Autism and ADHD referrals
There is now a single referral pathway for Autism (ASD) and ADHD referrals for children and young people aged 5-15.
Referrals need to be submitted by the child’s GP or health professional. As part of the referral, the school will be asked to fill in a questionnaire about the child’s strengths and challenges at school, and the strategies and support in place to meet their needs.
Referrals for ADHD only assessments may be initiated by SENCo, using the form below. If Autism or Autism and ADHD are suspected, or there are other complications, please ensure the GP or healthcare professional initiates the referral.
Information on training for Autism and ADHD can be found on the SEND Training page.
Information and advice for parents on ADHD can be found on the Local Offer:
- Parents and carers can phone the Neurodiversity Support Hub for advice and support.
- Support Groups and Networks offering information and advice on ADHD for parents.
- Courses and workshops for parent/carers on ASD and ADHD.
ADHD strategies to support – East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust (enherts-tr.nhs.uk)
Some parents will choose to go privately to obtain a diagnosis for their child or young person. The school can use any strategies or recommendations in reports from the private assessment to support the child at school.
If a diagnosis is given privately, parents will then need to contact their GP in order that the child is given an appointment to transfer care to the NHS. There will be a wait for them to be seen by an NHS specialist, and they may need to carry on paying privately for prescriptions for any medication until this appointment. At the appointment, the team will confirm the diagnosis and then the management of the medication will be picked up by the GP.