Get an adult ADHD or autism assessment and the support after

This guide is for adults in England who think they may have ADHD, autism or both, and for partners or family helping them. It explains how to prepare evidence, get a GP referral, use your legal right to choose a provider, weigh up a private assessment without being caught out by shared care, and get support at work and at home before and after any diagnosis. It does not diagnose anything and does not cover medication doses, which are decided by your specialist. Children's pathways, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland work differently, so check locally if they apply to you.

What is inside

• Full step-by-step method9 detailed steps with decision points
• Ready-to-use templatesOne-page summary to take to your GP · Questions to ask a provider before you choose it · Email asking your employer for reasonable adjustments
• Timed action plan7 stages from “Today” to “After assessment”
• Costly mistakes to avoid4 traps and what to do instead
• Complete checklist12 items to tick off
• Insider tips and fixes4 tips and 4 common problems solved

Step by step

1. Put safety first and decide what you want from an assessment

   If you are having thoughts of suicide or harming yourself, or are in crisis, do not wait for an assessment: call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, or call Samaritans on 116 123. Next, write down what you hope an assessment will change, for example understanding yourself, adjustments at work, or treatment options for ADHD, because this affects which route makes sense. Autism has no medication, so if you mainly want understanding and adjustments, much support is available without waiting for a diagnosis. Note other things that can look similar or sit alongside these conditions, such as anxiety, depression, sleep problems, thyroid issues, menopause, trauma or alcohol and drug use, and be ready to discuss them honestly with your GP. If you think you may have both ADHD and autism, ask from the start whether a service assesses both or only one.