ADHD & Autism (ASD) Assessment Information
Guidance for Adults, Children & Young People
Overview
This page explains how referrals for ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) work in our area. Pathways differ for adults and children, and you also have the option to use NHS Right to Choose (RTC) for specialist assessments.
ADULTS (18+)
If You Are Concerned About ADHD or ASD
If you believe you may have ADHD or ASD, please contact us using the online consultation system on our website.
In your request, please include:
- The concerns or symptoms you are experiencing
- How these symptoms affect daily life
- Whether you already have a preferred Right to Choose provider
Your submission will be reviewed by our clinical triage and forwarded to our dedicated admin team, who will:
- Send you screening questionnaires
- Ask which provider you wish to be referred to
- Forward your completed forms to the clinical team
- Arrange for your referral to be processed
Local NHS Pathway – Adults
The local NHS adult ADHD/ASD pathway is currently closed to new referrals.
This is a changing situation, and services may reopen as time passes, but currently:
- We cannot refer adults into a local NHS adult neurodevelopmental service
- Waiting times and future availability are unknown
During this period, adults typically access assessment through:
- NHS Right to Choose providers, or
- Private assessments (self-funded)
Right to Choose assessments are free under the NHS.
Right to Choose (RTC) for Adults
Adults can request referral to an NHS-contracted provider for ADHD and/or ASD assessment, as long as the provider:
- Is CQC-registered
- Holds an NHS Standard Contract
- Accepts adult patients
Please include your chosen provider in your online consultation request.
Medication & Shared Care (Adults)
Some RTC providers diagnose ADHD but do not offer medication titration.
Our practice can only take over prescribing if:
- You are stable on a dose
- The provider offers a shared-care agreement that meets local standards
- Ongoing specialist monitoring is in place
- Medication complies with NHS guidance
If the criteria are not met, prescribing must remain with the RTC provider.
CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE (UNDER 18)
If You Are Concerned About Your Child
Please:
- Discuss your concerns with your child’s school or nursery, and
- Submit an online consultation through our website outlining your concerns
Our admin team will:
- Send you the required questionnaires
- Request school reports/SEN information
- Ask whether you prefer the local NHS pathway or Right to Choose
- Arrange for the referral to be processed
Local NHS Children’s Pathway – Community Paediatrics
In our area, Community Paediatrics provide ADHD and ASD assessment for children.
Referral rule:
Community Paediatrics usually only accept referrals from schools/educational settings, not from GPs.
Schools must provide:
- Behavioural observations
- SEN reports
- Rating scales
- Evidence of difficulties across settings
Community Paediatrics also provide ADHD medication titration and follow-up.
Right to Choose (RTC) for Children
Families may request RTC referral if the provider accepts under-18s.
Many providers assess adults only, so please check this carefully.
Schools still need to supply supporting information.
Medication & Shared Care for Under-18s
The practice does NOT enter shared-care agreements for ADHD medication started by Right to Choose providers for children under 18.
This means we cannot:
- Prescribe medication initiated by RTC providers
- Provide physical monitoring or titration
- Adjust doses or manage side effects
- Continue medication after discharge
If RTC is chosen:
- All prescribing and monitoring must remain with the provider
- Local services may not adopt the external diagnosis
- A new school-led referral to Community Paediatrics may still be needed
When RTC Cannot Be Used (Children)
RTC is not available if:
- Urgent support is needed
- The child is already under Community Paediatrics
- The provider does not assess children
- The child is in a secure or inpatient setting
Useful Resources
ADHD
Autism (ASD)