ADHD testing is already moving from a subjective-centric process to a multi-modal assessment that combines subjective and objective measures. Advancements in technology will further promote improvements in data processing and analysis. 

Data-driven ADHD testing will become mainstream 

Combining subjective and objective measures can lead to an 89.5% accuracy in adult ADHD diagnosis and 86.7% for children. Patient expectations for quality care will continue to drive more widespread integration of digital ADHD testing.

Tech-enabled care and the rise of the digital ADHD clinic

Companies are already developing mobile-based ADHD tests, and the rollout of these in the near future will revolutionize ADHD testing and care. We see a shift towards technology and AI to streamline clinician processes. AI-powered note-taking and data analysis, appointment scheduling, and calendar management will ultimately lead to more efficient digital-first ADHD clinics. 

Our thinking around ADHD has already changed considerably. We now recognize ADHD as a condition affecting people of all ages and with differing symptom presentations. This means the future of ADHD care is tailored to individual needs. 

ADHD pathways that work for all patients 

ADHD rarely exists in isolation, and comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, and ASD are common. In 2026, care pathways will become increasingly adapted to the individual, recognizing each patient’s unique circumstances and needs. At a policy level, this means making changes to guidance like the DSM-5 to capture adult and female ADHD presentations better. It also means adapting ADHD testing, e.g., by using objective technology to distinguish ADHD symptoms from comorbid conditions. 

More person-centered ADHD care outcomes 

Reducing symptoms is important and a useful measure of medication effect. However, the success and quality of ADHD care will be increasingly measured in the improvements to quality of life and functioning for patients. Patient-centered goals will measure the effectiveness of ADHD care in improvements to quality-of-life metrics: e.g., better school or work performance, participating in an active social life with increased ease, improved self-regulation, higher daily happiness, and other day-to-day benefits 

The ADHD clinic of tomorrow will deliver care in a multidisciplinary model, where primary care, specialists, schools, and the community work together to develop a more connected pathway.

Shared care models become the standard in ADHD care 

There are benefits to shared care approaches for individuals with ADHD. Specialists can focus on complex cases when ADHD is part of a primary care setting. Multi-disciplinary teams improve flexibility, reduce waitlists, and establish continuity of care. This is key during the transition between child to adult services. 

Digital information-sharing platforms facilitate collaboration 

Shared digital portals will become widespread, allowing information such as rating scales from parents, teachers, and pediatricians to be centrally collected, analyzed, and results shared amongst multi-disciplinary ADHD teams. 

Growing demand for ADHD services across all regions means more accessible care is needed, even in remote and rural locations. Hybrid and virtual clinic models offer remote ADHD testing and support, creating business models of service delivery that are more efficient, scalable, and accessible to patients. 

The growth of the virtual-first ADHD pathway 

Instead of telehealth and remote ADHD services used as a bolt-on, we predict more digital-first clinic offerings. Clinicians already use objective testing at the diagnosis stage. Still, digital ADHD tools also help with virtual titration, using retests to check for medication effect and fine-tuning dosage. Offering remote digital services across the pathway can help hybrid ADHD clinics to reduce wait times and see more patients. 

More equitable ADHD care – everywhere 

Remote testing and care for ADHD patients reduces health inequalities and improves access to patients, even in rural geographies. The continued rollout of digital services will mean all patients, regardless of where they live, will be able to access quality ADHD care. 

Social media has fuelled an increased awareness of ADHD, started global conversations, and elevated the condition in the public consciousness. The challenge now (and it has already started) is to turn awareness into advocacy, policy changes, action, and wider acceptance of neurodiversity.

Reduced ADHD stigma and increased community recognition 

More organizations are recognizing ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions, and considering how neurodivergent people can access services. Policy changes are beginning to happen, and this will only become more widespread as awareness progresses to acceptance. 

Growth of workplace and educational accommodations 

As advocacy work gains ground, more employers, educators, and public service providers will offer accommodations for people with ADHD to help them participate and thrive.