Differential Pattern Reference Grid for Clinical Reasoning

Free resource for clinicians

This differential reference grid supports clinicians in thinking more clearly about patterns that are commonly collapsed or misidentified when working with ADHD, autism, OCD, and giftedness. It is designed to highlight underlying mechanisms rather than labels, focusing on what drives behavior, distress, and variability across contexts.

The grid contrasts patterns across domains such as attention, inflexibility, response to interruption, sensory experience, motivation, executive functioning, and restoration. Its purpose is not to determine diagnosis, but to slow premature conclusions and support more precise hypothesis generation when presentations overlap.

This resource is not a diagnostic or screening tool and should not be used in isolation. Traits are illustrative patterns, not criteria, and must be interpreted in developmental, contextual, and functional context.

Offered freely as part of MindfulU Institute’s commitment to assessment literacy. Best paired with training in differential diagnosis and clinician calibration tools such as the MindfulU Systematic Observation Map (MU-SOM).

Available for immediately download. Recommend: Save for immediate, permanent use and access.