This page sets out how ADHD and Autism assessments and treatment are commissioned and delivered within the NHS, and what this GP practice is able and not able to provide.
The practice follows NICE guidance, NHS England policy, and local Integrated Care Board (ICB) commissioning arrangements.
Please read this information carefully before contacting the surgery.
Children and Young People (Under 18 Years)
ADHD and Autism Assessment Pathway
For school-aged children, ADHD and Autism assessments are not initiated by the GP practice.
Referrals must be made via the school-led pathway, as schools are required to provide the detailed educational, behavioural and developmental evidence necessary for assessment. Referrals are made through CAMHS or Community Paediatrics.
Parents/carers should contact:
- The child’s school SENCo, or
- For pre-school children, the child’s Health Visitor or Early Years setting
The GP practice cannot initiate these referrals in place of the school.
Current NHS waiting times for ADHD and Autism assessments via Bedfordshire Community Paediatrics are approximately 3 years.
Right to Choose – Children
The GP practice does not routinely make Right to Choose referrals for children for ADHD or Autism assessments.
Right to Choose does not override locally commissioned children’s pathways. In Bedfordshire, ADHD and Autism assessments for children are commissioned through school-led services.
Requests for GP-initiated Right to Choose referrals for children will not usually be supported, as this falls outside the commissioned pathway and commonly results in delays.
Private or GP-Initiated Assessments (Children)
If parents/carers choose to pursue a private assessment or a GP-initiated Right to Choose referral for a child, please note:
- The practice does not enter shared care agreements with private providers
- The practice does not arrange or undertake blood tests, ECGs, physical monitoring, or baseline investigations for private services
- The practice does not complete forms or provide reports requested by private clinics
- All assessment, treatment, medication, monitoring, and follow-up costs remain the responsibility of the family
Following Diagnosis (Children)
If ADHD is diagnosed by an NHS specialist service:
- Treatment and medication are initiated and monitored by the specialist team
- The GP may only consider prescribing once a formal NHS shared care agreement has been issued
Shared care agreements from private providers are not accepted.
Adults (18 Years and Over)
Requesting an ADHD Assessment
Adults requesting assessment for ADHD must first complete an Adult ADHD Questionnaire.
Once returned, a GP appointment will be arranged to determine whether referral criteria are met and to discuss available pathways.
Due to demand, NHS waiting times for adult ADHD assessment in Bedfordshire and Luton currently exceed 5 years.
Right to Choose – Adults
Adults may request referral under NHS Right to Choose, where clinically appropriate.
Within Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK), the only NHS-approved Right to Choose provider for adult ADHD is Psychiatry-UK.
Accordingly, referrals can be made to:
- Local NHS services, or
- Psychiatry-UK under Right to Choose
Referrals to other providers are treated as private assessments.
Medication and Prescribing (Adults)
Where ADHD is diagnosed by an NHS specialist:
- Medication is initiated and stabilised by the specialist service
- The GP may continue prescribing only once a formal NHS shared care agreement is received and accepted
The practice:
- Does not accept shared care agreements from private providers
- Does not carry out investigations or monitoring unless specified within an NHS shared care agreement
Private ADHD Assessments (Adults and Children)
Where a patient chooses to access private ADHD assessment or treatment, the practice is not commissioned to support private care.
This means the practice will not:
- Provide blood pressure, weight, ECGs, blood tests, or other monitoring
- Complete forms or arrange investigations for private clinics
- Offer GP appointments for the purpose of supporting private treatment
All monitoring and treatment must be arranged privately.
This policy ensures NHS resources are used for NHS-commissioned care.
Important Information
- A private diagnosis does not guarantee acceptance by NHS services
- GPs are not obliged to enter shared care agreements
- Shared care is supported only with locally commissioned NHS services or Psychiatry-UK
- The practice acts in accordance with NICE guidance, NHS England policy, and local ICB commissioning decisions
If a Referral Is Not Accepted
If a referral is declined, the reason will be explained.
Where appropriate, advice will be given on whether further information can be provided or alternative support services accessed. The practice cannot progress referrals that fall outside commissioned pathways.
Useful Links
- NHS England – Right to Choose
- Psychiatry-UK – NHS Right to Choose (Adults)
- Adult ADHD Questionnaire (download)
- NICE Guidance: ADHD (NG87)
- ADHD UK – Right to Choose
- Bedfordshire & Luton Community Paediatrics – Referral Portal (for schools and professionals)
- Bedfordshire & Luton Community Paediatrics – Service Information