Adult ADHD & Autism Assessments – How to Access Services

This page explains how adults can access assessment and support for ADHD and autism, and how this links with NHS and private services. It also sets out our practice position on prescribing and shared care.

Adult ADHD (18+) ⚡

For adults seeking an ADHD assessment:

A. NHS Assessment & Treatment – Retreat

For adults who want an NHS diagnosis and medication:

  1. Accessing the service

    • Please click on the link below to register for this service.

    Register for the NHS ADHD assessment service

    • This will be used to add you to the York and North Yorkshire waiting list for an NHS ADHD assessment.
  2. What the Retreat provides

    • Full ADHD assessment
    • Diagnosis (if appropriate)
    • Medication initiation and titration (dose adjustment)
    • Ongoing specialist input

Once you are stable on treatment and under an NHS specialist service, we may be able to consider shared care.

B. Right to Choose (RTC) – Diagnosis Only (No Shared Care) 📝

Adults can use the Right to Choose pathway to access certain NHS‑funded providers for ADHD assessment.

  • This can be helpful if you mainly want a diagnosis.
  • However, our practice does not enter into shared care with these providers for ADHD medication. See the Shared Care & Prescribing – Key Points section below for more information.
  • This means:

    • We will not take over monitoring or prescribing from an RTC provider.
    • Any medication and monitoring remain the responsibility of the RTC provider, unless and until you are transferred to a local NHS service that agrees shared care.

To ask for a Right to Choose ADHD assessment, please:

  1. Submit an online consultation via our practice website 🌐

    Contact us about your request – Accurx Patient Portal
  2. In the free‑text box, write something like:

    “I would like a Right to Choose referral for an ADHD assessment.
    Please refer me to [Provider Name].”

  3. Briefly list your main difficulties, for example:

    • Attention and focus (e.g. easily distracted, difficulty finishing tasks)
    • Organisation and time management (e.g. forgetfulness, losing things)
    • Hyperactivity or restlessness
    • Impulsivity (e.g. acting without thinking, interrupting)
    • How this affects your daily life (work, study, relationships)

We will then review your request and, if appropriate, complete a referral to your chosen provider.

👉 Waiting times for adult Right to Choose ADHD services can be found here:
https://adhduk.co.uk/right-to-choose/

Adult Autism (18+) 🌈

For adults seeking an autism assessment:

A. NHS Assessment – Retreat

For adults who want an NHS diagnosis.

  1. Accessing the service

    • Please click on the link below to register for this service.

    Register for the NHS autism assessment service

    • This will be used to add you to the York and North Yorkshire waiting list for an NHS autism assessment.

B. Right to Choose (RTC) 📝

Adults can use the Right to Choose pathway to access certain NHS‑funded providers for an autism assessment. To ask for a Right to Choose autism assessment, please:

  1. Submit an online consultation via our practice website 🌐

    Contact us about your request – Accurx Patient Portal
  2. In the free‑text box, write something like:

    “I would like a Right to Choose referral for an autism assessment.
    Please refer me to [Provider Name].”

  3. Briefly list your main difficulties, for example:

    • Social communication (e.g. finding social situations hard)
    • Coping with change or needing routine
    • Sensory issues (e.g. noise, light, touch)
    • How this affects your daily life (work, study, relationships)

We will then review your request and, if appropriate, complete a referral to your chosen provider.

👉 Waiting times for adult Right to Choose Autism/ADHD services can be found here:
https://adhduk.co.uk/right-to-choose/

Shared Care & Prescribing – Key Points ⚖️

  • Shared care means your treatment is jointly managed by an NHS specialist and your GP.
  • We only consider shared care with NHS services.
  • We do not enter into shared care agreements with any private providers (including Right to Choose providers) for any medication or any condition. Please see our webpage on Shared Care for more information.
  • We may consider shared care after:

    • An NHS service has confirmed diagnosis,
    • Medication has been titrated and stabilised, and
    • A formal shared care agreement is offered and accepted.
  • Until then, no GP prescriptions will be issued for ADHD medication.

If you are unsure which route is best for you, please contact the practice and ask for a routine appointment, and we can advise based on your individual situation.