SIGNPOSTING AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
At The Waiting Room, we are here to support people who are waiting for or exploring an assessment for ADHD. But we know that not everyone who finds us is in the right place, and that’s okay.
Sometimes, people arrive at The Waiting Room looking for help with things that might not be ADHD, or they may need support that is beyond what we can offer here.
We are here to help you figure out your next steps and to point you toward trusted organisations who may be a better fit for what you need.
Disclaimer
The information and external links provided on this page are for guidance and signposting only.
The Waiting Room does not endorse or accept responsibility for the content, advice or services provided by third-party organisations.
We always recommend checking that any service is appropriate for your individual needs and seeking advice from a qualified medical or educational professional when necessary.
The Waiting Room is not a medical service and cannot offer diagnosis, medication advice or crisis support.
If you are in crisis
If you or someone you care for is in crisis or immediate danger, please contact emergency services or your local crisis team immediately.
Samaritans
Call Samaritans 24/7 at 116 123
SHOUT
Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support
Local Crisis Team
Contact your GP or local Crisis Team
Local A&E
Visit your local A&E if you feel you are at immediate risk
"I’m struggling, but I don’t think it’s ADHD…"
If you’re finding things hard but don’t feel ADHD quite fits, it’s still important to get help. There are other conditions that can look or feel similar, such as:
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Anxiety or depression
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PTSD or trauma-related responses
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Personality disorders
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Sensory processing issues
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Autism or learning differences
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Hormonal changes (e.g. menopause, PMDD, andropause)
You can speak to your GP about this, or reach out to services like:
Mind
Offers mental health information, guidance and helplines if you’re struggling with anxiety, low mood, or need someone to talk to
Rethink Mental Illness
Provides practical advice, peer support and advocacy for anyone affected by mental illness, including families and carers
Anxiety UK
Specialises in support, therapy and self-help resources for managing anxiety, panic and related conditions
Menopause Matters
Offers clear, trusted information about menopause symptoms, treatments and emotional wellbeing support
"I think I might be autistic, rather than have ADHD"
Autism and ADHD often overlap but they are different conditions, and the support can vary.
If you relate more to social communication differences, sensory sensitivities or routines, you might want to explore an autism assessment instead (or alongside).
National Autistic Society
The leading UK charity for autistic people and their families, offering information, advocacy and community connection
Autistica
Funds research and provides resources aimed at improving the lives and long-term wellbeing of autistic people
Ambitious About Autism (for children and families)
Campaigns for inclusion and provides education and employment support for autistic children and young people
"I'm worried about my child's behaviour and learning"
If you are here as a parent and unsure whether ADHD is the cause, you might want to explore more general routes for understanding your child’s needs.
Whether or not your child has a diagnosis, support is available through your school, college or university:
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Ask about a SENCO, learning support team or disability services
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You may be eligible for exam Access Arrangements or Reasonable Adjustments
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In higher education, you can apply for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
Contact
Supports families with disabled children through practical advice, emotional support and guidance on education, benefits and rights
IPSEA
Offers free legal advice and resources to help families understand and secure their children’s special educational needs (SEN) rights
Scope
Provides information, support and campaigns for equality for disabled people and their families across the UK
SENDIASS
Local services offering impartial advice and advocacy for parents, carers and young people navigating special educational needs systems
"I am looking for help with dyslexia, dyscalculia or other learning difficulties"
If your challenges are more about reading, writing, motor coordination, or numbers, you may find more useful support from:
British Dyslexia Association
Offers information, training and helpline support for people with dyslexia and those supporting them
Dyscalculia Network
Helps identify, understand and support difficulties with maths through information, training and specialist tutors
"I am struggling at work and I’m not sure where to turn"
Even if you’re not diagnosed yet, you are entitled to support in the workplace if your condition causes a substantial disadvantage.
Access to Work
Accessing support through Access to Work (a government scheme)
Further Help
If you are struggling with addiction
We Are With You
Provides free, confidential support for people experiencing issues with drugs, alcohol, or mental health, and their families
Change Grow Live
Offers practical and emotional support for people affected by substance use, homelessness, or involvement with the justice system
Forward Trust
Helps people break the cycles of addiction, offending and homelessness through treatment, training and employment support
"I am looking for help with Tourette’s syndrome"
Tourettes Action
Supports individuals and families affected by Tourette Syndrome with information, advocacy and community connections
"If a loved one has been accused or convicted of a criminal offence”
Affect
Offers support and information for families and friends of loved ones who are accused or convicted of a serious crime, helping them cope with the emotional and practical challenges of navigating the criminal justice system
We created The Waiting Room to give people a calm, supportive space while they wait for answers around ADHD. But we also know that one size doesn’t fit all. If we’re not quite what you need, that doesn’t mean you’ve come to the wrong place, it just means that the next step in your journey might be somewhere else.
Whatever you are facing, there is support available and you deserve it.
Would you like us to help point you in the right direction? Feel free to reach out below.
You are not alone.
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