Neurodevelopmental Referral Pathway for Adults

Step 1 - For concerns about possible autism and / or ADHD

If you think you may be autistic or have ADHD, talk to your GP, primary care team, or mental health team about any lifelong symptoms and how these impact on your daily life (such as difficulties managing your home, relationships, work or education).

If a formal assessment is needed, your GP or healthcare professional can refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Specialist Service (NeSS).

Step 2: For concerns about possible intellectual disability or mental health problems

If you have intellectual disability (also known as learning disability) - you will need to be referred to the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Service.

If you are currently struggling with your mental health, it may be appropriate to refer you to your Local Mental Health Teams. Your GP can make this referral for you.

Step 3: Autism and / or ADHD diagnostic assessment

Once your GP or healthcare professional has made a referral, this will be screened by the clinical team at the Neurodevelopmental Specialist Service (NeSS). If it is accepted, you will be put on a waiting list.

While you are waiting for your assessment, you can find support from the services below. For example, mental health, social care, education and employment specific support - further information and advice can be found here:

• Care and support assessment | Nottinghamshire County Council
• Help for people with specific needs and disabilities - Nottingham City Council
• Autistic Nottingham - Supporting Autistic Adults without Intellectual Disabilities (Previously Asperger's/HFA)
• Making Sense of Adult ADHD - Trailer on Vimeo
• Making sense resources - A collection of helpful booklets | Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
• Nottingham Adult ADHD Support Group

Further support and information can also be found at Neurodevelopmental Specialist Service (NeSS).

Step 4: If an Autism and / or ADHD assessment is not appropriate for you

If your GP or healthcare professional does not feel a neurodevelopmental assessment is appropriate, they will talk to you about other support that is available.

If after referral to NeSS, you have not been accepted onto the waiting list for a neurodevelopmental assessment, you can talk to your GP or healthcare professional about other support that is available.