ADHD and autism support in Hong Kong: services by age

Early childhood: assessment and support at kindergarten

If parents or teachers notice difficulties with development, language, attention or communication, they can discuss them with a Maternal and Child Health Centre or family doctor. The Department of Health’s Child Assessment Service (CAS) serves children under 12 with developmental needs and accepts referrals from registered medical practitioners and clinical or educational psychologists.^[1]

On-site Pre-school Rehabilitation Services bring training and support to participating kindergartens. The audience includes children under 6 assessed as having mild disabilities or suspected special needs, with support for parents and teachers too. Its role differs from CAS assessment. A teacher or preschool social worker can explain what is provided at the child’s kindergarten.^[2]

Primary and secondary school: discuss classroom needs

In public-sector ordinary primary and secondary schools, the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) leads the student support team and coordinates support.^[3][4] Bring a specific example: which classroom instructions are difficult to follow, where homework stalls, or what happens during breaks.

You can discuss teaching instructions, homework arrangements, communication and extra support with the school. The conversation can clarify existing measures and follow-up without requiring a complete account of every problem at the first meeting. The Education Bureau’s SENCO page explains the role.

University: check your own institution’s support

Group assignments, organising your own time and living in a hall may create new support needs. Look for your institution’s SEN or inclusion unit. For example, HKU CEDARS SEN Support lists learning, peer and specialist support.^[5] This is one university example; check your own institution’s official information.

Adolescents and adults: separate the different purposes

Assessment or medical questions

If you want to discuss formal assessment, diagnosis or medical care, start with a doctor and ask about the relevant referral. New appointments at Hospital Authority public specialist clinics require a referral from a local registered doctor. See the Hospital Authority’s specialist outpatient information.^[8]

Autism-related community support

The Social Welfare Department’s Support Centres for Persons with Autism provide individual and family support. The official audience includes autistic young people aged 15 or above described as “high-functioning”, and their parents or carers. It is not a general assessment route for every adult.^[6]

Emotional and mental-health needs

Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness (ICCMWs) offer counselling and community support. Listed groups include people aged 15 or above with or suspected of having mental-health problems, and secondary students with mental-health needs.^[7] This serves a different purpose from an ADHD or autism diagnosis.

If self-criticism, work adjustment, relationships or emotions are the immediate concern, you can also explore neurodivergent-affirming psychological support. A conversation can begin with the practical difficulty. The guide to a neurodivergent-affirming psychologist explains this approach.

Three practical steps

You may also be interested in

• What is a neurodivergent-affirming psychologist?：How communication, sensory and everyday needs can be understood in sessions.
• When autism and ADHD coexist：An explanation of the term AuDHD.
• Neurodiversity and everyday support：Everyday comparisons for understanding differences and environmental fit.