ADHD & Autism Support Information

Adult Assessments

In Somerset, there are two main NHS pathways for adults:

• Somerset NHS Pathway
  • Autism assessments: Provided by the Somerset Autism Spectrum Service
  • ADHD assessments: Provided by the Somerset Adult ADHD Service

Referrals for both services can be made through your GP.

Current waiting times are approximately 2½ years, though this may vary.

Support is available while you wait — see the Support While Waiting section further in this document.

Children’s Assessments

Children’s neurodevelopmental assessments in Somerset are carried out by the Children and Young Person’s Neurodevelopmental Partnership (CYPNP).

Referrals are usually made by the school but can also be made by another professional who knows the child well. In most cases, this will not be your GP.

Find out more: https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/cypnp/

Average waiting time: around 2½ years.
Support is available for families while waiting for an assessment

Right to Choose (Adults & Children)

Under NHS rules, patients in England have the Right to Choose which provider carries out their first outpatient appointment — including for ADHD or Autism assessments.

This means you can choose an alternative NHS-approved provider elsewhere in England, often with shorter waiting times.

You are not eligible for Right to Choose if:

• You are detained under the Mental Health Act or in secure accommodation.
• You are already under treatment for the condition.
• You are a prisoner or serving member of the armed forces.
• The chosen provider is private-only (must be an NHS provider in England).

How to Request a Right to Choose Referral

Research providers:
You (or your family) must choose which clinic you’d like to use. The GP cannot recommend one.
Examples include Psychiatry UK, ADHD 360, and Clinical Partners – but you must check each clinic’s eligibility and waiting times.

Complete forms:
Once you’ve chosen a clinic, complete:

• The clinic’s own referral form (found on their website), and
• Ariel Healthcare’s local Right to Choose referral form (please complete an appointment request via our consultation platform, KLINIK).

Book a GP appointment:
Your GP will complete their part of the referral and ensure all necessary information is included.
Please bring the forms with you.

Await confirmation:
You will receive communication directly from the chosen provider about your appointment and assessment process.

Shared Care and Medication

If you are prescribed medication by a Right to Choose provider, it’s important to know:

• Ariel Healthcare and local GPs will not enter shared care for medication unless the assessment was completed via the Somerset NHS Pathway.
• Some Right to Choose providers continue prescribing on the NHS; others require you to pay privately. Please check this before choosing your provider.

If you only want a diagnosis and no medication, shared care is not a concern.

After a Diagnosis

Adults

If you receive a diagnosis through Right to Choose, please provide a copy of your assessment for your medical record.
If medication is recommended, your provider will need to prescribe until care can be transitioned (if eligible).

Children

Right to Choose diagnoses for children must be ratified by the Somerset CYPNP before being formally recognised in Somerset.
Reports should be sent to: ChildNDS@somersetft.nhs.uk

After ratification, children can be added to the local post-diagnostic support list (for ADHD).

Support While You Wait

Even while waiting for diagnosis or post-diagnostic support, help is available:

Local & National Resources

• https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/somerset-autism-spectrum-service/ – support for adults with or without a diagnosis.
• https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/adult-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-service/
• https://www.somerset.gov.uk/children-families-and-education/the-local-offer/ - for children, families, and carers.
• https://somersetparentcarerforum.org.uk/ – peer support for families.
• https://adhduk.co.uk/ – advice and information on ADHD.
• https://www.autism.org.uk/ – practical help and guidance.

FAQ's & Myth Busters

Frequently Asked Questions Q: How long is the waiting time for an assessment? A: In Somerset, the current waiting time is around 2½ years for both adults and children on the local NHS pathway, although this can change. Some Right to Choose providers may have shorter waiting times. Q: Can my GP recommend a specific Right to Choose provider? A: No. Patients (or families) must research and choose their own provider. Your GP can then complete the referral once you’ve provided the relevant forms. Q: Will my GP prescribe medication after a Right to Choose diagnosis? A: Only if the assessment was completed through the Somerset NHS pathway. If your diagnosis was made through a Right to Choose provider, medication will need to be prescribed by them directly unless local shared care arrangements are agreed. Q: What happens after a child’s Right to Choose diagnosis? A: The report must be ratified by the Somerset CYPNP (Children and Young Person’s Neurodevelopmental Partnership) before it is officially recognised locally. Once ratified, your child can access post-diagnostic ADHD support and services. Q: What support is available while waiting? A: There are many sources of help available before diagnosis, including local support groups, charities, and NHS early help services. You do not need a confirmed diagnosis to access most of these. Q: Can I go private instead? A: Yes. Private assessments are available, but they are not part of the NHS Right to Choose scheme and may not be recognised by local NHS services or schools for ongoing support and medication.

Myth Busters “Right to Choose is a private service.” It’s not private — it’s an NHS-funded route using approved NHS providers based elsewhere in England. “My GP can refuse to do a Right to Choose referral.” Ariel Healthcare must support your referral if you meet the eligibility criteria and have chosen an NHS-approved provider. “All providers will offer shared care after diagnosis.” Not always. Some providers continue NHS prescribing; others require private follow-ups. Always check before choosing your provider. “I’ll get support faster through Right to Choose.” Wait times vary. Some providers are quicker, but others have their own waiting lists. Always check directly with the clinic before deciding. “A diagnosis through Right to Choose automatically gives access to Somerset services.” For children, the diagnosis must be ratified by the CYPNP before it is recognised in Somerset. For adults, the diagnosis will be added to your record, but follow-up care will depend on local NHS service arrangements. “You can’t get any help until you have a diagnosis.” Not true — there are several early-help and community support options available right now for both adults and children. Ariel