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
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.
