ADHD/Autism referral pathways

This guide explains how patients can seek assessment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through Highfield Surgery.

For the latest update from Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), please see: LSC Integrated Care Board :: Adult ADHD position statement

Assessment Forms

To start the assessment process, please complete the relevant form and return it to reception.

Adult ADHD Assessment: Patient Self-Report Form

Adult Autism (ASD) Assessment: Adult Autism questionnaire (AQ-10)

Important Information About Referrals

Highfield Surgery can support appropriate referrals through the pathways explained below. However, we are unable to carry out blood tests or prescribe medication requested by providers under the NHS Right to Choose pathway or by private providers.

From 2 June 2026, ADHD services in Blackpool are not accepting patient referrals. Patients will need to use a Right to Choose provider.

Referral Pathways

Children and Young People Under 18 in Blackpool

GPs cannot refer children directly for suspected ADHD or ASD assessments through the traditional NHS pathway. Referrals need supporting information from a professional who knows the child well, such as a SENCO, school nurse, educational psychologist, paediatrician, CAMHS practitioner, therapist, clinical psychologist, or child and adolescent psychiatrist.

School-led referrals: SENCOs are aware of the referral pathway and the evidence required. If you would like your child to be referred for an ADHD or Autism assessment, please contact their school directly to start the process.
NHS Right to Choose for children: As of June 2025, Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB has advised GPs to refer children through the NHS Right to Choose pathway due to a significant increase in referrals. Parents or guardians must choose the provider first. Please also read the important information above about tests and medication.

Adults 18+ and Private Referrals

If you are an adult seeking an assessment, or you are arranging a private referral for a child, there are two main options.

Private referral pathway: You will need to research private clinics or services that offer ADHD or Autism assessments.
- Once you have chosen a clinic, book a routine consultation with your GP to discuss your concerns and suspected diagnosis.
- Most clinics provide a form or questionnaire. Please complete your sections and then email or bring the form to the Practice for the attention of the medical secretaries. They will pass it to your GP for completion and referral.
- Please read the important information above about tests and medication from private providers.
NHS Right to Choose pathway for adults:
- If you do not wish to use Right to Choose, we can refer you to local secondary care adult mental health services. Please be aware that waiting times for these services are currently very long.
- The NHS Right to Choose pathway may offer a quicker alternative. Please read the information below before choosing this option.

Understanding the NHS Right to Choose Pathway

In England, patients have a legal right to choose their mental healthcare provider and team. This may allow you to choose an alternative provider if NHS waiting times for an ADHD or ASD assessment are too long. The provider you choose must offer services to the NHS elsewhere in England.

Benefits: Right to Choose assessments can be significantly quicker than local NHS alternatives, with waiting times often ranging from 12 weeks to 12 months.
Patient responsibility: You, or your family if the referral is for a child, must research and choose your preferred clinic. Your GP cannot recommend a specific clinic.
Process:
1. Speak to your GP about your concerns.
2. Research and choose a suitable clinic. A list of known providers can be found here.
3. Get the clinic’s referral form, complete your sections, and submit it to Highfield Surgery’s medical secretaries.
4. Your GP will then process the referral.

Eligibility restrictions: Right to Choose cannot be used if:

- You need urgent/emergency treatment for the condition.

- You are already receiving care for the condition you are seeking assessment for.

- The chosen organisation does not provide appropriate care for your condition.

- You are a prisoner, on temporary release, detained in prescribed accommodation, in a secure hospital, or detained under the Mental Health Act.

- You are a serving member of the armed forces.

Medication and Shared Care

Many clinics that provide a diagnosis through Right to Choose are not able to offer medication titration, which is the process of finding the right medication and dose.

Diagnosis only: You may receive a diagnosis, but a separate local NHS referral may still be needed for medication management. Waiting times for this can be significant.
Highfield Surgery’s policy:
- Highfield Surgery does not provide NHS prescriptions under shared care arrangements with private or right to choose providers.
- Any checks needed before starting medication, such as blood tests, height, weight, or blood pressure, must be arranged by your chosen provider rather than the surgery.
- If medication is needed before you can be seen by an NHS provider, this must be arranged through your chosen Right to Choose provider. This is because the ICB does not currently have a mechanism to oversee governance for private prescribing, including safety, cost management, and shared care arrangements.

Why choose Right to Choose if medication may be difficult?
- A diagnosis can help patients access support and reasonable adjustments from schools, colleges, universities, or employers.
- Some patients may not require medication for their condition.