Parent experiences of their children's diagnosis with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or both conditions.

A comparison of parents' experiences of getting a diagnosis for their child with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and both diagnoses can inform our understanding of common and unique themes across these neurodevelopmental conditions. A quantitative and qualitative online anonymous survey of 288 New Zealand parents of children diagnosed with autism ( = 111), ADHD ( = 93), or both conditions ( = 84) was conducted. Open-ended questions were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Parents described an adversarial diagnosis and support system where seemingly arbitrary criteria and thresholds were applied. Key themes specific to the different diagnostic groups were also identified. Common themes of parents' experience across the different neurodevelopmental conditions highlight the need for changes to the diagnostic process.