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Autism & ADHD
Right to Choose
To go through the Right to Choose pathway, your GP needs to agree to make a referral to the provider of your choice. You will first need to go and speak to your GP about why you think that you have ADHD. Your GP should take you seriously, and ask why you think you might have ADHD. Following this conversation, they may ask you to fill a diagnostic screening tool called an ‘ASRS form’, which you must complete before you can be referred for an assessment.
The GP should then refer you for assessment to the provider you have requested. If you are having trouble getting referred by your GP, there is some advice on our Getting an ADHD Asessment page about what you can do.
How to get an NHS Assessment via ‘Right to Choose’
Shared Care Agreement
You also need to think about whether you want to access ADHD treatment through the NHS, or if you are willing to pay for it privately. This applies to both medication and CBT therapy. If you do not want treatment on the NHS, you need to check that your GP will accept full care or something called a ‘Shared Care Agreement’, after your chosen provider discharges you. Ideally, you should make sure that your GP will accept one of these before you get referred for an assessment, so that you don’t end up without follow up treatment.
If your GP is unwilling to accept full care or shared care, it is up to you to convince the GP. It is possible to change GP if you are having difficulties with them, though it is important to make sure that a new GP will refer you and accept shared care or discharged care.
Riverside Surgery does not enter into shared care agreements with any of the private clinics via right to choose.
Local Support
National Autistic Society Bexley Branch
Bexley NAS, The Bexley Branch of the National Autistic Society (BNAS) are a parent-led voluntary group, all of whom are parents, carers or family members of children and young people on the autistic spectrum.
National Support
National Autistic Society
Founded in 1962, they are the UK’s leading charity for autistic people and their families. Their goal is to help transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.
Autism Independent UK
Autism Independent UK helps to increase awareness of autism to the notice of all, together with well established and newly developed approaches in the diagnosis, assessment, education and treatment.
Dimensions
They support people with learning disabilities and autism to have a louder voice, choice and control in their lives.
ASD Helping Hands
ASD Helping Hands will support all service users affected by an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) regardless of age or what stage of life they are at. We aim to offer guidance, practical advice and support whether you are personally affected or you are an associated family member, carer, friend or professional. We will actively champion the rights of all people affected by an ASD and aim to make a positive difference to their lives while delivering a service that is accessible, reliable and trust