Resources > Healthy Body

Getting a diagnosis for a form of neurodivergence

Some neurodivergent people don’t want or need a diagnosis and are able to adapt their home life to best support their neurodivergent brains without medication or formal support. 

Getting a diagnosis can be really helpful for some people, for example: 

  • if you want to get medication, for example for ADHD.  
  • for applying for any more formal support, for example extra support in school, or to apply for Access to Work to get adaptations to your work environment.
  • to help you to better understand themselves. 

Getting a diagnosis as an adult (18+)

There are different ways you can get a diagnosis for autism, ADHD and other types of neurodivergence: 

Speak to your GP

Each type of neurodivergence has a different referral pathway. Speak to your GP in the first instance who can guide you on how to get a diagnosis. 

Get a diagnosis via Right to Choose (where applicable)

Right to Choose is a process whereby the NHS funds you to have a private (review language) diagnosis assessment for ADHD or autism. 

 

Why might you want to go via Right to Choose? 

  • The waiting list is often shorter. 
  • You see a qualified specialist that you choose.

 

How do you access it? 

  • Contact your GP practice via email or book an appointment and request a Right to Choose assessment using the email template provided by your provider.

 

How long does it take? 

  • It depends when you join the lists as the waiting times are changing all the time. 

Pay for a private appointment

You can get a diagnosis privately. Many people choose to do this to avoid long waiting times. 

 

Please be aware that if you wish to take medication, some people are having trouble getting their medication paid for by the NHS with a private diagnosis. 

Find out more information about getting a diagnosis on the ADHD UK website

Getting a diagnosis as a child (under 18)

There are different ways you can get a diagnosis for autism, ADHD and other types of neurodivergence: 

(need info for under 18s)

Related Services

Sycamore Trust U.K. logo with a stylized figure and the tagline “rooted in the community.”

Sycamore Trust support for autistic residents and their families

Sycamore Trust U.K. offers a range of services specifically designed to support autistic individuals and their families, and we aim to educate the community and empower individuals of all ages to flourish and be valued members of society.

Sycamore Trust U.K. logo with a stylized figure and the tagline “rooted in the community.”

Sycamore Trust Pre-Diagnostic Autism Support Group

Sycamore Trust runs pre-diagnostic groups for adults living in Havering who have been referred for an autism assessment. 

Related Articles

Five women sit on a log in a river. They are wearing hiking gear. Their backs are to the camera.

Neurodiversity

Two children in a living room, one using a laptop with headphones, the other holding headphones to their ear.

ADHD

Person in a pink tank top with rainbow-painted arms, wearing bracelets and rings, hands clasped in front.

Autism

Upcoming Events

No events found.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to receive the regular email newsletters from Havering Council.

Hi! What would you like to search?

Hello! I'm Liv, your AI assistant.

I can help you search this website. Chat with me to help you find the information you are looking for.

Chat with me
MessageLiv

Chatbot is using your location. Go to Settings to update it.

Hi, I’m Liv, your AI assistant. What information are you looking for today?

Chatbot Settings

(You can enter either postcode, town, or city)

Your location is only used to give you tailored responses. Read our Privacy Policy for detail.