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Autism & ADHD
ADHD Policy
Increasing numbers of adults are wondering whether they have a diagnosis of ADHD. Fortunately, there is a pathway in Bristol which enables an assessment of ADHD.
Read more about the Bristol Adult ADHD pathway
We are aware that there are increasing numbers of private providers who are offering ADHD assessments and then requesting that GP practices prescribe the medication. The private providers request we provide 'shared care.' At Nightingale Valley Practice our policy is that we cannot do this. The only private providers we accept are the ones we refer you to as outlined in the link above. If you want to go privately for an ADHD assessment you are absolutely entitled to do this, but we cannot take on the prescribing of the ADHD medication. With increasing numbers of private provider’s we cannot ensure the quality and accuracy of the assessments.
Read more about the Bristol Children ADHD pathway
School Referral - preferred route
Children with suspected ADHD who are at school and aged 5 and over can usually be assessed and referred by school SENCOs. Parents should initially raise concerns via this route if possible, rather than via a GP.
GP Referral
If the school referral route is not available, a GP or other health care professional can make a referral to community paediatrics.
If there are more complex mental health co-morbidities then a referral to CAMHS can be made. Please note that a cardiovascular examination is required.
Children under 5
Although children can present from an early age with ADHD symptoms, local community paediatric services are not able to prescribe medication for ADHD in children under the age of 5 and restrict assessments until children are over this age.
However, families who have children with ADHD symptoms that are aged under 5 years can receive support through locally delivered behavioural interventions focussing on the management of attention difficulties and challenging behaviour, such as the Incredible Years course. These can be accessed without a formal diagnosis of ADHD.
Parenting programmes, advice and telephone support in Bristol
Right to Choose
(update February 2024)
For patients wishing to choose a “Right to Choose” provider it is important they understand that the provider may not integrate with local BNSSG pathways and/or other services as the provider does not hold a contract directly with BNSSG ICB. It is advisable for the GP and patient to agree the most suitable provider as the referral must be “clinically appropriate” for the patient under choice framework.
Clinical Partners offer assessments and diagnosis for suspected ADHD in children via the Right to Choose option but referrers should be aware that they are not able to prescribe if a diagnosis of ADHD is made. This may not therefore be an appropriate referral option for some children and it is important an informed discussion is held between GP and parent/guardian before referring to a Right to Choose provider.
Clinical Partners will only accept referrals from GPs and not from schools or SENCOs, under Right to Choose rules.
Waiting time for assessment is currently 30 weeks (January 2024 - according to the Clinical Partners website).
If prescribing is advised or requested following a diagnosis, then the community paediatric referral pathway described above should then be used to access further care and prescribing.
BNSSG ICB does not currently have a direct contract with Clinical Partners and this is currently being reviewed. The ICB contracts team recognise that the current situation is not ideal and the provider will be undertaking a BNSSG accreditation process and if criteria are met will hold a contract direct with BNSSG ICB. Updates on this contract and pathway will be published here when available.
National Support
National Autistic Society
Founded in 1962, they are the UK’s leading charity for autistic people and their families. Their goal is to help transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.
Autism Independent UK
Autism Independent UK helps to increase awareness of autism to the notice of all, together with well established and newly developed approaches in the diagnosis, assessment, education and treatment.
Dimensions
They support people with learning disabilities and autism to have a louder voice, choice and control in their lives.
ASD Helping Hands
ASD Helping Hands will support all service users affected by an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) regardless of age or what stage of life they are at. We aim to offer guidance, practical advice and support whether you are personally affected or you are an associated family member, carer, friend or professional. We will actively champion the rights of all people affected by an ASD and aim to make a positive difference to their lives while delivering a service that is accessible, reliable and trust