For professionals

Referral criteria for the Adult Autism and ADHD Service

ADHD

The service is provided to all adults who meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Have or are suspected to have ADHD/ASD.
• Require monitoring by a doctor or other clinician until they are stabilised and can be transferred back to primary care, or the person is managed under a shared care agreement.
• Require psychological or psycho-social support.

Autism

The service is provided to all adults who meet the following criteria:

• Suspect they are autistic and want a diagnosis.
• Have longstanding difficulties managing change.
• Find social interaction and communication problematic.
• May have additional sensory differences.

Questionnaires

• Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ50) to be completed by patient and taken to GP appointment.

We cannot accept referrals for people with an existing diagnosis of learning disability. These patients can be referred to the Learning Disability Service.

For a patient under 18 years of age

Please visit Kent Children and Young People's Mental Health Service CYPMHS | NELFT NHS Foundation Trust.

For GPs considering referring to our service

• What characteristics and behaviours does the person report which match  traits in NICE - autism  or NICE - ADHD?
• Are these issues life-long, or has there been a recent onset or change in behaviour?
• Are the behaviours apparent across all areas of the person’s life?
• How would the process and outcome of this assessment benefit their mental and emotional wellbeing?
• What do the people who know them well think about the idea of them being assessed for autism/ADHD?

In your referral form online please summarise

• Your reasons for referring.
• Evidence for any differences in your patient's social and communicative presentation, as well as any fixed routines, rituals or special interests.
• A health record summary.
• If the patient brings any written evidence of their concerns consider attaching this to your referral.

Reasonable adjustments a patient may need

• Information provided in Easy read.
• A carer to support them during appointment.
• First appointment of the day and/or a longer appointment.
• Social stories^TM
• Desensitisation and quiet place to wait.
• Use of simple words/language.
• Support from autism/ADHD service and/or SPA team.
• Home visit.