ADHD and Autism referral pathways
ADHD and Autism Assessments
If you think you or your child may have ADHD or autism, this page explains how to request an assessment and what your options are.
Please choose the section that applies to you:
🧒 Child (under 18 years)
👩 Adult (18 years and over)
Children (Under 18)
I think my child may have ADHD or autism
If your child attends school, please speak to their school SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) first.
Schools play an important role in the assessment process and will usually provide information that supports any referral.
Other professionals who may also contribute include:
- School Nurse
- Educational Psychologist
- Paediatrician
- CAMHS
- Speech and Language Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Clinical Psychologist
- Child Psychiatrist
Your GP may ask for information from these professionals before a referral can be made.
NHS Right to Choose (Children)
Parents and guardians may also be able to choose an NHS-funded assessment provider through NHS Right to Choose.
If you wish to use this option, you will need to:
- Research available providers.
- Choose the provider you would like.
- Complete any paperwork required by that provider.
- Send the paperwork to Highfield Surgery.
Please note: Our clinicians cannot recommend one Right to Choose provider over another.
Adults (18 years and over)
I think I may have ADHD
Please complete our Adult ADHD questionnaire before requesting a referral.
ADHD Assessment – Patient Self-Report form
Return the completed form to the surgery.
I think I may be autistic
Please complete our Adult Autism AQ-10 questionnaire.
Return the completed form to the surgery.
NHS Right to Choose
Many adults choose to be referred through NHS Right to Choose.
This allows eligible patients in England to choose an NHS provider outside the local area.
To request a referral:
- Research available providers.
- Choose the provider you would like.
- Download their referral form.
- Complete the sections for the patient.
- Send the paperwork to Highfield Surgery.
- Your GP will review your request and complete the referral where appropriate.
⚠️ Please read this if you want ADHD medication
Many people request an ADHD assessment because they hope medication may help them.
It is important to understand that not every provider offers medication after diagnosis.
Some providers offer:
✅ Assessment only
Others offer:
- Assessment
- Diagnosis
- Medication
- Medication titration
- Follow-up care
Before choosing a provider, please check exactly what they offer.
Highfield Surgery’s prescribing policy
Highfield Surgery does not enter into shared care prescribing arrangements for ADHD medication with private or NHS Right to Choose providers.
This means that if you are diagnosed elsewhere, the surgery will not take over prescribing ADHD medication.
If medication is important to you, we strongly recommend choosing a provider that manages both assessment and treatment.
Blood tests and health checks
Some providers ask patients to arrange:
- Blood tests
- Blood pressure
- Pulse
- Height
- Weight
These tests form part of that provider’s assessment or treatment pathway.
Highfield Surgery does not carry out investigations requested by private or Right to Choose ADHD providers as part of their service.
Please check what your chosen provider offers before requesting a referral.
Private assessments
You may choose to pay privately for an ADHD or autism assessment.
If you do:
- Choose your own provider.
- Check what they include.
- Complete any paperwork they require.
- Send any GP forms to our Medical Secretaries if needed.
Please remember that paying privately for an assessment does not mean the surgery will prescribe any medication they recommend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NHS Right to Choose?
Right to Choose allows eligible patients in England to choose which NHS provider they are referred to for certain services.
Can Highfield Surgery recommend a provider?
No.
The choice of provider must be made by the patient or parent.
Will I definitely receive medication if I’m diagnosed with ADHD?
No.
Medication depends on the provider you choose and whether they offer prescribing and titration.
Can Highfield Surgery prescribe medication recommended by a private clinic?
No.
The surgery does not enter into shared care prescribing arrangements with private or Right to choose ADHD providers.
I’ve already been referred. Who do I contact?
Once your referral has been accepted, the provider manages your waiting list.
Please contact the provider directly for updates.
For the latest update from Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), please see: LSC Integrated Care Board :: Adult ADHD position statement
Quick Summary
Children
✔ Speak to your child’s school SENCO first.
Adults
✔ Complete the appropriate questionnaire.
✔ Choose a Right to Choose provider if you wish.
✔ Send the completed referral paperwork to Highfield Surgery.
Before choosing an ADHD provider
✔ Check whether they provide medication and titration.
✔ Do not assume your GP surgery will prescribe ADHD medication after diagnosis.
🧒 Child? → Speak to your school SENCO first.
👩 Adult? → Complete the questionnaire first.
💊 Want ADHD medication? → Read the medication section before choosing a provider.
ADHD resources
- ADHD UK: A charity offering free advice and information on ADHD and Right to Choose referrals.
- ADHD Foundation: The UK’s leading neurodiversity charity.
Autism resources
- National Autistic Society: Offers support and advice for autistic people in the UK and their families.
- Autism Speaks: Dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism.
