ADHD & Autism Pathway

Due to high demand, there is currently a 5+ year waiting list for ADHD or Autism assessments through the local NHS service in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. However, you can use the Right to Choose (RTC) pathway. This allows your GP to refer you to an approved private provider, with the assessment still funded by the NHS, often with a shorter waiting time.

Please use the following link https://remedy.bnssg.icb.nhs.uk/media/aqzfjfl4/rtc-table-remedy-v25.xlsx to access a current list of NHS-approved Right to Choose (RTC) providers that offer ADHD and/or autism assessments under your NHS funding. This list shows:

  • Which providers accept RTC referrals for ADHD and/or Autism
  • Whether they assess adults, children, or both
  • How to refer to each provider (typically via provider-specific forms and referral instructions) 

Please ensure you read all information on this page fully to ensure there are no delays in starting your referrral

 Right to Choose Process

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Step 1

Choosing an appropriate provider

You should, choose an appropriate provider.  Start by clicking on the appropriate tag at the bottom of the page - (ADHD, Autism, adult, child):

Things to consider when choosing your RTC provider:

  • Waiting times – this information is normally available on the RTC provider website
  • Whether they can offer you post-diagnostic support e.g.:
    • Follow-up appointments
    • Medication titration (for ADHD) – gradually adjusting a medication to find the right dose for you
    • Therapy or coaching
    • Advice about work, education, or reasonable adjustments
    • Signposting to local services or support groups
  • For ADHD referrals, whether they can prescribe medication for you, if this is something you wish to pursue
  • For ADHD referrals, check whether the provider can offer long-term prescribing if shared care is not available
  • Shared care normally means your specialist starts treatment and your GP takes over prescribing once you are stable. DHG will take over your prescribing subject to:
    • Your RTC provider reviewing you annually
    • You attending DHG for physical health checks 
    • Your RTC provider continues to practice
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Step 2

Visit your RTC providers website

Visit your chosen RTC provider’s website, using the links therein, to download their referral form, questionnaires, or instructions.

If you are unable to download their referral form, please complete the following form with the following information:

  • Your name and date of birth
  • The assessment you require (ADHD/ASD)
  • The name of your chosen RTC Provider

Please note - without all of the information, we will be unable to refer you.  

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Step 3

Completing the appropriate questionnaire

Use the appropriate link below to complete a questionnaire regarding your symptoms:

 Once complete save a copy of your completed form ready for Step 5

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Step 4

Returning all documents

Return all the above mentioned completed forms from Step 2 and Step 3 to using the following form

Practice Responsibilities:

  • Subject to receipt of all the above information, we will refer you to your chosen provider.
  • You will be notified of this referral via text message within 30 working days

Please note: Once your referral has been made to your chosen provider, any query relating to this, must be directed to the provider and not the practice.

Shared Care Agreements & ADHD Medication

If you choose to obtain an ADHD assessment privately, please be aware that Downend Health Group will be unable to take over prescribing of ADHD medication.

We are only able to consider taking over prescribing of ADHD medication where treatment has been initiated by an NHS specialist service and an NHS Shared Care Agreement is in place.

For the practice to take over prescribing of ADHD medication, all of the following must apply:

  • You must be diagnosed with ADHD by an NHS specialist, who confirms that prescribing is in line with NHS clinical criteria.
  • Medication must be started by an NHS service.
  • A formal NHS Shared Care Agreement must be in place.

Please note:

  • Shared Care Agreements may only be formed between NHS organisations.
  • There is no local policy allowing Shared Care Agreements between private providers and NHS GP practices.
  • Shared Care documents from private providers that have not gone through ICB governance processes cannot be accepted by GPs.

If Shared Care cannot be agreed, prescribing will remain with the specialist service that initiated treatment.

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