Advice on GP process for ADHD/Autism?

[SleepyNapCat]

Hello all, I’m wanting to go forward for a combined ADHD/Autism assessment. I’m thinking of going privately as the waiting times here even with RTC are very long. I have some savings I can use towards it as things have reached a breaking point and I think I really need ADHD medication. My siblings both have diagnosed ADHD and I also tick the boxes so that’s quite likely, but I’m also uncertain about Autism so I’d like to be assessed for that as well. I scored highly on the AQ.

The place I’m looking at is NICE accredited and work with the NHS but also do private assessments. I can self-refer, but if I do how does that affect a Shared Care Agreement? I would need my GP to approve medication so do I need to get a referral first from my GP? It’s an 8 week waiting time for a GP appointment so if I can skip that step that would be nice, but if it smooths the process then I will attempt an appointment.

Any advice very welcomed!

I can't help with the private side but my DC have never once seen gp for ASD or adhd. ASD was picked up by health visitor as babies and referred to child psychologist at the child development centre. Adhd referral came from school and seen by same psychologist plus the adhd nurses, meds are prescribed there too.

So possibly all you need is that initial referral from school or gp or other professional.

I do think waits are huge, if you are thinking meds then go private for the adhd and get that done. Try to find somewhere that at does the QB test not just the questionnaire, this saves you second guessing yourself and any argument with the diagnosis.

Obviously there's no meds for ASD, I didn't get any particular help either so the diagnosis is more for your child to understand themselves and get reasonable adjustments in the future so this may not feel as urgent.