Waiting for an Autism or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessment can be difficult, and we want to keep you informed about the current situation and what we’re doing to improve access to these services.
The information on this page is intended to support people at any stage of their journey including those considering assessment, waiting for assessment, already diagnosed, or supporting a family member, friend or someone they care for.
Here’s what we’re doing to improve services and make support easier to access:
- Support Before Diagnosis: We are expanding services that offer advice and guidance around Autism and ADHD, including new ways to access help sooner. This includes using digital tools and improving how you receive support from services, as well as giving people clear, trustworthy information to help them understand their options and make informed decisions about medication as part of their own ADHD assessment journey.
- Strengths and Needs Assessments: By March 2026, every child in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will have access to a joined-up team of professionals who can offer tailored advice and support. These teams will work across education and healthcare and will be available to anyone with concerns – helping to meet needs while waiting for a diagnosis.
- Redesigning the diagnostic pathway: We are working to improve how assessments are carried out, including using new technology and making the process of prescribing and reviewing medication more efficient. We will talk with local groups and people who have real-life experience to help shape the design. A new assessment pathway will be designed by March 2026.
In 2025, we have increased the capacity of our Right to Choose provision by 167% compared to last year. However, many providers have already reached the limit of what they can deliver under this plan. As a result, some patients will not be seen for a new assessment this financial year (1 April 2025 - 31 March 2026).
Indicative Activity Plans (IAPs) set out how much activity a provider is expected to deliver within a financial year - they help manage demand, capacity and align services with population need. They include a shared understanding of:
- How many assessments a provider can carry out
- The maximum amount of time people should be waiting for an assessment in their location
- What funding is available to support this work
Indicative Activity Plans have been implemented across all Right to Choose providers delivering Autism and ADHD assessments within NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight. While people who have not yet attended their first outpatient appointment may choose an alternative provider under choice legislation, current capacity constraints mean this is unlikely to result in a shorter wait for assessment.
You can ask to be referred to a different NHS provider if your assessment hasn't started yet. However, due to high demand across all services, this may not result in a shorter wait. If you stay with your current provider, you will remain on their waiting list and be seen according to their process. If a clinician believes you need to be seen urgently, there are plans in place to make sure this happens.
You will not be discharged from your provider while you are receiving treatment, and any reviews of medication will continue.
We know some patients have chosen to seek private assessments. It’s important to be aware that NHS services, including GPs, are not required to prescribe medication recommended by private providers. This decision will always be based on clinical judgement and NHS prescribing guidelines.
Shared care means a specialist ADHD service and a GP practice work together to support someone with ADHD medication.
How does ADHD medication usually start?
• A specialist service usually starts the medication
• They adjust the dose slowly to find what works best
• This is called titration
What happens when the medication is stable?
• The specialist may ask a GP practice to take over prescribing
• This is called a shared care agreement
Why might shared care happen?
A GP practice may agree if:
• They have clear information from the specialist and ongoing support
• They know how to monitor the medication
• They feel able to prescribe safely
Why might shared care not happen?
A GP practice may not agree if:
• The medication is still being adjusted
• The information is not clear
• There is no clear monitoring plan
• They do not feel able to prescribe safely
What if shared care is not agreed?
• This does not mean care will stop
• The specialist service will keep prescribing and monitoring the medication
What about private assessments?
• A private diagnosis is not always accepted by the NHS
• NHS services may need their own assessment first
• A GP practice does not have to prescribe medication recommended by a private provider.
• If shared care is not agreed, medication may need to be paid for privately
What should you be told?
You and your family should be told:
• Who is prescribing your medication
• What happens next
• Who to contact if you have questions
