At Clinical Autism & ADHD Diagnostic Services (CADS) we often speak to families and adults who are unsure whether to pursue an assessment.
Think you, or your child may be autistic or have ADHD?
You may have noticed differences at home or work, difficulties in school, anxiety, sensory overwhelm or exhaustion after masking all day. Many people feel unsure where to start or who to ask.
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We can help you understand what to do next.
Many people arrive here because something doesn’t quite add up, but they are unsure what to do next. You may be a parent worried about your child, a young person, or an adult recognising lifelong patterns in yourself. This guide explains how autism and ADHD assessments work in the UK and how to decide whether an assessment would be helpful.
No obligation — just a chance to talk things through
You might be noticing:
For children / young people
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coping at school but overwhelmed at home
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meltdowns or shutdowns
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sensory sensitivities
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rigid routines or intense interests
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anxiety or school avoidance
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attention difficulties or impulsivity
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masking
For adults
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lifelong feeling of being different
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social exhaustion
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burnout
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workplace difficulties
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sensory overwhelm
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struggling with organisation or focus
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recognising traits in your child
If this sounds familiar, many people find that understanding their neurodevelopmental profile is relieving and helpful, whether or not a diagnosis is made.
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When might an assessment be helpful?
An assessment may be helpful when differences are affecting daily life, wellbeing, relationships, education or work, or when you are trying to understand long-standing patterns that have never been clearly explained. Many people seek assessment not only for diagnosis, but for clarity, practical strategies and appropriate support.
Do you need a referral?
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you do NOT need a GP referral for a private assessment
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you can stay on an NHS waiting list even if assessed privately
The NHS assessment pathway
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In the UK, autism and ADHD assessments are usually accessed through the NHS. For children, concerns are often discussed first with a GP, health visitor or school SENCO; adults usually begin by speaking to their GP. If appropriate, a referral is made to the local neurodevelopmental service, community paediatrics or CAMHS team.
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After referral, you will normally be placed on a waiting list before an assessment is offered. Waiting times vary widely between areas and can be lengthy. The assessment itself is completed by a multidisciplinary team and gathers information from several sources, including developmental history, questionnaires and observations across settings such as home, education or work.
Some families and adults choose to seek a private assessment while remaining on the NHS waiting list, particularly when difficulties are significantly affecting day-to-day life or support is needed sooner. You are able to stay on an NHS waiting list even if you pursue a private assessment.
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Following an assessment, you will receive feedback and a written report explaining whether diagnostic criteria are met and outlining recommendations for support.
Private assessments
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Are private autism & ADHD assessments recognised?
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when completed by appropriately qualified clinicians
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NICE aligned
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accepted by schools, universities, workplaces and often Local Authorities as supporting evidence
Private autism and ADHD assessments
Some families and adults choose a private assessment to gain understanding and support sooner, particularly when difficulties are affecting wellbeing, education, work or daily life.
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A high-quality private assessment should follow national guidance and be completed by appropriately qualified clinicians. Assessments usually involve a detailed developmental history, structured assessment activities, questionnaires and consideration of information from education, home or work settings. The aim is to understand how a person communicates, processes information, manages attention and responds to sensory and social demands in everyday life.
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Are private assessments recognised?
When completed using recognised assessment methods and by suitably qualified professionals, private autism and ADHD assessments are widely accepted as supporting evidence by schools, colleges, universities and employers. They may also contribute to requests for reasonable adjustments and can support EHCP processes.
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Private assessment does not replace NHS care. Many people choose this route to obtain earlier clarity and guidance while remaining on an NHS waiting list if they wish.​
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Following assessment, you will receive a feedback discussion and a written report explaining whether diagnostic criteria are met and outlining practical recommendations and next steps.
What actually happens in an assessment?
For children
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developmental history interview
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observation session (ADOS-2)
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school information
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feedback appointment
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written report​
For adults
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detailed developmental history
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structured interaction assessment
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discussion of current experiences
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feedback & report
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Assessing younger children
We are able to assess children from around 3 years of age, including those with limited language, unclear speech or emerging communication. Assessments are carried out in person using structured observational assessment (ADOS-2) alongside developmental history and play-based interaction.
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Some assessment approaches rely mainly on questionnaires or interviews, which may be more suitable for older children or adults. For younger children, observing communication, play and interaction directly is often an important part of understanding their profile.
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Families often contact us because they have been told to wait due to their child’s age, but would like clearer understanding sooner.
What if autism or ADHD is not diagnosed?
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An assessment is not a pass-or-fail test. Even when diagnostic criteria are not met, you receive a clear explanation of strengths, differences and needs, with practical recommendations and next steps. Many people find this understanding just as valuable as a diagnosis.
What happens next?
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Initial advice call
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Developmental history questionnaires
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Assessment appointments
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Written report and recommendations
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Feedback discussion & next steps
Frequently asked questions about autism & ADHD assessments
Do I need a GP referral for a private autism or ADHD assessment?
No. You can self-refer for a private assessment. Many families and adults choose this when they would like clarity sooner. You can also remain on an NHS waiting list even if you pursue a private assessment.
Do you offer Right to Choose (RTC)?
CADS is an independent specialist diagnostic service and we are not commissioned by the NHS under the Right to Choose pathway. Right to Choose is an NHS funding route which allows your GP to refer you to an external provider paid for by the NHS. It does not describe the quality of the assessment itself. Our assessments follow the same national clinical guidance used within NHS services, including NICE diagnostic guidelines. Assessments are carried out by regulated clinicians (e.g. HCPC-registered Speech and Language Therapists and Clinical Psychologists) using recognised diagnostic tools such as the ADOS-2 and structured developmental history. Families often choose an independent assessment when waiting times through NHS or Right to Choose pathways are very long, or when a more individualised face-to-face assessment is required.
Will the diagnosis be recognise?
Yes, a diagnosis is considered clinically valid when it is made by appropriately trained, regulated professionals following national guidance. NHS England guidance states that clinicians involved in neurodevelopmental assessments should be registered with a statutory professional body (such as HCPC or GMC). Following assessment, we provide a full diagnostic report and recommendations suitable for schools, universities and support services. Many families use the report to support EHCP requests, reasonable adjustments, and access to support.
Can adults be diagnosed with autism or ADHD, or both?
Yes. Autism and ADHD are lifelong neurodevelopmental differences and many people are not identified in childhood, particularly those who mask or have developed coping strategies. Adult assessment looks at both developmental history and current experiences.
What age can someone be assessed?
Assessments can be completed from early childhood through to adulthood. The process is adapted depending on age, communication profile and individual needs.
What if criteria are not met?
An assessment is not a pass-or-fail test. You will still receive a clear explanation of strengths and needs, along with practical recommendations for home, education, university or work. Many people find this understanding just as helpful as a diagnosis.
Are private diagnoses recognised by schools, universities and employers?
When an assessment is completed by appropriately qualified clinicians using recognised methods and national guidance, the report is widely accepted as supporting evidence for reasonable adjustments. Schools, colleges, universities and workplaces commonly use independent diagnostic reports to help plan support and accommodations.
How long does an assessment take?
The full process usually takes place over a few stages, including background information, assessment sessions and a feedback appointment, followed by a detailed written report. Timescales vary slightly depending on availability and individual circumstances but once the assessment has taken place, you will receive an outcome within a week or two.
Can I stay on the NHS waiting list if I have a private assessment?
Yes. Having a private assessment does not remove you from an NHS waiting list. Many families and adults choose private assessment to gain earlier understanding and guidance while continuing to access NHS services where appropriate.
Can autism and ADHD be assessed together?
Yes. Autism and ADHD frequently overlap, and many individuals experience traits of both. Where appropriate, both areas can be explored so that you receive a clearer overall understanding rather than separate or conflicting explanations.