ADHD and Autism Assessment Referral

Adult ADHD Assessments

If you think you may have ADHD and would like to be assessed, your GP can discuss a referral with you. As demand for ADHD assessments continues to increase, we ask that patients complete some preparation before booking an appointment. This helps ensure we have all the information needed to process your referral as quickly as possible.

NHS Right to Choose

Under the NHS Right to Choose scheme, you are able to choose an NHS-approved provider for your ADHD assessment rather than your local NHS service. Many providers have different waiting times, so we encourage you to research your options before requesting a referral.

It is your responsibility to:

  • Choose your preferred Right to Choose provider.
  • Check that they are accepting referrals.
  • Complete any patient sections of the provider's referral paperwork.
  • Complete any screening questionnaires requested by the practice.

Please note that the practice is unable to recommend a specific provider.

Before Booking Your GP Appointment

Please ensure you have:

  • Completed the ADHD screening questionnaire ADHD questionnaire
  • Written a brief summary of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life.
  • Chosen your preferred NHS Right to Choose provider (if applicable).
  • Completed any patient sections of the provider's referral forms.

If this information has not been received before your appointment, we may need to rearrange your appointment until the paperwork is complete.

Please see 'useful links' section at the bottom of this page.

Private ADHD Assessments

If you choose to have a private ADHD assessment, you will need to arrange this directly with a provider of your choice and will be responsible for the costs of the assessment and any follow-up care.

Please be aware that not all private ADHD assessments are recognised by NHS services. If you later wish to transfer your care to the NHS, you may be asked to undergo a further NHS assessment before ongoing treatment or prescribing can be considered.

Adult Autism Assessments

If you think you may be autistic and would like an assessment, your GP can discuss a referral with you. As demand for autism assessments continues to increase, we ask that patients complete some preparation before booking an appointment. This helps ensure we have all the information needed to process your referral as efficiently as possible.

NHS Right to Choose

Under the NHS Right to Choose scheme, you are able to choose an NHS-approved provider for your assessment rather than your local NHS service.

Before requesting a referral, please:

  • Research the available providers.
  • Choose your preferred provider.
  • Check that they are accepting referrals.
  • Complete the AQ-10 Autism Spectrum Quotient questionnaire.
  • Complete any patient sections of the provider's referral paperwork.

Please note that the practice is unable to recommend a specific provider.

Before Booking Your GP Appointment

Please ensure you have:

  • Completed the AQ-10 Autism Spectrum Quotient questionnaire.
  • Chosen your preferred assessment provider.
  • Completed any patient sections of the referral paperwork required by your chosen provider.
  • Written a brief summary explaining why you feel an autism assessment would be helpful.

Once your completed questionnaire and provider choice have been received, they will be reviewed by a clinician. In some cases, you may be asked to attend an appointment to gather further information before a referral is submitted.

If the required paperwork has not been completed before your appointment, we may need to rearrange your appointment until everything has been received.

Please see 'useful links' section at the bottom of this page.

Private Autism Assessments

You may choose to arrange a private autism assessment with a provider of your choice. The practice can provide a referral letter if required by the provider or your health insurance.

Please note:

  • Private assessments are self-funded.
  • You will be responsible for the cost of the assessment and any follow-up appointments.
  • Some private autism assessment reports are not recognised by NHS services. If you later wish to transfer your care to the NHS, you may be asked to undergo a further NHS assessment before NHS services can take over your care.

Children & Young People – ADHD and Autism Assessments

In Leeds, children and young people can be referred for assessment of neurodevelopmental (ND) conditions, including ADHD and Autism.

  • Autism assessments are available from the preschool years onwards.
  • ADHD assessments are available for children aged 6 years and over.

NHS Referral Pathway

Children can be referred to the Leeds Neurodevelopmental Assessment Team by their GP or, in many cases, directly by their school. Before requesting a GP referral, we recommend discussing your concerns with your child's school.

Before Booking a GP Appointment

To help us process your child's referral, please provide the following:

ADHD

  • Evidence that your child's school has completed an assessment of their needs.
  • Information about any support already in place (for example, involvement from the SENCO or Cluster Team).
  • A report or supporting letter from the school.
  • A completed SNAP-IV Parent Questionnaire (available from the practice or via the link below).
  • A letter from the parent or carer outlining your concerns and how ADHD symptoms affect your child.

Autism

  • Evidence that your child's school has completed an assessment of their needs.
  • A report or supporting letter from the school.
  • A completed age-appropriate Autism Quotient (AQ-10) questionnaire (Child or Adolescent version).
  • A letter from the parent or carer outlining your concerns and the difficulties your child is experiencing.

Right to Choose

Families may choose to use the NHS Right to Choose pathway, which allows referral to an NHS-funded independent provider for assessment.

If you choose this option, you must:

  • Research and select your preferred provider.
  • Check that they are accepting referrals.
  • Complete any patient or parent sections of the provider's referral paperwork before booking a GP appointment.

The practice is unable to recommend a particular provider.

 


Page created: 06 July 2026