Getting an assessment
The NHS suggests starting with your GP if symptoms affect study, work or relationships. Your GP asks about your history and may check for other explanations. If you're referred, a specialist looks at your history across areas such as childhood, work and family.
Waiting and choices
The NHS says waits vary and can be long. In England, "Right to Choose" lets you ask to be referred to a provider offering NHS-funded ADHD assessments, which can mean a shorter wait. Availability is changing, and some areas have reportedly limited referrals, so check with your GP and the provider first.
Private assessment and funding requests are other routes. They have costs and rules of their own, and a private diagnosis doesn't always mean your GP can take over prescribing.
Preparing for an appointment
- Write down real examples of how things show up, and where (work, home, relationships).
- Note when it started. Old school reports can help if you have them.
- Bring questions, and consider bringing someone who knows you.
- Ask what happens next and roughly when.
ADHD at work
Acas explains that being neurodivergent often counts as a disability under the Equality Act 2010, which can mean a right to reasonable adjustments. Employers are responsible for those. Access to Work is a separate government grant that can fund extra support at work. Citizens Advice can help if you think you've been treated unfairly.