Translate

Autism & ADHD

ADHD and/or Autism Assessment Referrals – NHS Right to Choose or Private Providers

Please read the following information carefully. If you wish to proceed with a Right to Choose or private referral, complete all forms in full and return them to the surgery. We will then send the referral directly to your chosen provider at your request.

If you have any queries about the appointment you receive from the provider, please contact them directly.

Information Required

For your GP to refer you, we need further details about your symptoms. We also want to make you aware of the referral pathways, diagnosis rules, and prescription arrangements that may apply:

Referral Pathways

It is not possible for your GP to complete a different referral process for every provider. Most providers require similar information, so your GP has asked that you complete the attached forms (questionnaire and/or ADHD/autism self-assessment). These will be used for a standard referral process.

Diagnosis and Follow-Up

Most Right to Choose providers offer remote or online assessments. If you later wish to transfer to local NHS ADHD/autism services, they may not accept a diagnosis from a Right to Choose provider. The NHS service may require its own assessment before taking over your care, which could delay treatment or follow-up.

Assessments must be carried out by a qualified service approved by Sussex Integrated Care Board for NHS assessments.

Prescriptions and ADHD

We cannot safely prescribe ADHD medication if you are no longer under specialist care.

Right to Choose or private assessments may recommend medication. When choosing a provider, ensure they can prescribe if needed.

ADHD medications are controlled drugs. GPs cannot usually prescribe them unless you are under specialist care. The specialist is responsible for ongoing prescriptions and regular monitoring. They may request a shared care agreement with your GP, but this is not guaranteed. Your GP must be satisfied that proper assessment and follow-up are in place for safety reasons and because local resources for monitoring are limited.

If the provider or private psychiatrist stops operating or loses their NHS contract, your care and prescriptions may end. This is another reason your GP may not agree to prescribe.

Right to Choose Providers

Right to Choose providers are usually private companies with an NHS contract. They can be found on the ADHD UK website. Please follow the link, scroll down to the provider table, and then return to this page to complete the forms.

Complete the ADHD/Autism Referral Information Form and follow the links provided.

Further Information

Self-refer directly to a clinical specialist

Many conditions can be dealt with without the need to see your GP, saving you time!

Sussex ICB - ADHD and autism support and information

Find services, advice and support if you or someone you care for might be autistic or have ADHD.

Visit the Sussex ICB website

National Autistic Society

Founded in 1962, they are the UK’s leading charity for autistic people and their families. Their goal is to help transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.

Autism Independent UK

Autism Independent UK helps to increase awareness of autism to the notice of all, together with well established and newly developed approaches in the diagnosis, assessment, education and treatment.

01536 523 274

Website

Dimensions

They support people with learning disabilities and autism to have a louder voice, choice and control in their lives.

ASD Helping Hands

ASD Helping Hands will support all service users affected by an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) regardless of age or what stage of life they are at. We aim to offer guidance, practical advice and support whether you are personally affected or you are an associated family member, carer, friend or professional. We will actively champion the rights of all people affected by an ASD and aim to make a positive difference to their lives while delivering a service that is accessible, reliable and trust

Amaze Sussex

Amaze Sussex is the charity that coordinates and delivers the ND Family Support Service in Brighton & Hove and East Sussex. Amaze's overarching mission is to guide children, young people, and their families through the complex world of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), helping them to know their rights, feel less alone, and get the support they need.

Website

Reaching Families

Reaching Families is a parent-carer led charity that delivers similar services, including the ND Family Support Navigation Service, to parents and families of children and young people with SEND in West Sussex. Their goal is to empower, inform, and support these families in their daily lives through information, training, and peer support.

Website

Support and Information for Families

This service provides information, guidance, and emotional support to parents and carers of children and young people (0-25) who have, or are seeking a diagnosis for, conditions like ADHD and Autism. They often deliver support through workshops, peer-to-peer sharing rooms, resources, and one-to-one guidance. The primary aim is to empower families to better understand their child's needs, manage behaviours, and navigate the complex pathways of specialist services, sometimes working in partnership with charities like Amaze and Reaching Families.

Website