At Cocreating Inclusivity CIC, we believe a diagnosis is not a label—it’s a tool to better understand yourself, access the right support, and embrace your strengths. If you’re considering an autism or ADHD assessment in the UK, here’s what you need to know.
1. Talk to Your GP
Your first step should be a conversation with your GP. Share the difficulties or persistent traits you’ve experienced—such as challenges with focus, sensory sensitivity, social communication, or strong routines. Bringing notes or examples from childhood can help.
- For children under five, you can also consult a health visitor.
- School staff (like SENCO) may also support referral—particularly for autism.
[Sources: NHS 🟣, NHS 🔷] nhs.uknhs.uk
2. Referral & Right to Choose
Your GP will consider whether to refer you to an autism or ADHD specialist. If an NHS assessment has long waiting lists, you may be eligible to use the NHS Right to Choose, allowing you to pick a shorter waiting service within your region. Some NHS services also accept self-referrals, but this option is limited.
[Sources: NHS 🟣, ADHD UK] ADHD UK
3. What Happens Next: The Assessment Process
✅ Pre-Assessment Questionnaires:
You’ll often be asked to complete questionnaires, such as the AQ‑10 or RAADS‑R, to provide insight into lifelong patterns (especially for autism). A family member or someone close to you is usually asked to complete forms too.
[Sources: ADOS/RAADS‑R info Wikipedia, Autism UK]
✅ Multidisciplinary Assessment:
Expect interviews, observations, or role-based tasks conducted by a team which may include:
- Psychiatrists
- Paediatricians (for children)
- Psychologists
- Occupational therapists
Your childhood history, current well-being, and sensory experiences will all be considered.
[Sources: NHS 🔷, NICE guide] neurothreads.co.uk
✅ Waiting Times:
Assessments can take several months—or longer—depending on your area. The Right to Choose may reduce waiting times. Many choose private assessments as an alternative, though these often require personal funding.
[Sources: NHS ADHD & autism info] ADHD UK+1neurothreads.co.uk+1
4. Receiving Your Result & What It Means
You’ll receive a formal report detailing whether you meet the diagnostic criteria. If diagnosed:
- You’ll gain access to tailored support in education, employment, or mental health settings.
- If not, the report may suggest alternative routes or strategies.
After diagnosis, there is often a feedback session where your needs and options are discussed.
[Sources: NHS 🔷] nhs.uknice.org.uk
5. Why Seek a Diagnosis?
While diagnosis doesn’t define every part of you, it can explain lifelong struggles, validate your experience, and open doors to necessary support systems.
Research has found that diagnosis often brings considerable relief, even if it comes later in life—especially when explaining patterns that didn’t fit before.
[Sources: News articles] thesun.co.uk+4verywellmind.com+4Wikipedia+4
6. Moving Forward: Strategies & Support
A diagnosis is the start—not the end.
- Develop strategies that suit your brain, not a “one-size-fits-all” model.
- Explore reasonable adjustments in school, college, or work (e.g., quiet spaces, written instructions, flexible routines).
- Join local or online peer support groups for shared learning and community understanding.
✅ Final Thoughts
Getting diagnosed can be a transformational step toward self-awareness and self-compassion. We are here to walk that journey with you—helping to translate that understanding into meaningful tools, strategies, and a community that listens. If you’d like guidance or someone to explore your options with, get in touch today.
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