About This Page
This web page has been developed to help patients navigate the various different aspects of obtaining a diagnosis for the conditions below. There is a lot of information below but reading through it will provide you with all the information that is needed in order to be referred. You do not need to book a GP appointment for the sole purpose of a referral; please follow the information below.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects how a person thinks, behaves, and interacts with others. People with ASD may find it difficult to communicate, understand social situations, or cope with changes in routine.
ASD is called a “spectrum” because it affects people in different ways and to different degrees. Some people may have very mild symptoms and need little support, while others may need more help with everyday tasks.
Common Signs of ASD:
- Difficulty making eye contact or understanding facial expressions
- Challenges with talking to others or understanding conversations
- Preference for routines and discomfort with changes
- Interest in specific topics or activities, often intensely focused on one thing
- Sensitivity to sounds, lights, or textures
Why It Happens:
The exact cause of ASD isn’t fully understood, but it is believed to involve both genetic and environmental factors. It’s not caused by anything parents did or didn’t do.
Getting Support:
While there is no “cure” for ASD, many people with the condition live full and happy lives with the right support. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference, and there are many therapies, educational supports, and strategies that can help with communication, social skills, and daily living.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a condition that affects how people pay attention and control their impulses. People with ADHD may have trouble focusing, staying organized, or finishing tasks. They might also feel restless or have difficulty sitting still.
ADHD is usually noticed in childhood, but it can continue into adulthood. It doesn’t mean a person isn’t smart or capable; it just means their brain works a little differently. There are three types of ADHD: one where people are mostly inattentive (easily distracted), one where they are mostly hyperactive and impulsive (always moving or acting quickly), and a combination of both.
While ADHD can make certain things harder, treatments like medication (under a Shared Care Agreement), therapy, and lifestyle changes can help people manage their symptoms and succeed in daily life.
Medications for ASD / ADHD and Shared Care Agreements
A Shared Care Agreement is a way for your GP (General Practitioner) to work together with other healthcare providers, such as specialists or hospitals, to manage your treatment. This agreement helps ensure that everyone involved in your care is on the same page and that you receive the best possible support.
Typically, as part of a Shared Care Agreement, the specialist will perform initial tests, start the patient on medications and once the patient is stable on medications, request for the GP to take over prescribing and routine monitoring. A Shared Care Agreement outlines who does what—making sure everyone knows their role, so you get continuous, coordinated care.
The practice will only engage in Shared Care Agreements from the Local NHS Service. What this means for the patient is that unless you are under the local NHS Service, all medications and treatments must be through the Right to Choose / Private provider (explained below) and will be at your own cost.
If you would like further information about Shared Care Agreements, then please see our Practice Policy linked below.
Providers for ASD / ADHD diagnoses and management
When seeking an ASD or ADHD diagnosis, there are several different options available to you. Each has its own benefits and considerations, depending on your needs, preferences, and resources. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of providers that can help with an ADHD diagnosis:
1. Local NHS Service (offered by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust)
- What It Is: The NHS provides free, comprehensive assessments for ASD or ADHD, including consultations with specialists, psychological support, and follow-up care.
- How to Access: You’ll typically need a referral from your GP (family doctor) to start the process. Once referred, your assessment may include interviews, questionnaires, and possibly tests.
- Pros:
- No cost to you.
- Full range of care options, including all follow-up support on the NHS.
- Team approach with doctors, psychologists, and other specialists on the NHS if needed.
- Diagnoses are fully recorded and coded on the medical records.
- Medications are issued by the NHS (this may be via the specialist provider or via the GP (if a Shared Care Agreement is in place).
- Cons:
- Long waiting times for an appointment.
- Limited flexibility in choosing your provider or specialist.
2. Right to Choose (via NHS)
- What It Is: This option allows you to choose your healthcare provider based on your preferences. There are many Right to Choose providers who now provide services to patients but the level of service and support may vary vastly between providers.
- How to Access: If your GP refers you to a Right to Choose provider on the NHS, this may allow you to select a provider with shorter wait times or one that better suits your needs.
- Pros:
- You can choose a provider based on location, speed, and other factors.
- Some providers may have shorter waiting times than others.
- May offer more flexibility in care.
- No fee for a simple / generic referral letter.
- Cons:
- If you choose a Right to Choose provider that requires the GP to complete forms/proformas, there will be costs involved which the patient will have to pay for (currently £50 minimum).
- Shared Care Agreements will not be accepted by the practice, and therefore all medications and follow-ups will be through the Right to Choose provider. Some providers only currently offer a diagnosis service, and once this is made, they will discharge the patient without medication or further support.
- There is a risk that the NHS could terminate a Right to Choose provider’s contract meaning that the patient would need to seek medications / treatments / support through other providers or wait for the local NHS service to resume treatments. During this time, the GP is unable to provide medications.
- For patients under the age of 18 years, the diagnosis will not be added to the medical records. All letters received will be added to the patient medical records which can be used as supporting documentation if needed.
- For patients over the age of 18 years, the diagnosis will be added to the medical records. All letters received will also be added to the patient medication records.
3. Private Providers
- What It Is: Private clinics and specialists offer fast access to ASD or ADHD assessments, often with more flexible scheduling and a more personalised experience.
- How to Access: You can contact a private clinic directly to book an appointment. No GP referral is usually needed.
- Pros:
- Shorter waiting times, with faster access to diagnosis.
- Greater choice of specialists and clinics.
- Flexible appointment times to fit your schedule.
- Cons:
- Private services can be expensive, and costs are not covered by the NHS.
- There may be limited follow-up support unless you pay for ongoing care.
- Shared Care Agreements will not be accepted by the practice, and therefore all medications and follow-ups will be through the private provider which the patient will need to fund.
- For patients under the age of 18 years, the diagnosis will not be added to the medical records. All letters received will be added to the patient medical records which can be used as supporting documentation if needed.
- For patients over the age of 18 years, the diagnosis will be added to the medical records. All letters received will also be added to the patient medication records.
Choosing the Right Option
Each provider has its benefits depending on your needs. If cost is a concern, the NHS may be the best choice, though be prepared for longer waiting times. If you prefer faster access or more flexibility, a private provider might be a good fit, but this comes at a cost. You also have the option to explore the “Right to Choose” scheme to balance both NHS and private options.
Transfer of care providers from Right to Choose / Private providers to NHS Service
Many of the Right to Choose or Private providers may not be able to provide you with on-going medications / reviews and will request that the GP refer you back on to the local NHS Service once you have received a diagnosis.
In this instance, the GP is unable to provide any treatments for this but can facilitate a referral to the NHS Service. During this time, any treatments / medications that may be required will still need to be funded by the patient until such time that the patient has been seen by the local NHS service, has had the diagnosis confirmed, treatments have been stabilised by them and that a Shared Care Agreement has been requested with the GP (and we have accepted it).
How to be referred?
Once you have decided which provider you would like to be referred to, you will need to complete the relevant questionnaires / reports / forms that are listed below. After completion of the forms / receiving the relevant reports back from the schools etc. please email them over to the practice at Barwell.MC@NHS.net clearly stating the name, date of birth, NHS number and the provider that you would like the referral to go through.
You do not need to book an appointment with a GP solely for this purpose.
If we require any further clarification, we will contact you to obtain this.
PRE-SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN:
For assessment of ASD, the below form will need to be completed, ideally by pre-school / nursery. Upon completion, please return them to practice as per the instructions above.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE REQUIRED REPORT
The local NHS Service does not accept referrals for children under the age of 6 years for ADHD. The GP will be unable to make the referral for you.
The age limits for Right to Choose providers varies. Please check with your chosen provider and complete the relevant forms/questionnaires that they require. Upon completion, please return them to practice as per the instructions above.
The age limits for private providers varies. Please check with your chosen provider and complete the relevant forms/questionnaires that they require. You should not need a GP referral letter to access private services. If however, you do require a letter, please send us the forms as above. Please be aware that referrals to private providers are not covered under the NHS and therefore there will be a fee payable for this referral to the practice.
PRIMARY SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN:
The local NHS Service does not accept referrals for children under the age of 6 years old for ADHD. For children over the age of 6 years old, please obtain a completed school report and return it to the practice as per the instructions above.
For referral for an assessment of ASD, the local NHS service requires completion of a School Report. This must be completed and returned to the practice as per the instructions above.
The age limits for Right to Choose providers varies. Please check with your chosen provider and complete the relevant forms/questionnaires that they require. Upon completion, please return them to practice as per the instructions above.
The age limits for private providers varies. Please check with your chosen provider and complete the relevant forms/questionnaires that they require. You should not need a GP referral letter to access private services. If however, you do require a letter, please send us the forms as above. Please be aware that referrals to private providers are not covered under the NHS and therefore there will be a fee payable for this referral to the practice.
SECONDARY SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN:
Please follow the link below which will take you to the relevant webpage for Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust. On this page, there are 2 links for the forms that they require. Please ensure that BOTH are completed and returned to the practice as per the instructions above.
The age limits for Right to Choose providers varies. Please check with your chosen provider and complete the relevant forms/questionnaires that they require. Upon completion, please return them to practice as per the instructions above.
The age limits for private providers varies. Please check with your chosen provider and complete the relevant forms/questionnaires that they require. You should not need a GP referral letter to access private services. If however, you do require a letter, please send us the forms as above. Please be aware that referrals to private providers are not covered under the NHS and therefore there will be a fee payable for this referral to the practice.
OVER 18 YEARS OF AGE:
Referrals to the local NHS Adult ADHD Clinic require the completion of a questionnaire. Please see the link below for the questionnaire. Once completed, please return it to the practice as per the instructions above.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE ADULT ADHD QUESTIONNAIRE
For a referral to the local NHS Adult Autism Assessment Service, please complete the 2 questionnaires below fully. Once completed, please return it to the practice as per the instructions above.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE ADULT AUTISM QUESTIONNAIRE
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PAST AND PRESENT BEHAVIOURS QUESTIONNAIRE
Please check with your chosen provider and complete the relevant forms/questionnaires that they require. Upon completion, please return them to practice as per the instructions above.
Please check with your chosen provider and complete the relevant forms/questionnaires that they require. You should not need a GP referral letter to access private services. If however, you do require a letter, please send us the forms as above. Please be aware that referrals to private providers are not covered under the NHS and therefore there will be a fee payable for this referral to the practice.