OUR AUTISM & ADHD SERVICES
NHS ADHD treatment & medication pathway
Medication is one of many tools available to help manage ADHD. Our approach is governed by strict clinical safety standards and NICE guidelines, ensuring that any treatment plan is carefully considered, monitored, and tailored to the individual’s health and wellbeing.
Medication is not an automatic outcome of an ADHD diagnosis.
A clear starting point
For children and young people, ADHD medication can only be considered after completion of the psychoeducation programme.
When medication may be considered
A decision about ADHD medication is only considered after the psychoeducation programme has been completed and reviewed, and only when all of the following apply:
- ADHD has been diagnosed
- Medication is clinically appropriate
- Non-medication strategies have been discussed and implemented
- The pathway you are on includes medication support
Completing psychoeducation does not mean medication will follow.
It creates the point at which medication may be considered.
How to start medication following an ADHD assessment
The infographic below shows the full medication process. Your starting point depends on where your ADHD assessment was completed.
If an ADHD assessment has taken place with us at Provide Wellbeing:
Providing the required psychoeducation has been completed, the medication pathway will start at the “Initial Medication Appointment” step below.
If the assessment was not with Provide Wellbeing:
Please note that we are currently awaiting confirmation regarding whether this service can be provided through the NHS. Therefore, we cannot accept referrals via the NHS for medication only. We will update this page as soon as further information becomes available.
How to start medication following an ADHD assessment
The infographic below shows the full medication process. Your starting point depends on where your ADHD assessment was completed.
If an ADHD assessment has taken place with us at Provide Wellbeing:
Providing the required psychoeducation has been completed, the medication pathway will start at the “Initial Medication Appointment” step below.
If the assessment was not with Provide Wellbeing:
Once an ADHD diagnosis has been confirmed, providing appropriate psychoeducation has been completed, the medication pathway will begin at the first step outlined below under “ADHD Diagnosis Confirmed”.
Please note that we are currently awaiting confirmation regarding whether this service can be provided through the NHS. Therefore, we cannot accept referrals via the NHS for medication only. We will update this page as soon as further information becomes available.
Medication Assessment Pathway
ADHD treatment under NHS pathways
Where ADHD medication is commissioned as part of an NHS pathway, treatment may include:
- clinical review and discussion of treatment options
- baseline physical health checks (height, weight and blood pressure)
- medication initiation, where appropriate
- structured monitoring and follow-up appointments
- ongoing review of benefits and side effects
Medication is prescribed and monitored in line with NICE guidance, with safety and effectiveness reviewed at every stage.
Shared care with your GP
A Shared Care Agreement (SCA) is a formal partnership where our specialists provide the clinical expertise and your GP handles the ongoing monthly prescriptions. The care can only be transferred to your GP when your child/young person is stable on medication. This ensures you can collect your medication from your local pharmacy while remaining under the ‘umbrella’ of specialist oversight for your annual reviews
If shared care is not immediately agreed, prescribing arrangements will follow local NHS processes and patient safety requirements.
If families choose not to proceed with medication
After the psychoeducation programme has been completed and reviewed, families may decide not to proceed with medication.
In this situation:
- the child or young person will be discharged from the service
- post-diagnostic advice and signposting remain valid
If medication is not included in your pathway
Some NHS pathways commission assessment and diagnosis only.
If medication is not included:
- this will be explained clearly
- medication cannot be provided under that pathway
- advice and signposting will still be offered
- your GP can discuss alternative options or referrals where appropriate
Self-pay assessments do not automatically include NHS prescribing.
Reviewing medication over time
For those who proceed with medication:
- regular reviews are carried out
- treatment is adjusted as needed
- ongoing monitoring ensures safety and continued benefit
- once stable on medication, we will transfer ongoing prescribing to your GP whilst providing annual reviews
Medication decisions are always made collaboratively, with the child, young person, or family fully involved.
Where this fits in the wider journey
You may find it helpful to also read:
What Happens After an Assessment
NHS Psychoeducation & Non-Medication Support
These pages explain the full pathway and how decisions are made step by step.
TALK TO US TODAY ABOUT
Neurodevelopmental Services
Call 0300 303 9966, email
provide.wellbeing@nhs.net
or complete the form below…
Testimonials
Parent / Guardian of RO, Autism Assessment Customer
The practitioners on the day were clearly very experienced and cleverly managed to get my daughter away from me for the assessment, which I’d not expected. Getting the result so quickly on the day was great and the whole experience was nowhere near as stressful as I feared it would be.
Parent / Guardian of CA, Autism Assessment Customer
Really lovely friendly place with a calm environment for everyone.
Parent / Guardian of HB, Autism Assessment Customer
Very efficient service and really lovely staff members. Hannah made my daughter feel very comfortable.
Parent / Guardian of EA, Autism Assessment Customer
Fantastic service from start to finish! The support over the phone was excellent, and I was kept updated throughout the entire process. During the assessment, both my son and I were made to feel completely at ease. The consultation afterwards was kind, compassionate, and very professional.
Parent / Guardian of CR, Autism Assessment Customer
I don’t think it could have gone any better, all of the team were fantastic, super welcoming and reassuring. Loads of support, cannot recommend enough.
RR, ASD and ADHD Assessment Customer
From booking to getting the assessment completed everything was easy, the service was great and we are very happy with the outcome.
Parent / Guardian of CW, Autism Assessment Customer
Once again, we were treated as a family with respect and care. Provide Wellbeing we are so grateful that you are able to offer neuro-developmental services, and always recommend you to others. Thank you so much!
Parent / Guardian of LT, Autism Assessment Customer
Everyone was so lovely, from the initial telephone consultation several months ago, right through to the day of the appointment.
Parent / Guardian of AV, Autism Assessment Customer
It’s taken us 10 years to get a diagnosis for our daughter after no one listening to us. We can now get the help and support our daughter well deserves! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
NT, Autism Assessment Customer
I was made to feel like an equal, an adult, even a friend. The assessment was a casual conversation where we chatted back and forth. Thank you for making me feel less alone and confused in the way I think and feel.
Parent / Guardian of AR, Autism Assessment Customer
To the special lady who in depth and sensitively took the time to tell us about what she found in the assessment and delivered our son’s diagnosis to us. I’ll be forever grateful.
Parent / Guardian of IE, Autism Assessment Customer
Really simple quick and easy process from start to finish. Absolutely wonderful and caring staff who were so good with my child and were so patient and kind when explaining everything. Couldn’t be more grateful for the team.
Parent / Guardian of EM, Autism Assessment Customer
From day one the service we have received has been exceptional.
Parent / Guardian of AM, Autism Assessment Customer
All of the staff at Provide Wellbeing were welcoming and thorough in their assessment. I highly recommend this professional service.
Parent / Guardian of ER, Autism Assessment Customer
All the team were really nice and kind and put me and my daughter at ease. They explained everything very well and made sure my daughter understood as best she could.
Parent/Guardian of GF, Autism Assessment Customer
The staff were very welcoming, they made the experience very playful for my son. As parents we felt listen to and not rushed.
Parent/Guardian of EK, Autism Assessment Customer
An excellent experience, everything was explained in great detail and we felt like we had the time to discuss anything else we needed to. My son was able to ask any questions he had too.
Parent/Guardian of MC, Autism Assessment Customer
Quiet and bright clinic, perfect for my daughter, and the team are lovely and very informative.
Parent/Guardian of DS, Autism Assessment Customer
Overwhelmingly positive. All staff were so professional, and talked about and to my Son in a positive, kind way. It was so refreshing.
Parent / Guardian of BR, Autism Assessment Customer
The team were incredibly approachable and friendly, which made us feel comfortable and heard throughout the entire process. We truly appreciated the clear communication and the care with which they explained the findings. It was evident that they took the time to ensure both my son and I fully understood the diagnosis, which meant a […]
Support you can trust
Our team provides actionable insights, no matter where you are on your journey, and offers expert advice to help you or a family member on your road to a diagnosis. Our ASD and ADHD services are suitable for children and young people seeking a diagnosis.
