Adult ADHD or autism in Hong Kong: assessment and support

Public medical care: discuss needs and referral with a doctor

For ADHD or autism assessment, medication questions, or noticeable changes in sleep, mood or physical health, explain the concern to a family doctor or general practitioner. New appointments at Hong Kong Hospital Authority public specialist clinics require a referral from a local registered doctor. This public-sector route is not a rule for every private psychological service.^[1]

Describe the impact, such as repeatedly missing work steps, finding interactions demanding, or recognising a similar pattern from school. Check the Hospital Authority’s official outpatient information rather than trying to master the whole system before a first conversation.

Private adult assessment: ask which question it will answer

Ask: “Does this service assess ADHD, autism or both? What relevant training does the assessor have? How will developmental history and current life be explored? What does the report cover?” If a report is intended for a university or another institution, first check that institution’s documentation requirements.

Assessment considers development, impact across settings and other health needs rather than rating-scale scores alone.^[3][5] Adult autism assessment may also use early-life information, informants and school records.^[4] If records are unavailable, ask what else could help. The article on preparing without childhood records can help organise those questions.

Psychological and community support: start with the current difficulty

Hong Kong’s Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness (ICCMWs) provide counselling, support groups and other local mental-health services. They are a community option for adults with or suspected of having mental-health needs, rather than a general ADHD or autism diagnostic service.^[2]

You can also enquire with a private psychological service about self-criticism, work stress, rest or communication. Neurodivergent-affirming support considers individual communication, sensory and everyday needs; the approach guide explains what sessions can cover. Bandai offers telehealth in Australia and Hong Kong, in English, Cantonese or Mandarin.

Bring one clear purpose to a first enquiry

For example: “I live in Hong Kong and want to explore an adult assessment to understand long-standing work difficulties.” Or: “My immediate concern is exhaustion after social situations, and I would like psychological support.”

Bring two or three events, when they happen, their effects and what you have tried. This article addresses Hong Kong starting points. Existing Australian adult-assessment articles explain that system’s arrangements; the two serve different purposes.

Three practical steps

You may also be interested in

• Preparing without childhood records：Ways to organise developmental and current-life information.
• Describing masking in an assessment：How to explain preparation and effort that may not be visible.
• A neurodivergent-affirming psychologist：The approach to support and questions you can ask.