ADHD and Autism
If you think that you, or a child in your care could have a condition such as ADHD and Autism - the way forward may seem unclear and confusing. The PCN Mental Health Team are here to help guide you through the process.
If you haven't already, please call your GP practice and tell the reception team you think that you or someone you care for, may have ADHD or Autism. They will arrange for one of our Mental Health Team to give you a call.
During that call, the Mental Health Team will explore this with you briefly and inform you of the next steps. They will also book a follow up appointment ready for when you have had time to digest the information and decided on the route you want to take. Remember - the direction you want to take with onward referrals is up to you. We are here to help you make that a reality.
STEP 1:
Complete the appropriate screening tool - this will help you to understand whether or not your are eligible for an onward referral.
Adult Screening Tools to Complete
Child Screening Tools to Complete
STEP 2:
The way in which you are referred for specialist assessment is up to you. We will support you in receiving the assessment from the provider you choose.
There are two pathways that you can follow:
1. NHS Service - You may wish to follow the usual NHS pathway. You will be referred to the local NHS service with support from the Mental Health Service. Information on this service can be found here for adults and here for children. There is a huge demand for these services and the wait time can vary from months to years.
2. Right to Choose - To address the demand in the service, the NHS started to work with a number of providers to help patients be seen faster. These are private organisations that the NHS work with. There are many organisations to choose from. You can find information about the providers, eligibility and referral requirements here.
Take some time to go through your options and decide what is right for you or your child.
STEP 3:
If you pick a provider using the right to choose option, you should download the referral form from the providers website and you can start to complete it at your own pace.
When you attend your appointment at the GP practice, the Mental Health Service will help you complete the form with their input and then send the referral to the provider for you. It may be that some referrals need extra tests (blood tests for example) - the Mental Health Service will organise these for you and make sure they are sent off with the referral.
If you pick the NHS Service you will complete the forms with the Mental Health Service at your appointment. In this instance, the school will also need to complete a form. This will be given to you at the appointment so you can contact the school for them to complete, once you have returned this to the practice it will be sent along with the referral.
Trying to navigate these services can feel difficult, especially if you are trying to manage symptoms of ADHD and Autism. Rest assured we are here to support you and guide you through the process.
If you are experiencing stress, depression or anxiety at this time - the Mental Health Service will support you with this too and direct you to other services who can support you.