Why This Matters
Thousands of adults and children are stuck on NHS waiting lists, often for years, without the diagnosis they need to access help at school, at work, or at home.
For many, the biggest questions are
- Can I get medication if I go private?
- Will the NHS accept a private diagnosis?
- Can I get a private assessment paid for by the NHS?
This guide explains the differences between NHS and private diagnosis, backed by data, NICE guidelines, and our own experience at the Autism and ADHD Diagnostic Centre (AADC).
How Long Will You Wait?
NHS Waiting Times
- Autism:
A BBC News investigation (2023) reported that more than 170,000 people were waiting for an autism assessment in England, with some families waiting over two years for an initial appointment.
Source: BBC News – “Autism assessment waiting list tops 170,000”
The latest NHS Digital data (March 2024) confirmed that 143,119 of 172,040 people referred had waited longer than 13 weeks.
Source: NHS Digital – Autism Waiting Time Statistics
- ADHD:
According to the NICE NG87 guidelines, average NHS ADHD waiting times range from 6 months to more than 2 years, depending on local resources.
Source: NICE NG87 – ADHD Guidelines
Private Waiting Times
At AADC, most autism and ADHD assessments are completed in 4–6 weeks. Our internal audit shows 70% of ADHD patients started medication within two weeks of diagnosis (AADC Internal Data, 2024).
2. What Does the Assessment Include?
Both NHS and private providers follow NICE guidelines:
- Autism (NICE CG128): “Assessment should be by a specialist, multidisciplinary team.”
- ADHD (NICE NG87): “Diagnosis should be made by a specialist psychiatrist, paediatrician or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional.”
While NHS services follow these protocols, private assessments often provide longer consultation times, more detailed reports, and guaranteed multidisciplinary sign-off, all of which can be crucial when applying for school or workplace adjustments.
3. Can You Get Medication If You Go Private?
Yes. At AADC, if clinically appropriate:
- You can be prescribed ADHD medication following diagnosis
- Titration (adjusting the dose) and follow-up reviews are included
- 70% of patients begin medication within two weeks of diagnosis
This is significantly faster than NHS pathways, where patients often wait months for a prescribing appointment even after diagnosis.
Once stabilised on medication privately, many patients transition back to NHS prescribing with a shared-care agreement – though this depends on local NHS policies.
4. Can the NHS Pay for a Private Assessment?
Yes, in some areas. NHS organisations can use national frameworks to commission private assessments for patients, which means you get seen privately but the NHS covers the cost.
One example is the Countess of Chester Hospital National FrameworkF097 Flyer v1 (2):
- Provides a fully compliant NHS procurement route for autism and ADHD assessments
- Includes options for direct award contracts
- Covers medication prescribing, titration, and review where appropriate
- Available to all NHS and public sector bodies
If you are stuck on a long waiting list, ask your GP or local NHS Trust whether they use this framework.
5. What Support Comes After Diagnosis?
NHS Support
A National Autistic Society survey (2021) found that 72% of parents felt there was not enough support after an autism diagnosis. Services vary widely between regions.
Source: National Autistic Society – “Too much to wait”
Private Support
At AADC, we provide:
- Comprehensive reports for schools, workplaces, and GPs
- Post-diagnosis coaching for adults and children
- Medication services for ADHD with ongoing follow-ups
This holistic support can make the difference between simply having a diagnosis and actually improving daily life.
6. Is a Private Diagnosis Recognised?
Yes. According to official NHS guidance:
- Private diagnoses are accepted if they follow NICE guidelines and are carried out by qualified clinicians.
- In Scotland, AADC is regulated by Health Improvement Scotland (HIS), and in England, private providers must be CQC-regulated and use GMC-registered clinicians.
Always check that any private clinic meets these standards.
Real Story: Lisa’s Journey
“Lisa’s son had been waiting 18 months for an NHS autism assessment. His school struggles were worsening, and he had started refusing to attend. Lisa contacted us, and within six weeks, he had a confirmed diagnosis, a tailored school support plan, and follow-up coaching sessions. The change in his confidence was immediate.” – AADC Clinical Team
FAQs
How long is the NHS ADHD waiting list in 2025?
It varies by region, with average waits of 6 months to 2 years.
Can I get ADHD medication privately?
Yes, if clinically appropriate. At AADC, 70% of patients start medication within two weeks of diagnosis.
Will my GP accept a private diagnosis?
Yes, provided it follows NICE guidelines. Many patients transfer back to NHS care after diagnosis.
Can I get a private assessment paid for by the NHS?
Yes, through NHS frameworks like the Countess of Chester national framework. Speak to your GP or local NHS Trust.
Does a private diagnosis mean better quality?
Both NHS and private follow NICE guidelines, but private assessments often provide faster appointments, longer consultations, and more detailed reports.
Which Option is Right for You?
If waiting is impacting education, work, or mental health, private diagnosis can provide answers and treatment in weeks, not years.
For those who cannot afford private care, ask your GP about NHS frameworks that allow you to be assessed privately at no cost.
Next Steps
- Contact our team to discuss your options
- Ask about medication services or post-diagnosis coaching
- If you are on an NHS waiting list, speak to your GP about frameworks that could speed things up
AADC CARES – Pathway to Understanding
