OUR AUTISM & ADHD SERVICES
NHS Essex Local Pathway for Adults
Provide Wellbeing is an approved provider on the NHS Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) Framework for neurodevelopmental assessments across Essex. Through this NHS-funded pathway, we provide autism assessments for adults who live in Essex.
Referrals to this pathway are made through your GP. Once a referral has been received and accepted, our team will guide you through the next steps of the assessment process.
These services are available via:
NHS
Who can access this pathway
This pathway is available if all of the following apply:
- You are over the age of 18
- You are registered with a GP in Essex
- Your home address is currently in Essex
- Your GP makes a direct referral to Provide Wellbeing under the NHS Essex ICB framework
Self-referrals are not accepted under this pathway.
Detailed information on how GPs can refer into this pathway, including referral requirements and processes, is available on our GP guidance page.
You can also download the referral form for this pathway below:
GP Referral Form – Adult ASD Assessment
Looking for children’s autism, ADHD or combined assessments? Please click here.
Current position
Our NHS Essex ICB pathway operates within an agreed level of NHS-funded assessment capacity. We are currently accepting referrals and delivering assessments through this pathway.
If the available assessment capacity is reached, we may temporarily pause new referrals. Any changes to referral availability will be communicated on this page.
This approach helps us maintain safe and timely access to assessments for people using our service.
Assessment Pathway
1. Speak to your GP
Discuss your concerns and ask whether a referral for an autism assessment is appropriate.
2. GP referral
If agreed, your GP submits an electronic referral under the NHS Essex ICB local pathway. Detailed information on how GPs can refer into this pathway is available on our GP guidance page.
3. Initial contact
Once we receive the referral, our team will contact you, usually within four weeks, to begin the assessment process.
4. Questionnaires and information gathering
You will be asked to complete questionnaires and provide information about your experiences. With your agreement, information may also be gathered from people who know you well.
5. Clinical triage
Our clinical team reviews the information to confirm the most appropriate assessment pathway.
Your assessment will be carried out by the clinical teams with expertise in autism assessment. The process is tailored to the individual and may include discussions about your developmental history, communication style, social interaction, sensory experiences, routines, strengths and day-to-day challenges.
The clinical team will also review questionnaires and any supporting information provided as part of the assessment process. Reasonable adjustments can be made where needed to help ensure you feel comfortable and supported throughout.
You can find more detailed information about what happens during an adult autism assessment here.
After the assessment:
- The outcome or diagnosis is shared with you clearly and sensitively
- You will receive guided information and advice about next steps
- If a diagnosis of autism is confirmed, further signposting through psychoeducation will be offered
- A written diagnostic report is provided, usually within eight weeks
Reports are written in clear, accessible language and include:
- The assessment findings
- Any diagnosis given
- Recommendations and signposting for support
With your consent, information is shared with your GP.
If your GP is based outside Essex:
- Your GP will not be able to refer you through this pathway
- You may wish to explore self-pay assessments or other NHS pathways available in your area
As part of our commitment to transparency, we want to explain how this local NHS pathway is managed within agreed NHS capacity arrangements.
Like all NHS-commissioned services, the NHS Essex local pathway operates within an Indicative Activity Plan (IAP) agreed with the Integrated Care Board (ICB). Click here to find out more.
In the future, the ICB may introduce a financial or activity cap for this pathway.
If this happens:
- The agreed funding would be translated into a defined number of assessments
- Once that limit is reached, referrals may need to pause until further activity is agreed
- Any such limits would be clearly communicated on our website
We believe it is important to be open about how NHS services are planned and delivered, so families understand how access is managed. You can read more about how Indicative Activity Plans work across NHS services.
Need help or more information?
If you have questions about whether this pathway applies to your child, you can:
- Speak to your GP, or
- Contact our team for general information about the service
