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ADHD & Autism Support Information

We understand that seeking an assessment for ADHD or Autism can feel overwhelming — especially with long waiting times and lots of information online.
This information has been created to help you understand the local process, the Right to Choose option, and where to find support while you wait.

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 (available via our online consultation platform).

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