ADHD and ASC

• Gather teacher/parent reports
• Complete assessment questionnaires
• Determine need for referral

• SENCO Approves Referral → Proceed to local neurodiversity service OR Right to Choose (RTC) provider
• SENCO Declines Referral → Parents may consult GP for further discussion

• GPs do not initiate ADHD/ASC referrals directly but can process Right to Choose referrals if parents request one and have supporting evidence from the SENCO.

• ADHD diagnosis confirmed or ruled out
• Provider may offer support strategies or recommend medication

• If medication is required, the Right to Choose provider should initiate and titrate
• GP may accept shared care for stable patients (not mandatory)
• If no shared care, medication remains with initiating provider

• If shared care agreed → GP provides ongoing prescriptions and monitoring
• If no shared care → Provider remains responsible for medication & follow-up

Approach your child’s SENCO and request a school assessment to determine need for a referral.

• Some private clinics accept NHS Right to Choose referrals.
• Popular choices include Psychiatry-UK, Clinical Partners, ADHD 360, and The ADHD Centre. There are many more however. 
• Visit the ADHD UK Right to Choose information page
• Use online forums (e.g., Facebook groups, Reddit) or NHS-related websites to check updated lists.

• Look at Google Reviews, Trustpilot, or ADHD/ASC parent support groups.
• Ask about wait times and experiences from other parents.

• Some providers have months-long waiting lists, while others might be quicker.
• Contact providers directly to ask about current waiting times.

• Some providers do online assessments, while others do in-person.
• Confirm they follow NICE guidelines and offer a full diagnosis (not just screening).

• Ask about medication titration (if needed), therapy options, and ongoing care.
• Some providers only offer the diagnosis, leaving medication management to the NHS, which may delay treatment.

• Once you choose a provider, ask your GP to refer your child to that specific clinic under Right to Choose. The GP is not obliged to fill a lengthy referral form, but they should be happy to provide a short written referral. 
• Bring along the school SENCO Assessment – the GP will need to have this to ensure a clinically appropriate referral, and to include with their referral.