologists with Psychological Society of Ireland if Ireland based.
Our Approach
The Adult Autism & ADHD Practice was the first in the world to offer adult autism assessments, and the first to offer neurodiversity-affirmative autism and ADHD assessments. We remain the leader in this approach today. The practice does not view being Autistic or ADHD as “disorders” to “diagnose.” Instead, we recognize them as meaningful parts of a person’s identity. Through collaborative assessment, we celebrate each person's unique strengths while fully understanding their support needs and the genuine complexities of living as a neurodivergent adult in a world built on neurotypical expectations and norms.
The Adult Autism & ADHD Practice is recognized globally as a pioneer and thought leader in both adult autism assessments, and in undertaking them through a neurodiversity-affirmative paradigm. Core team members authored the groundbreaking The Adult Autism Assessment Handbook - the first book ever written on adult autism assessment, which is now considered the definitive worldwide resource in this area.
The practice's leadership extends internationally through lectures, articles, and conference presentations. At the recent Autism Europe Conference, team members presented on neurodiversity-affirmative autism assessments across the lifespan. The practice also regularly consults to government agencies and charities worldwide and is widely recognized as the leading authority in neurodiversity-affirmative practice and adult autism assessment.
Providing high-quality training to a range of healthcare professionals across the UK, Ireland and worldwide is also central to the practice's work.
Our Expertise & Impact
Our Community & Values
The Adult Autism & ADHD Practice is deeply rooted in the lived neurodivergent experience and community. The vast majority of our core team members are Autistic, ADHD, AuDHD or otherwise neurodivergent, with many also identifying as LGBTQ+. This combination of professional expertise and lived experience shapes every aspect of the practice's work.
The practice's mission includes actively employing Autistic, ADHD, AuDHD and otherwise neurodivergent professionals. The communities we serve are at the core of everything the practice does. The team celebrates Autistic, AuDHD, and ADHD lived experiences; works closely with Autistic and ADHD-led advocacy groups, is LGBTQ+ affirmative, and has extensive experience supporting gender-diverse Autistic, AuDHD, and ADHD adults.
Professor Hartman, who was identified as ADHD in 2022, is also the founding board member of Gig Buddies Dublin (a volunteer non-profit supporting adults to attend community events and develop meaningful friendships). The practice is also currently its sole benefactor.
Our Reach
The practice serves clients across the UK, Ireland and beyond, with Principal Clinical Psychologists Dr Anna Day (UK-based) and Dr Maeve Kavanagh (Ireland-based) core to the clinical work we undertake. Supporting UK clients is a core part of the practice's work, and the team is fully aware of UK requirements for example with regard to accessing benefits or workplace requirements. Our documentation is fully accepted by the NHS.
Why Choose Us?
For adult autism and ADHD assessment, The Adult Autism & ADHD Practice isn't just a leading choice - it's THE choice. This is the practice that pioneered collaborative, respectful and appropriate adult autism assessment, neurodiversity-affirmative assessment, wrote the definitive handbooks, and continues to set the global standard. As the originators of the collaborative approach to adult assessment, the practice offers unmatched expertise that no other provider can replicate.
The combination is unparalleled: thought leaders who defined the field, a multi-disciplinary team of clinicians with decades of specialized experience, professionals with lived neurodivergent experience, and a team wholly committed to celebrating who you are. You deserve to be understood, celebrated, and supported by those who not only set the standard but continue to grow and develop it. If you're seeking clarity about your Autistic, ADHD, or AuDHD lived experience, this is exactly where you should be.