Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Last Updated: Friday, 06 November 2026Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD can affect both children and adults. It is characterised by three diagnostic symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, and issues around emotional regulation. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means that there are differences in the brains of people with ADHD when compared to the brains of people without ADHD.
ADHD UK has a wealth of information and resources including video guides and frequently asked questions regarding ADHD.
Assessments for children with suspected ADHD need to be done with direct involvement of education services. Please contact the SENCO at your child’s school to start this process. If they require specific supporting medical information, please ask the SENCO to contact the GP surgery directly.
We are also seeing a lot more adults asking to be referred for an assessment for ADHD. Currently the waiting times for this assessment are long both within the NHS and private clinics. If you wish to be assessed for ADHD on the NHS (locally or via Right To Choose) if is important you first read Cheshire and Merseyside ICB’s statement on the assessment process here
If you still wish to proceed with this assessment, please download this self-assessment form. Once completed please submit the form alongside any other supporting information to the GP surgery. If the form has not been fully completed we will return it to you to complete, as an incomplete form will not be accepted by any provider. Once the form has been completed we will upload these documents you give us onto your medical record and we will send them onto your chosen assessment service provider.
The Adult ADHD Education and Self‑Help Resource Pack has been created to support people across Cheshire and Merseyside who are currently waiting for an assessment or who may not meet the threshold for a diagnosis. This resource has been developed to support patients experiencing symptoms
associated with ADHD. It is aimed to provide help for patients irrespective of whether they meet a referral threshold, are waiting for an assessment or have been diagnosed.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) tool is a recommended screening tool for adults with possible autism who do not have a moderate or severe learning disability. It may help identify whether an individual should be referred for a comprehensive autism assessment. Please complete the questionnaire, then fill in a Patchs request for a GP appointment to discuss your referral and attach your completed questionnaire to your Patchs request. Once we have discussed this with you and happy to proceed, we will forward your referral on, alongside a summary of your medical record, for consideration as to whether you are eligible for a full assessment.
Children and Young People
The Neurodevelopmental Service at Alder Hey Children's Hospital provides assessment and diagnosis for children and young people with suspected ASD and/or ADHD. For this service, a referral form will need to be completed by your child's school so that a full assessment can be made. Click here to access the Alder Hey website which contains more information regarding this process.
Some parents may decide to pursue a Right To Choose referral via the GP as they perceive this will speed up the process of diagnosis. Please be aware that it is not a simple process.
Firstly you will still need to speak to the school SENCO to request copies of the documents/ assessments that have been produced as part of the referral to Alder Hey. For a diagnosis of a neurodiverse condition it requires details of behaviours both in the home and in other environments hence why the information from school is essential. All providers will require these school reports in order to process a referral.
Next you will need to find a Right To Choose provider who will be recognised by the Local Education Authority. This list can change frequently so please contact the council directly. Failure to do this could result in a diagnosis not being recognised by the teams that you will be asking to support your child.
Once you have all this information, please submit a Patchs request to the surgery and include copies of the school documents. This request can then be reviewed and you will be advised if a referral can be sent directly or if further appointments/ information is required. The more information that you provide, the more likely a referral will be accepted.
Full details of Cheshire and Merseyside ICBs stance on Right To Choose providers and information about the referral process can be found here.