ADHD and Autism Assessment and Support in the UK
Uses your browser’s own voice. Nothing is sent to us.
In short: For a child, a teacher or SENCO and then a GP are usually the first steps for ADHD, and a GP, school or health visitor can refer for an autism assessment. Adults usually start with a GP. In England, Right to Choose lets you ask your GP to refer you to another NHS-approved provider. After an assessment, psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, counsellors and other professionals can help.
Please read. This is general information from us, not medical, clinical or professional advice. We’re a directory: we don’t provide therapy, we don’t recommend or guarantee any practitioner, and we’re not a crisis service. If you need urgent help, please use the crisis box at the bottom of this page. Services and rules change, so check the official websites linked here.
ADHD Assessments
For children, the NHS suggests talking to your child's teacher or the school's special educational needs coordinator (SENCO), and then a GP. An assessment is usually done by a paediatrician or a child and adolescent psychiatrist. The NHS warns waits can be months or even years. Adults can talk to a GP about a referral.
ADHD medicine is started by a specialist. A GP can continue prescribing only under a shared care agreement with the specialist, and GPs don't have to agree. Source: NHS: ADHD in children and young people.
Autism Assessments
The NHS says you can ask a GP, someone at school or a health visitor to refer you or your child to a local autism team. Assessments are done by a team of different professionals. If you disagree with the result, you can ask for a second opinion, and you can also pay for a private assessment. Source: NHS: autism assessments.
Right to Choose (England)
If you're registered with a GP in England, you can ask your GP to refer you to another provider with an NHS contract for ADHD or autism assessment, and the NHS pays. It does not apply in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. ADHD UK reports that since summer 2025 some NHS areas have started limiting Right to Choose referrals, so check your area. Source: ADHD UK: Right to Choose.
Who Can Help After an Assessment
A diagnosis is not needed for many kinds of support. Professionals who often work with ADHD and autistic people include:
- Psychologists, including clinical and educational psychologists, for assessment, therapy and advice for school or work.
- Psychiatrists, for assessment and ADHD medicine.
- Speech and language therapists, for communication, social interaction and eating and drinking difficulties.
- Occupational therapists, for sensory needs, daily routines, handwriting, school and work.
- Physiotherapists, for coordination and movement difficulties.
- Counsellors, psychotherapists and CBT therapists, for anxiety, low mood or adjusting to a diagnosis. Ask about their experience with neurodivergent clients.
- Play therapists, arts therapists and family therapists, for children and families.
See also which professional for my child? and how to check a register.
Support at School and From Charities
- In England, your council's SEND Local Offer describes local support for children with special educational needs and disabilities, and an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) may be possible. Find your local council.
- ADHD UK, AADD-UK (for adults) and YoungMinds (for young people and parents).
- National Autistic Society: information and support for autistic people and families.
Common Questions
Who diagnoses ADHD in the UK?
For children, usually a paediatrician or a child and adolescent psychiatrist. For adults, usually a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD service. Start with a GP.
What is Right to Choose?
In England, if you're registered with a GP, you can ask to be referred to another provider with an NHS contract for ADHD or autism assessment, and the NHS pays. Some areas have started limiting it, so check locally.
Will my GP prescribe ADHD medicine after a private diagnosis?
Not always. ADHD medicine is started by a specialist, and a GP can only continue prescribing under a shared care agreement. GPs don't have to agree, so ask before you pay for a private assessment.
Which therapist helps autistic children?
It depends on what your child needs. Speech and language therapists help with communication, occupational therapists with sensory needs and daily life, and psychologists, play therapists and others with emotional wellbeing.
Last updated 2 November 2026. Facts are drawn from the official websites linked on this page, read on 2 November 2026. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the NHS, the HCPC or any professional body.
Related: Which professional for my child? · Find a speech and language therapist · Find an occupational therapist
Free trusted help: NHS: autism · Search occupational therapists on Therapist Circle
Mind and feelings: Anxiety · Depression · Trauma · Grief · Psychosis · Arts therapies
Body, communication and daily living: Speech, swallowing and stammering · Stroke recovery · Back and joint pain · Sports injuries · Sensory needs and autism · Children’s motor skills · Daily living · Memory and dementia · Eating and nutrition · IBS
Cost and free help: Free and low-cost therapy · Therapy fees and NHS routes · Finding NHS support · Low-cost counselling with a trainee
See also: School Anxiety and School Avoidance: Help for Parents in the UK
Are you a registered practitioner? List your practice free in our free UK therapist directory.
Find a therapist · Check a register · All guides · Links and resources