OUR AUTISM & ADHD SERVICES
What happens after an assessment
Receiving the outcome of an Autism or ADHD assessment can bring relief, questions, and sometimes mixed emotions. What happens next depends on the assessment outcome, the type of assessment, and the pathway you have accessed.
This page explains what usually happens after an assessment and where to find more detailed information.
Understanding your assessment outcome
After your assessment, the clinical team will explain the outcome clearly and sensitively. This may be:
- A diagnosis of ADHD
- A diagnosis of Autism
- A diagnosis of both ADHD and Autism
- No diagnosis, with guidance about other possible explanations and next steps
Whatever the outcome, you will be offered information, advice, and signposting to help you move forward.
Your written report
Following the assessment, you will receive a written report.
Reports are written in clear, accessible language and include:
- What was assessed and how
- The outcome or diagnosis
- How conclusions were reached
- Recommendations and next steps
With your consent, the report can be shared with:
- Your GP
- Schools, colleges, or universities
- Employers or other professionals
Reports are suitable for supporting conversations about reasonable adjustments, education planning, or workplace support.
If Autism is diagnosed
If a diagnosis of Autism is confirmed:
- The clinical team will explain what the diagnosis means for you or your child/young person
- You will receive guided information and advice
- Support focuses on:
- understanding strengths and needs
- reasonable adjustments
- education, work, and daily life strategies
Autism assessments do not involve medication. Ongoing support is centred on understanding, planning, and signposting to appropriate services and resources.
If ADHD is diagnosed
If a diagnosis of ADHD is confirmed, next steps depend on age, clinical need, and the pathway you have accessed.
If diagnosed with ADHD, the following may be offered:
- Information about ADHD and how it may affect daily life
- Advice and practical strategies for home, education, work, or relationships
- Psychoeducation is required under the NHS pathway only and is not offered under self-pay
- The first psychoeducation session is provided at the conclusion of the assessment, once the diagnosis is confirmed
- Further psychoeducation sessions are delivered over the following weeks
- An information pack containing relevant resources is also provided
- Psychoeducation supports understanding and strategy-building and is a required step before any decision about medication is made.
Medication (where appropriate and commissioned)
Medication is not automatic following an ADHD diagnosis.
A decision about medication under the NHS pathway is only considered after the psychoeducation programme has been completed and reviewed, and only when:
- ADHD is diagnosed
- Medication is clinically appropriate
- Non-medication approaches have been discussed
- The pathway you are on includes medication support
For NHS pathways, ADHD medication:
- Follows NICE guidance
- Includes careful monitoring and regular review
- May involve shared care with your GP once treatment is stable
If medication is not appropriate, or is not commissioned under your pathway, you will still receive post-diagnostic advice, support, and signposting.
If both ADHD and Autism are diagnosed
For combined outcomes:
- Additional support is planned
- Recommendations reflect both conditions together
- ADHD medication may be considered only for ADHD, and only where appropriate and commissioned, depending on the pathway (NHS or self-pay)
- Autism-related support focuses on understanding, adjustments, and planning
If you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis
If you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis:
- The clinical teams will explain why
- You will receive further guidance and support
- We will signpost you to appropriate services, resources, or next steps
A “no diagnosis” outcome does not mean support is unavailable — it means a different route may be more appropriate.
Differences between pathways
What happens after an assessment can differ depending on the pathway you used:
- NHS local pathways
Include services agreed with the local Integrated Care Board (ICB), which may include psychoeducation and, in some areas, ADHD medication support. - NHS Right to Choose pathways
Follow national NHS rules but still reflect local commissioning arrangements. - Self-pay assessments
Include assessment, report, and post-assessment guidance. Ongoing treatment or prescribing depends on NHS arrangements and GP agreement.
Your clinical team will explain what applies in your situation.
Ongoing support and next steps
Depending on need, next steps may include:
- Psychoeducation sessions
- Follow-up reviews
- Signposting to local or national support organisations
- Transition planning (for young people approaching adulthood)
Where to find more information
You may find it helpful to visit:
ADHD Assessment (Children & Young People)
Autism Assessment (Children & Young People)
Combined ADHD & Autism Assessment
Or, if you’re unsure about access routes:
Start Here: How to Access Our Services
Our Assessment Pathways
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Neurodevelopmental Services
Call 0300 303 9966, email
provide.wellbeing@nhs.net
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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 adults, meaning it is never too late to be assessed.
