THE REFERRAL PROCESS
A clear, no-stress guide to getting started
Requesting an ADHD assessment can feel confusing, especially when different NHS Trusts might do things slightly differently. This page walks you through what usually happens, what you need to prepare and how to give yourself the best chance of a smooth referral.
Whether you’re requesting an assessment for yourself or supporting someone else, think of this as your roadmap.
Step One: Recognising the symptoms
Most people begin the journey because they are noticing ADHD-like traits that are affecting daily life.
Things like:
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struggling to stay focused
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losing track of time
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feeling overwhelmed by tasks
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emotional ups and downs
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difficulty with organisation or follow-through
If these patterns are persistent, long-standing and getting in the way of day-to-day functioning, an assessment may be appropriate.
Step Two: Contacting Your GP (or School)
The majority of referrals for NHS ADHD assessments come via your GP, but not always.
Some NHS trusts now insist that referrals for children come from school or CAMHS so it is important to check.
For children, the starting point is usually:
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your GP,
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your school SENCO, or
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sometimes CAMHS directly, depending on your region.
Your GP cannot diagnose ADHD, but they can begin the referral process by completing the relevant forms, questionnaires and screening questions.
Step Three: Showing symptoms before age 12
One of the key criteria for an ADHD diagnosis is evidence that symptoms began before age 12.
This doesn’t have to be perfect or detailed - just enough to help clinicians understand the lifelong pattern.
You might include:
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school reports
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childhood memories
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examples from parents/carers
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stories showing early difficulties (organisation, attention, behaviour, etc.)
The goal is not to “prove” ADHD, but to show that the traits didn’t suddenly begin in adulthood.
Step Four: Describing the impact on daily life
The triage team will want to understand how the symptoms are affecting you now.
This is one of the most important parts of the referral.
You might explain how ADHD traits affect your:
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work or studies
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relationships
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mental health
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routines and self-care
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ability to start/finish tasks
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emotional regulation and overwhelm
The more specific and real-life the examples, the better.
Tip: Typing your evidence is recommended.
It’s easier for triage teams to read, understand and attach to your referral file - and improves your own record-keeping too.
Step Five: Completing Questionnaires
To help build the picture, you might be asked to complete:
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ASRS / CAARS (adult ADHD screening)
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Vanderbilt or Conners (children)
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Teacher/SENCO questionnaires
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Forms about school history or mental health
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Medical questionnaires ruling out other conditions
You don’t need to 'prepare' for these - answer honestly and from real life.
Step Six:
Triage - Deciding whether an assessment is needed
The triage process decides whether:
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an assessment is appropriate
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more information is needed
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another service is a better fit
Clinicians are looking for:
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lifelong symptoms
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functional impairment
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no alternative explanation that fully accounts for the traits
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ADHD being a likely possibility based on the evidence
This is where your written examples really matter.
Step Seven:
Being added to the waiting list
If accepted, you will be added to the waiting list for an ADHD assessment.
Waiting times vary depending on where you live - in some regions this can be over a year.
While waiting, many people find support through:
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ADHD charities
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peer groups
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psychoeducation
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joining The Waiting Room
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workplace/school adjustments
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exploring executive functioning and sensory processing
You don’t need a diagnosis to start understanding your brain or improving your wellbeing.
Step Eight:
The assessment itself
When your appointment finally arrives, the clinician will usually:
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review your developmental history
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explore symptoms and daily functioning
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check for other conditions that may mimic ADHD
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speak with a parent/partner if possible
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review school or medical records
They are not only looking for ADHD - they are also ruling out anything else that could explain your symptoms.
This is a good thing.
It ensures the diagnosis is accurate, useful and meaningful.
What happens next?
If ADHD is diagnosed, you may be offered:
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medication
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psychoeducation
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follow-up appointments
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signposting to other services
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workplace or school strategies
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support tools (including The Waiting Room resources)
If ADHD is not diagnosed, the clinician will explain why and may signpost you toward more appropriate support.
Final Thoughts
The ADHD referral process can feel slow, confusing and occasionally frustrating - but you are not alone.
The key things to remember:
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Be specific about your symptoms
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Show examples from childhood
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Explain the current impact on your daily life
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Typed evidence helps the triage team
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Support exists while you wait
And most importantly:
Requesting a referral is not about proving something is 'wrong.'
It’s about understanding how your brain works and getting the right support.
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