This page explains how children 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.
Child ADHD (under 18 years)
For children seeking an ADHD assessment:
A. NHS assessment and treatment
For children who want an NHS diagnosis and medication:
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Submit an online consultation via our practice website: contact us about your request (Accurx Patient Portal).
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In the free-text box, write something like:
“I would like a CAMHS referral for an ADHD assessment. Please send me the self-referral pack.”
These forms must be completed by yourself, and there is also a section for your child’s school to complete.
If medication is considered necessary and started, once your child is stable on treatment and under the care of an NHS specialist service, we may be able to consider shared care.
B. Right to Choose (RTC) – diagnosis only (no shared care)
Children 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 Shared care and prescribing – key points for more information.
- This means:
- We will not complete or 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:
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Submit an online consultation via our practice website: contact us about your request (Accurx Patient Portal).
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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].”
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Briefly list the main difficulties, for example:
- attention and focus (for example, easily distracted, difficulty finishing tasks)
- organisation and time management (for example, forgetfulness, losing things)
- hyperactivity or restlessness
- impulsivity (for example, acting without thinking, interrupting)
- how this affects daily life (school, study, relationships)
We will then review your request and, if appropriate, complete a referral to your chosen provider.
Waiting times for Right to Choose ADHD services can be found on the ADHD UK Right to Choose page.
Child autism (under 18 years)
For children seeking an autism assessment:
A. NHS assessment
For children who want an NHS diagnosis.
Accessing the service
Please download the referral form from the BeU North Yorkshire Young People’s Autism Assessment Service contact page.
This form needs to be completed by the school if the child attends an educational setting.
B. Right to Choose (RTC)
Children 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:
-
Submit an online consultation via our practice website: contact us about your request (Accurx Patient Portal).
-
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].”
-
Briefly list the main difficulties, for example:
- social communication (for example, finding social situations hard)
- coping with change or needing routine
- sensory issues (for example, noise, light, touch)
- how this affects daily life (school, study, relationships)
We will then review your request and, if appropriate, complete a referral to your chosen provider.
Waiting times for Right to Choose autism and ADHD services can be found on the ADHD UK Right to Choose page.
Shared care and prescribing – key points
- Shared care means 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 Shared Care page for more information.
- We may consider shared care after:
- an NHS service has confirmed the diagnosis
- medication has been titrated and stabilised
- 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. We can advise based on your individual situation.
Updated August 2026