Autism & ADHD

You will need to book an appointment to further discuss a referral.

Please note we recommend using the NHS pathway, as this is the only service that we have a shared care agreement with. 

Learn more about the Adult ADHD, Autism and Tourette’s Service

If you would still like to discuss the 'right to choose' option, please look on the ADHD UK website for an up to date list of right to choose providers, and select one you would like to be referred to prior to your appointment with us. You may want to consider the accepted age range, waiting list time, location and whether they offer online assessments. It is also important you choose one that offers ongoing annual follow up if you want to consider medication.

One you have chosen your provider please look at their website and complete any forms or questionnaires they require for a referral and bring to the appointment.

If you are uncertain about any of this please do not worry, it can be discussed further in the appointment.

Please note we recommend using the NHS pathway, as this is the only service that we have a shared care agreement with. This referral should be made by your child's school, and does not need GP involvement, unless you have other concerns.

Learn more about Children and Young People ADHD & Asperger’s Service

If you would still like to discuss the 'right to choose' option, you will need to book an appointment to further discuss. Please look on the ADHD UK website for an up to date list of right to choose providers, and select one you would like your child to be referred to prior to your appointment with us. You may want to consider the accepted age range, waiting list time, location and whether they offer online assessments. It is also important you choose one that offers ongoing annual follow up if you want to consider medication. Please also note they will require reports from your child's school.

One you have chosen your provider please look at their website and complete any forms or questionnaires they require for a referral and bring to the appointment.
If you are uncertain about any of this please do not worry, it can be discussed further in the appointment.

• Support is based on needs, not diagnosis.
• You don’t need a diagnosis for help at school, social care, or benefits.
• You do need a diagnosis to be prescribed ADHD medication

• Demand for assessments has surged.
• NHS services are expanding, but waits can be between 1–13 years nationally.
• 500 Extra assessments are being added in Northamptonshire for 2025/26.

• Local services include: Enfold, CHAT Health, Shout, TRACK, SENDIASS, Recovery College, and many peer support groups.

1. NHS Referral: Via GP; includes holistic assessment and prescribing.
2. Right to Choose (RtC): Choose an NHS-approved provider; discuss with your GP the referral pathway.
   • Not all RtC providers offer prescribing, GPs may not prescribe unless a formal Shared Care Agreement is in place.
   • Right to choose is for one provider only per patient unless prescribing is referred to local services.
3. Private Assessment: Self-funded (£500–£3,500+).
   • May not be accepted by NHS.
   • Prescribing is usually private unless reassessed by NHS

• NHS local services starts treatment, then GPs may continue under Shared Care.
• GPs won’t prescribe based on private diagnosis unless safety protocols are met.
• RtC providers may prescribe if they hold NHS contracts.

• You can move from private to NHS care, but may need reassessment.
• NHS won’t reimburse private costs.
• You can’t be on both NHS and RtC waiting lists at once.