Clearer information for private assessment pathways.

A clear overview of the first conversation, information gathering and clinician-led steps that may be involved in a private ADHD assessment for an adult, child or young person.

• An enquiry helps the team understand who the assessment is for and what support is needed.
• A clinician considers relevant history, current experiences and appropriate information from others where this is helpful and consented to.
• An assessment outcome is reached through clinical judgement. It is not produced automatically from a form, questionnaire or score.

What families may be asked to consider before a private autism assessment, including developmental information, school context and the young person's participation.

• A parent or guardian can enquire and discuss the most appropriate private assessment pathway for their child or young person.
• Information from school, a parent or guardian and the young person can provide important context when it is appropriate and consented to.
• The clinical team explains the information needed and the next stage of the pathway before an assessment is represented as booked or concluded.

Practical, non-clinical preparation guidance for people considering private neurodevelopmental assessments for ADHD or autism.

• Note the experiences, questions and relevant history you would like to discuss in your own words.
• Ask the team which documents or contextual information may be useful. Do not send sensitive material through unsecured channels.
• Allow time for questions about the assessment process, consent, information sharing and the possible next steps.

How provider organisations can discuss additional ADHD and autism assessment capacity while keeping clinical responsibility, information governance and defined workstreams clear.

• Capacity conversations should start with the population, pathway and workstream that need support.
• Clinical responsibility, data access, escalation routes and quality assurance need to be agreed before delivery begins.
• Additional capacity does not replace local clinical decision-making or create a predetermined diagnostic outcome.