ADHD and autism assessment pathway

NHS Lothian covers a combined population of around 900,000. This page explains how referrals work and what to expect at each stage.

Last verified: July 2026 · Source: NHS Lothian Neurodiversity

You do not need a formal diagnosis to access information and support from NHS Lothian's neurodiversity services. Support is available at any stage.

Getting assessed as an adult

Adults seeking an ADHD or autism assessment through the NHS in Lothian are referred through their GP into adult mental health or psychiatry services.

See your GP

Describe your symptoms clearly — give specific examples from daily life, not just general descriptions. Mention that symptoms have been present since childhood. You can bring a completed ADHD screener or autism screener to support the conversation.

NHS Lothian's GP referral guidelines specifically mention the WFIRS-S (Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale — Self Report) as a tool to assess how symptoms are affecting daily life across work, education, social, and family settings. Completing one before your appointment and bringing it with you can strengthen your case for referral.

GP submits referral

Your GP refers you to adult psychiatry or mental health services. NHS Lothian has published referral guidelines for adult ADHD via their RefHelp system, which GPs use to determine the appropriate referral.

Waiting list

Once your referral is accepted, you are placed on a waiting list. NHS Lothian has one of the largest adult neurodevelopmental waiting lists in Scotland. Current waits are reported in years. See waiting times by board.

Assessment appointment

When your turn comes, you will be offered an assessment appointment. A thorough assessment should use validated tools such as the DIVA interview and Conners rating scales for ADHD, or ADOS-2 for autism. It may involve someone who knows you well providing collateral information.

Outcome and next steps

You receive a clinical decision — diagnosis or no diagnosis — with an explanation of the clinician's reasoning. If diagnosed with ADHD, a prescription may follow. If diagnosed as autistic, you will be signposted to relevant support.

Getting your child assessed

Referrals for children and young people in Lothian can come from GPs, schools, health visitors, and other professionals. NHS Lothian provides a specific referral form for neurodevelopmental assessments. Under the national Children's Neurodevelopmental Pathway framework (NAIT, 2021), support should be available based on need — not diagnosis. You should not need to wait for a formal diagnosis before asking for help at school or from other services.

GP or professional makes referral

A GP, school, health visitor, or other professional submits a referral using NHS Lothian's neurodevelopmental referral form (ND RFA Form), available at services.nhslothian.scot/neurodiversity.

Referral reviewed and triaged

The referral is reviewed by the appropriate service. Children with co-existing mental health needs may be directed to CAMHS. Others may go to paediatrics or a dedicated neurodevelopmental team depending on age and presentation.

Waiting list

NHS Lothian has over 7,000 children and young people waiting for neurodevelopmental assessment — one of the largest lists in Scotland. Waits are currently measured in years for most referrals.

Assessment

Assessment typically involves clinical interviews with the child and family, validated tools appropriate to age and presentation, and information from school where relevant.

Outcome and support

A diagnosis or clinical decision is given. Support is available from the neurodiversity team regardless of diagnosis — you do not need a formal diagnosis to access information and practical help.

While you wait — support and resources

You do not need a formal diagnosis to access most of the following resources. Support is available now.

NHS Lothian neurodiversity support

NHS Lothian's neurodiversity team provides information, resources, and some forms of support without requiring a formal diagnosis.

NHS Lothian — Neurodiversity supports and resourcesServices, support groups, and practical tools — no referral needed for most resources

Peer support in Lothian

The Scottish ADHD Coalition maps local peer support groups across Scotland. Several groups serve Edinburgh and the Lothians. No diagnosis is required to attend most groups.

Find local ADHD support groupsScottish ADHD Coalition map of peer groups in Edinburgh and the Lothians — no diagnosis needed to attend EDAN Hub — Edinburgh Autism HubSupport, activities, and community for autistic people at The Yard Scotland, Edinburgh City of Edinburgh — neurodiversity supportEdinburgh Council information and services for neurodivergent people and families

Mental health support while waiting (Midlothian)

For people in Midlothian struggling with anxiety, stress, or low mood while waiting, Health in Mind's access point offers appointments usually within three weeks — free of charge.

Midlothian Access Point — Health in MindFree mental health support in Midlothian — appointments usually within 3 weeks, no referral needed

Scotland-wide support organisations

ADHD ScotlandScotland's ADHD charity — helpline, resources, and support for all ages Scottish AutismSupport, advice, and resources for autistic people and their families across Scotland Scottish ADHD CoalitionBringing together ADHD organisations across Scotland — resources, campaigns, and local group finder

Your child's school rights — no diagnosis needed

Schools in Scotland are required to support children with additional needs under the Additional Support for Learning (Scotland) Act 2004. No diagnosis is required. Ask your child's school about a Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP) or Individual Education Programme — these can be put in place while waiting for assessment.

If the wait is too long

If NHS waiting times in Lothian are not manageable, private assessment is an option. Our compare tool lists private providers operating in and around Edinburgh, with filters for HIS registration, shared care support, and cost.

If you receive a private diagnosis, you can ask your NHS GP to take over prescribing through a shared care agreement. See our shared care guide.

Sources

ADHD Scot is an independent, non-clinical information project. This page is based on publicly available information and may not reflect real-time changes to NHS services. Always confirm current referral routes with your GP or NHS Lothian directly.