ADHD in Adults (18+) NHS Referrals
There is a NHS referral pathway for adults in Cornwall with suspected ADHD, but demand is extremely high. The service is commissioned to see around 80 patients a year, however it currently receives about 150 referrals every month, so it is unsurprising that the waiting times are therefore very long – currently estimated at 10–12 years.
What you need for referral
To be referred to the NHS ADHD clinic, you will need: to complete a ASRS V1.1 questionnaire. See link below. We can also send this to you by text if it is easier
We also need details of your symptoms (several paragraphs or up to 1 page). This should include:
- What difficulties you experience day-to-day.
- What you or others have noticed.
- How symptoms affect your work, study, or relationships.
Once you have prepared this information, please submit a triage and we can arrange a GP call back to discuss onwards referral
Autism / ASD in Adults ( 18+) NHS Referrals
There is an NHS pathway for adult autism assessment but waiting times are also very long .
Further information about the referral pathway can be found here
Adult autism assessments | Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
In order to refer you to this pathway we require completion of an AQ10 form that can be found here:
https://www.cornwallft.nhs.uk/download.cfm?doc=docm93jijm4n18688.docx&ver=62666
If you would like referral, please complete this before submitting a triage form so we can arrange a telephone call back to arrange referral
ADHD and Autism in Children & Young People (under 18)
From 15 May 2024, the pathway for NHS assessment for ADHD and Autism in Cornwall has changed.
The focus is now on Neurodiverse Profiling, which looks at a child’s strengths, needs, and challenges. This is needs-led rather than purely diagnosis-based.
The profiling takes 45–90 minutes with a trained professional, working with parents/carers and the young person (if appropriate).
Please note you do not need an appointment with a GP to access this
Further information is available on the neurodevelopmental assessment team website
https://www.cornwallft.nhs.uk/neurodevelopmental-assessment-team
How to access Neurodiverse Profiling
In the first instance we would recommend talking to your child’s school/ educational setting. They will be in a position to assess your child over a long period of time and in conjunction with the parents and the young people will be able to produce an accurate picture of the child’s needs in order to help with any future diagnosis or treatment
If your child does not attend school and you are unsure who can help, please email cft.ndcornwall@nhs.net
Visit the Parent Carers Cornwall Neurodiversity Hub for videos, resources, and advice.
Free parent information sessions on the Neurodiversity Profiling Tool are also available book a place here
For more information on “Right to Choose: ASD & ADHD Assessment Pathways”, click here.