ADHD and Autism Referrals

Adult ADHD Referrals

Information:

Background Information

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a condition where the brain works differently to most people. If you have ADHD, you may have trouble with things like concentrating and sitting still. There are things you can do to help manage your symptoms. Please click on the below link for further information.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/adhd-adults/

If you think ADHD may be affecting studies/work/relationships and want to proceed with an ADHD referral, please read the below information.

ADHD Referral Options

Demand for ADHD assessment has increased significantly in recent years. People have the right to be referred to either their local NHS service or an eligible Right to Choose provider. The right to chose pathway allows you to choose a private provider, funded by the NHS. If you wish to use this route, you must choose a provider yourself. A list of eligible providers can be found on the ADHD UK: Right to Choose website. We are unable to select a provider for you.

https://adhduk.co.uk/right-to-choose/

A the time of writing (September 2026), HIOW ICB are prioritising those with the highest need. As a result, people currently waiting for an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway will only be offered an assessment in 2027 if they meet prioritisation criteria. The same applies to new referrals received in 2026/27.

https://www.hantsiow.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/mental-health-services/autism-and-adhd-assessment-services

https://adhduk.co.uk/nhs-area/nhs-hampshire-and-isle-of-wight-icb/

ADHD Providers and Medication

NHS GPs have no obligation to perform any investigations or prescribe any medications following attendance at a private provider. It is vital that, if selecting a Right to Choose provider, you ensure that:

  1. You meet their referral criteria

  2. They can prescribe medication for you (if this is something you would wish to pursue)

  3. You are aware of their waiting times

At Stockbridge Surgery's discretion, based on strict shared criteria set out in the link below, medications may be subsequently prescribed by the surgery if approrpaite.

https://www.hantsiow.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/medicines-optimisation/information-health-care-professionals/guidance-and-resources/shared-care

Proceeding with a referral

If you would like to proceed with a referral, please follow the below steps:

  1. Complete the Hampshire and Isle of Weight Referral form (accessed here)
    • Please ensure that you try to include as much information as possible – it can be typed or handwritten, detailing your symptoms, concerns, and how they affect your daily life (home, work, relationships). Also include:

      • Strategies you’ve tried

      • What you hope to gain from diagnosis

      • Details of your selected referral pathway – either Hampshire IOW NHS referral or a Right to Choose provider 

        • If Right to Choose, please also complete any relevant form(s) from your chosen provider’s website

         

  2. Please call the surgery to obtain a link for you to email in your documents. Alternatively, you can print your completed documents and hand these in to reception.
  3. The practice will review your documentation and be in touch if any further information is required. We will inform you when the referral has been sent to your chosen provider and the provider should then contact you directly.

Please click here for information about support whilst awaiting assessment.

Child ADHD Referrals

Information:

Background Information

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a condition where the brain works differently to most people. Children and young people with ADHD may have trouble with things like concentrating and sitting still. There are ways to help manage the symptoms of ADHD. Please click on the link below for further information.

ADHD in children and young people - NHS

Getting Help

If you’re worried that ADHD may be affecting your child, speaking to other health/educational professionals can be more helpful than speaking with a GP.

If your child is not at school, discuss your concerns with your child's nursery/childcare provider. They can liaise with your child's health visitor, but you can also contact your Health Visitor directly:

Your Health Visiting Service - Hampshire | Health for Under5s

If your child is at school, discuss your concerns with the school's SENCO. More information about the school SENCO service can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs

A parent can self-refer to the Hampshre Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) at any time without a GP appointment, however it is important to note that a number of steps need to have been followed before the CAMHS team accept a referral. Further information about the process including self-referral links can be found below:

ADHD-Summary-Pathway-March-2025.pdf

Please click here for information about support whilst awaiting assessment.

Adult Autism Referrals

Information:

Background Information

Autism, also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a difference in how your brain develops compared to people who are not autistic. Further information below:

Autism - NHS

Autism Referral Options

Assessments for autism are provided locally by the Owl Centre (see below). 

Hampshire IOW Adult Referrals and Waiting List - The Owl Centre

Patients can also be reffered under the right to chose pathway, however, at the time of writing (September 2026), HIOW ICB are prioritising those with the highest need. As a result, people currently waiting for an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway will only be offered an assessment in 2027 if they meet prioritisation criteria. The same applies to new referrals received in 2026/27. Further information below:

Key updates: Autism and ADHD Assessment Services :: NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight

Referral Process

If you are considering a referral for an autism assessment, please book a routine appointment with a GP. If you are considering being referred under the right to chose pathway, it would be helpful to bring any referral forms that can be downloaded form your chosen providers website.

Please click here for information about support whilst awaiting assessment.

Child Autism Referrals

Information:

If you’re worried that your child may have autism, in the first instance speaking to other health/educational professionals can be more helpful than speaking with a GP.

If your child is not at school, discuss your concerns with your child's nursery/childcare provider. They can liaise with your child's health visitor, but you can also contact your Health Visitor directly.

Your Health Visiting Service - Hampshire | Health for Under5s

If your child is at school, discuss your concerns with the school's SENCO. More information about the school SENCO service can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs

If you still have concerns about your child, please call the surgery to book a routine appointment with a GP. If you are considering a referral for your child under the right to chose pathway, it would be helpful to bring any referral forms that can be downloaded form your chosen providers website.

Please click here for information about support whilst awaiting assessment.

Page last reviewed: 02 September 2026
Page created: 02 September 2026