Choosing a private ADHD or autism assessment provider: what to check

Ask for the name, profession and registration number of the assessor and check it on the relevant public register. Check their experience with the condition and with your age group. For ADHD medication to be started, a prescriber, such as a psychiatrist or an appropriately trained independent prescriber, must be involved. For autism, NICE guidance expects a team or professional with specific training.

• How long is the appointment, and is more than one session involved?

• Is there a clinical interview or only a questionnaire?

• Are childhood information and an informant used?

• Which tools are used, and who interprets them?

• Are co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression and autism or ADHD considered?

• What happens if you are not diagnosed?

A good report is individual, describes the history and findings and explains the reasoning for the conclusion. It should include recommendations for support and, if relevant, treatment. Generic templates with little personal detail are less likely to be accepted by employers, universities or health services. Ask to see a sample structure beforehand.

Ask what support is included in the fee, such as feedback sessions, medication initiation and monitoring and communication with your GP. Ask about the cost of follow-up and prescriptions over time. Ask how the provider approaches shared care and what happens if the GP declines. Check what happens if you have side effects or want to change medicine.

Be cautious of providers that guarantee a diagnosis, offer assessments in a very short time with no history, will not name the clinician, pressure you to pay quickly or promise medication immediately. A responsible provider should be able to say no when the criteria are not met.

Ask for a full breakdown of what is covered, including medication titration, review appointments and prescriptions. Prices differ widely, so compare what you receive rather than the headline fee. Keep copies of terms, consent forms and reports. Understand cancellation and refund policies before paying.

If you are choosing between providers, put the same questions to each in writing and compare the replies. Ask about the clinician's profession and registration, appointment length, the information gathered from others, the report format, what happens after diagnosis and the cost of every stage including review and prescriptions. Look for providers that answer plainly and acknowledge limits, such as that a GP might not accept shared care. A cheaper assessment that leaves you without a route to treatment can cost more in the end.

Neurodevelopmental assessments generate sensitive information. Ask how records are stored, who can see them and how long they are kept. Ask whether the report will be sent to your GP automatically or only with your consent. If you may later need to transfer care, ask for a full copy of your assessment notes and report. Be careful about uploading documents to unfamiliar platforms and read consent forms before signing, particularly for sharing information with employers or schools.