ADHD/Autism referral pathways
This guide outlines the processes for seeking assessment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through Highfield Surgery.
Assessment Forms
To initiate the assessment process, please complete the relevant forms below and return them to reception.
- ADHD Assessment: Patient Self-Report Form
- Autism (ASD) Assessment: AQ10 Autism Questionnaire
Important Note from Highfield Surgery Regarding Referrals
Highfield Surgery wishes to clarify that we are unable to undertake any tests or prescribe any medication requested by providers under the NHS Right to Choose pathway or any private providers. Our role is to facilitate appropriate referrals based on the pathways outlined below.
Referral Pathways
1. For Children and Young People (Under 18) in Blackpool
GPs cannot directly refer for suspected ADHD or ASD assessments via the traditional NHS pathway. Instead, referrals require input and background information from a professional who knows the child well, such as paediatricians, child and adolescent psychiatrists, SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinators), educational psychologists, clinical psychologists, therapists, school nurses, or CAMHS Practitioners.
- School-Led Referrals: All SENCOs in schools are aware of the referral pathway and the supporting evidence needed. If you wish your child to be referred for an ADHD/Autism assessment, please contact their school directly to initiate this process.
- NHS Right to Choose for Children: As of June 2025, Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) has advised GPs to refer children via the NHS Right to Choose pathway due to a significant increase in referrals. While the surgery can process this referral, please be aware of the Important Note from Highfield Surgery above regarding tests and medication.
2. For Adults (18+) and Private Referrals
If you are an adult seeking an assessment, or are pursuing a private referral for a child, you have two main options:
- Private Referral Pathway (Research Required):
You will need to research various private clinics and services offering ADHD/Autism assessments.
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- Once you have chosen a clinic, book a routine consultation with your GP/ACP to discuss your suspected diagnosis.
- Clinics usually provide a form or questionnaire that needs to be completed. Please ensure you fill out your sections and then email or bring the form to the Practice for the attention of the medical secretaries. They will then pass it to your GP/ACP for completion and referral.
- Please remember the Important Note from Highfield Surgery above regarding tests and medication from private providers.
- NHS Right to Choose Pathway (Adults):
- If you do not wish to research private clinics, we can send a referral directly to local secondary care adult mental health services. However, please be aware there is a very long waiting list for these services.
- The NHS Right to Choose pathway can offer a quicker alternative, as detailed below. Please ensure you read the information below.
Understanding the NHS Right to Choose Pathway
Under the NHS in England, you have a legal right to choose your mental healthcare provider and team. This means you can select an alternative provider if waiting times for an ADHD or ASD assessment are too long. The chosen provider must offer services to the NHS elsewhere in England.
- Benefits: Assessments through Right to Choose can be significantly quicker, ranging from 12 weeks to 12 months, compared to NHS alternatives.
- Patient Responsibility: You (or your family, if a child) must research and select your preferred clinic. Your GP cannot advise on specific clinics.
- Process:
- Have an open conversation with your GP/ACP about your concerns.
- Research and choose a suitable clinic. A list of known providers can be found here.
- Obtain the clinic’s referral form, complete your sections, and submit it to Highfield Surgery’s medical secretaries.
- 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.
Crucial Information: Medication and Shared Care
Many clinics offering diagnosis via Right to Choose are rarely able to offer medication titration (the process of finding the right medication and dosage).
- Diagnosis Only: You may receive a diagnosis, but often a separate local NHS referral will be required for medication management. The wait for such an NHS appointment can be significant.
- Highfield Surgery’s Policy:
- Highfield Surgery does not provide NHS prescriptions under shared care arrangements with private providers.
- Any initial checks required before starting medication (e.g., ECGs) must be arranged by your chosen provider, not the surgery.
- If ongoing medication is needed before you can be seen by an NHS provider, it will be on a private prescription basis from your chosen private provider.
- This policy is due to the Integrated Care Board (ICB) not having a mechanism to oversee governance for prescribing on a private basis, including safety and cost management under shared care relationships.
- Why choose Right to Choose if medication is difficult?
- A diagnosis alone can be beneficial for obtaining support and considerations from schools or employers.
- Some patients may not require medication for their condition.
Further Information and Resources
If you have more questions or wish to conduct further research, please see the following resources:
Information on ADHD:
- ADHD UK: A charity offering free advice and information on ADHD and Right to Choose referrals.
- ADHD Foundation: The UK’s leading neurodiversity charity.
- NHS Website
- Mind: ADHD and mental health
Information on ASD:
- 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.
- NHS Website
- Mind: Autism and mental health
FAQ
What to do if you can’t afford private prescriptions (in the context of a purely private pathway or if your RtC provider does not continue prescribing):
- Discuss with your Private Provider: If you are receiving private prescriptions and find them unaffordable, immediately discuss your situation with your private psychiatrist or clinic. They may have options or advice, although their primary responsibility is private care.
- Contact your GP:
- NHS Pathway Referral: If an SCA is not possible or if your private costs are unsustainable, you may need to ask your GP to refer you to a local NHS ADHD/autism service. This would mean entering the NHS pathway, which could involve long waiting lists for a new assessment and titration under NHS funding, potentially requiring you to cease medication during the wait if you cannot afford private continuation.
