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ADHD and autism referrals

We are receiving an increasing number of requests for referrals for ADHD or autism assessments. Before contacting us please read the following information which explains the referral options.

What if my child is under 6 years of age?

If your child is under 6 years of age and attends school, the school should be referring the child rather than the GP.

A new referral pathway was established in June 2024 allowing schools to refer directly for ADHD and autism assessments. This change recognises that schools are better placed to gather the necessary information and refer rather than the GP.

Please visit the Norfolk community health and care website which goes through the referral process. If needed please pass this information onto school so they can read the content and refer you on.

If your child is under 6 years of age and is either home schooled or does not attend school at all, referrals in these circumstances need to come via the GP so do contact us via our appointment system.

ADHD

At present we cannot refer for ADHD assessments if a child is under 6 so if you have concerns your child has ADHD, you do need to wait until their 6th birthday before seeking referral. You can get support if needed via Just One Norfolk.

Autism

We can refer under the age of 6 if there are concerns about autism (for example if there are significant social communication problems). Please contact us via our appointment system to arrange this.

Referral for children (from 6 to 18)

  • You shall need to investigate and decide which provider you would like us to refer to, we cannot recommend providers – please follow the link below for the most up to date information.
  • Current Right to Choose providers – 6-18 years
  • Below is a list of approved suppliers who have successfully evidenced that they meet the Norfolk and Waveney ICB quality benchmark, which includes NICE compliant assessment models involving multi-disciplinary teams and face-to-face assessments for children aged 6-18 years.
  • NHS Norfolk and Waveney have quality assured the following providers to ensure that they meet our criteria for Neurodevelopmental assessment services:
  • Evolve Psychology – provides assessments for Autism, ADHD, and Combined assessments. Please note: if ADHD Prescribing is recommended following diagnosis, patient would need onward referral (Evolve Psychology can make this referral directly but it will incur further waits for the child or young person
  • Help for Psychology – provides autism, ADHD and Combined assessments. They can offer initiation of ADHD medication following assessment. 
  • Paloma Health – provides Autism assessment only.
  • The Owl Centre – provides autism, ADHD and Combined assessments. They can offer initiation of ADHD medication following assessment. 
  • Community Assessment Therapy Services – provides autism, ADHD and Combined assessments. They can offer initiation of ADHD medication following assessment.
  • National Neurodiversity Assessments – provides assessments for Autism, ADHD, and Combined assessments. Please note: if ADHD Prescribing is recommended following diagnosis, patient would need onward referral (National Neurodiversity Assessments can make this referral directly but it will incur further waits for the child or young person).
  • Seven Care Services – provides assessments for Autism, ADHD, and Combined assessments. Please note: if ADHD Prescribing is recommended following diagnosis, patient would need onward referral (Seven Care Services can make this referral directly but it will incur further waits for the child or young person).
  • If, following an assessment medication is prescribed, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to provide this medication
  • Every so often, providers will pause accepting any new referrals
  • Once you have chosen a provider, please fill out the form below with as much detail as possible.
  • Please complete this online form – ADHD & Autism Right to Choose – Grove Surgery

Referrals for adults

ADHD

We can refer adults for suspected ADHD. There are very specific pieces of information which we need to include with the referral. We have prepared an electronic pre-referral questionnaire to send to patients seeking referral to gather all the necessary information.

You can contact us via our appointment system to request one of these questionnaires.

Autism

Adults (18+) can self refer for an NHS autism assessment via Autism Service Norfolk. You do not need a GP appointment to access this service and the details on how to refer are outlined on their website. It does mention that if you self refer you should inform your GP. You can do this by speaking to one of our reception team.

Adult Referral via Right to Choose

Right to Choose provides you the option of asking for a referral to a particular provider of your choice for assessment.

Please note:

Page published: 13 February 2025
Last updated: 29 June 2026