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.

Before Booking Your GP Appointment

Please ensure you have:

  • Chosen your preferred NHS Right to Choose Provider (please check they are accepting referrals)
  • Completed any patient sections of the provider's referral forms
  • Written a brief summary of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life.
  • Completed the ADHD questionnaire

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

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.

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 Booking Your GP Appointment

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

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.

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.

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.

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 and supports the referral
  • Choose your Right to Choose Provider and complete the necessary paperwork for that provider
  • Information about any support already in place (for example, involvement from the SENCO or Cluster Team).
  • A completed SNAP-IV Parent Questionnaire 
  • 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 and supports the referral
  • Choose your Right to Choose Provider and complete the necessary paperwork for that provider
  • 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.

Page last reviewed: 07 July 2026
Page created: 06 July 2026