ADHD Assessments
Navigating the pathway to support can be complex. At Paloma Health, we provide the expert, NICE-compliant assessments your family needs to unlock the right support.
As an NHS-commissioned service, any NHS GP in England can refer your child to us. Speak with your NHS GP today about requesting a referral to Paloma Health.
How our service works
Paloma Health is only available in England, and only NHS GPs in England can refer into our service
NHS GP referral
To begin the process, your NHS GP will need to refer your child to us.
We’re happy to support your GP with any questions they may have.
The assessment
Our ADHD assessments follow NICE and NHS guidelines and carried out by a qualified assessor, then reviewed by our Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), where an expert clinician collaborates on the final diagnostic decision.
The process includes:
- Parent and school questionnaires, which must be received before we book in the assessment appointment.
- Parent and young person interview
We’ll keep you informed at each stage so you always know what to expect.
The outcome
At the end of the assessment, you will receive a clear, easy-to-understand outcome report, including a diagnosis if appropriate.
If your child needs medication for ADHD, they will move into our ADHD prescribing pathway for further assessment and treatment if appropriate.
As an NHS provider, we will also securely share the outcome report and any ongoing treatment plan with your GP, ensuring continuity of care.
Compassionate experts
You may have been waiting a long time for an assessment, and it’s normal if you feel nervous or anxious about this important moment. Rest assured, you can expect the highest quality care. We work with a variety of experienced professionals who will guide you and your family toward the clarity you need.
Maria
I'm a Clinical Psychologist with over a decade of experience in ASD and ADHD assessments. I love what I do, and for me, assessments aren’t just about ticking boxes—they’re about really understanding each child and making sure families get the support they need.
Nichola
I’m a qualified and registered Social Worker with the SSSC. Over the years, I have worked with people of different ages, from infants to the elderly, in various contexts. I am passionate about helping neurodivergent people feel validated and listened to. I have a keen interest in masking behaviours and the more subtle autism presentations.
Shona
Exploring, identifying and supporting understanding of autism has been part of my Speech and Language Therapy role since I qualified in 2013. I believe strongly in individuals having the opportunity to understand themselves and their life experiences at the right time for them, and - regardless of the outcome - they should come out of assessment feeling heard, understood, validated and ultimately empowered.
What to expect during the assessment
If you suspect your child might have ADHD, we understand how emotional and overwhelming this time can be. Here's what you can expect during the assessment.
Once you start the assessment, you will have access to our an Paloma Portal with valuable ADHD-related information and support, curated by our clinicians.
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ADHD assessment wait times
We understand that waiting for an NHS ADHD assessment can be an uncertain time for families, and we want to give you as much information as possible.
Our current wait times for an NHS ADHD assessment and treatment are below:
● ADHD assessment (from receiving social context to first appointment): 7 weeks
● ADHD treatment: 12 weeks
In general, we book children in order, based on the date of GP referral. However, some NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) have placed restrictions that may affect when you receive your appointment.
The following ICBs have placed funding limits on the number of patients we can see before 31st March 2027. While we are still able to accept referrals for these areas, we have had to pause the delivery of assessments until after the 1st April 2027.
● Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB
● Greater Manchester ICB
● North East and North Cumbria ICB
● Thames Valley ICB
The following ICB's have imposed a 14 week minimum wait time from referral to first appointment. We are still able to accept referrals and deliver assessments in these areas.
● Devon ICB
● Dorset ICB
● Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB
Our top priority is always to provide a high-quality, thorough assessment for your child to help them receive the support they need.
Why parents choose Paloma Health
100% NHS-Funded Care
As an official NHS Right to Choose provider, our high-quality Autism and ADHD services come at no cost to your family.
Timely Access to Care
Our remote pathway provides first appointments approximately 12 weeks after NHS GP referral.
Expert & Safe Clinical Care
Assessments are conducted by highly-qualified, multidisciplinary specialists, and neurodevelopmental assessors.
Trusted, NHS-Approved Reports
Your child's outcome report will be
recognised and accepted by schools, local authorities and other NHS services.
Clear, Supportive Communication
We provide you with regular updates , ensuring you always know the next steps in your child's assessment journey.
Requesting a Right to Choose referral
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Prepare for your GP Appointment
Complete the SNAP-IV pre-screening questionnaire.
Collect school reports, direct teacher feedback regarding attention and behaviour, SENCO notes, or any other supporting medical documents.
Please also note down specific examples of where focus, restlessness, or impulsivity impact your child's daily life across different settings (e.g., at home, at school, and during extracurricular activities).
To help you navigate this process, we have created a comprehensive referral document. This step-by-step guide is designed to make your preparation as smooth as possible and gives you clear, actionable advice on what to do if your GP refuses to make a referral.
Know your right to choose
We have also provided a downloadable letter template that you can customise and send directly to your GP practice to request your childs autism assessment referral under the NHS Right to Choose pathway to Paloma Health
Expertise you can trust, care you can feel
With a 4.9/5 rating on both Google and Trustpilot, Paloma Health is proud to be one of the highest-rated NHS Right to Choose autism services in the country, dedicated to providing a warm and thorough experience for every family.
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