ADHD Support / Advice & next steps
NHS vs private ADHD assessments
You do not need to choose a private assessment simply because an NHS wait is uncertain. First understand the local NHS route, ask what support can begin now and compare the complete private pathway rather than the headline assessment fee.
Quick answer
NHS ADHD assessment is normally free to the family, but referral routes and waiting times vary by area and service. Private assessment may provide another route but involves cost, and it is not automatically better or guaranteed to be faster. Before choosing either route, check the qualifications of the clinicians involved, what information the assessment gathers, whether a report and feedback are included, and what happens afterwards.
What this means
NHS ADHD assessment is generally accessed through a local referral pathway involving health services and, where appropriate, information from parents, carers and education. The exact route, eligibility process and professionals involved vary locally. There is normally no assessment charge to the family, but waiting times differ between areas and services. School-based SEN support and reasonable adjustments should be based on identified needs and should not necessarily wait for a diagnosis.
Private ADHD assessment may allow a family to approach an appropriately qualified clinician or service directly. Prices, clinical teams and assessment scope vary. Diagnostic assessment, written reports, feedback, medication initiation, titration and continuing follow-up may be separate services, so families should request a written breakdown of the full likely cost before paying.
NHS and private routes can differ in cost, access route, waiting-time variability and provider choice. In either route, ask what the assessment covers, which clinicians contribute, how parent and school information is considered, whether a written report and feedback are included, and what follow-up is available. If medication may be discussed, clarify who is responsible for initiation, titration, monitoring and ongoing prescriptions. Do not assume a GP will accept shared care; ask how the service communicates with the family’s GP and what happens if ongoing prescribing is needed.
What to do next
Confirm the current NHS referral route in your area and what information the service requires.
Ask school or other relevant professionals what needs-led support can be provided while assessment is considered or awaited.
If considering private assessment, verify professional registrations and request the names and roles of the clinicians involved.
Request written details of what is included, the complete likely cost, report and feedback arrangements, and any separate follow-up or medication charges.
Read the information before paying and avoid any service promising a guaranteed diagnosis, school outcome, shared-care agreement or faster onward support.
Things to check
Cost — NHS assessment is normally free to the family; private assessment is paid for and total costs vary.
Access route — NHS referrals follow local service arrangements; private services may accept direct approaches, subject to their criteria.
Waiting time — both availability and timescales vary; private assessment should not be assumed to be automatically faster.
Choice of provider — NHS provider choice depends on the local pathway; private routes may offer more choice but require careful qualification checks.
Assessment scope — ask which clinicians are involved and how developmental, parent, child and school information will be gathered.
Report and feedback — confirm whether both are included, when they will be provided and whether clarification is available.
Follow-up — check what happens after either a diagnosis or a non-diagnostic outcome and whether follow-up appointments cost extra.
Medication pathway — clarify who can discuss medication, who manages initiation and titration, how the GP is contacted and who provides ongoing prescriptions.
Questions to ask
Who will carry out the assessment?
What professional registration does each clinician hold?
Which clinicians are involved in the diagnostic decision?
What information will be gathered from parents or carers?
Will information from school or education be considered where appropriate?
Is a written report included in the quoted fee?
Is a feedback appointment included?
What happens if ADHD is diagnosed, or if the assessment does not result in a diagnosis?
Who handles medication discussions if they are relevant?
Are medication initiation, titration and follow-up charged separately?
How does the service communicate its findings and recommendations to the family’s GP?
What happens if ongoing prescriptions are needed, particularly if the GP does not accept a shared-care arrangement?
Local Northamptonshire route
Northamptonshire families should first check the current local NHS route and ask school or relevant health professionals what support can begin now. SEND Lantern’s ADHD Support in Northamptonshire guidance explains local starting points without listing invented providers, prices or waiting times.
Free support and useful links
External free resource
West Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in West Northamptonshire.
External free resource
North Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in North Northamptonshire.
External free resource
Northamptonshire Local Offer
Local SEND information, services and support routes for children and young people.
External free resource
GOV.UK SEND information
Official information about special educational needs, EHC plans and support.
External free resource
IPSEA
Free SEND law information and resources for parents and carers.
External free resource
Council for Disabled Children
National resources and information about SEND support and policy.
Professional help is available if you need it
Free NHS information, school-based SEN support and independent SEND information should remain prominent when comparing options. Private assessment is optional, not a recommendation, and should not be presented as automatically better or guaranteed to be faster.
What happens next?
Whichever route is used, ask for clear feedback and a written report. Review practical recommendations with school and relevant health professionals. If medication is considered, confirm who is responsible for each stage and do not assume that shared care or ongoing GP prescribing is guaranteed.
Support that may help
School SENCO · GP or qualified clinician · SENDIASS · Educational psychologist · Occupational therapist · Wellbeing support
Related guidance
SEND Lantern provides general information to help families understand possible next steps. It does not replace legal, medical or local authority advice.
Independent guidance for families
SEND Lantern is an independent guidance platform operated by SEND Lantern Ltd. We help families explore special educational needs and disabilities support, possible next steps and relevant services. SEND Lantern is not part of the NHS, a local authority, a school or any individual service provider. Information on this website is general guidance and should not be treated as medical, legal or educational advice.