Autism and ADHD support, advice, and news for families

Waiting for an autism or ADHD assessment can feel overwhelming; the process, the terminology, and the waiting times are rarely explained clearly. Our blog is written by Paloma Health's clinical team to help families in England understand what to expect at every stage: getting an NHS GP referral, using your Right to Choose, preparing for assessment day, and supporting your child once you have an outcome report. Browse the topics below, or get in touch if you have a question we haven't answered yet.
Featured

Are Remote Autism Assessments as Good as In-Person?

Research shows remote autism assessments have the same diagnostic accuracy as in-person. Learn why they're equally rigorous and often less stressful for children.
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Autism Assessments

Are Remote Autism Assessments as Good as In-Person?

Research shows remote autism assessments have the same diagnostic accuracy as in-person. Learn why they're equally rigorous and often less stressful for children.

Read Now
ADHD Assessments & Treatment

ADHD Masking in Children: Why Your Child's School Says They're Fine (But You're Not So Sure)

Does your child mask ADHD at school but struggle at home? Learn why kids hide ADHD symptoms, why teachers might miss it, and what to look for.

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ADHD Assessments & Treatment

How Is ADHD Diagnosed in Children? Step-by-Step Guide

How is ADHD diagnosed in children? A clear walkthrough of the assessment process, who carries it out, and what to expect at each stage.

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ADHD Assessments & Treatment

What Causes ADHD in Children?

What causes ADHD in children? Explore the genetic and environmental factors research points to, and the common myths that aren't supported by evidence.

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ADHD Assessments & Treatment

What Are the Physical Signs of ADHD in Children?

What is ADHD, and what are the physical signs of ADHD in children? A clear guide to the visible symptoms, plus what they don't tell you on their own.

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ADHD Assessments & Treatment

What Is the SNAP-IV Questionnaire? A Guide for Families

What is the SNAP-IV questionnaire, how is it scored, and what does it mean for your child's ADHD assessment? A clear guide for families preparing for a GP referral.

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Autism Assessments

The CAT-Q: Understanding the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire

What is the CAT-Q, who is it for, and what does a high masking score mean? A clear guide to the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire for families.

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Autism Assessments

The AQ-10 Autism Screening Test: A Guide for Families

What is the AQ-10, who is it for, and what does your child's score actually mean? A clear, practical guide for families considering an autism assessment.

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Right to Choose & NHS Referrals

Autism & ADHD Assessment Waiting Times UK: 2026 Family Guide

How long is the wait for an NHS autism or ADHD assessment in 2026? Compare pathway wait times, understand the 18-week rule, and learn how to reduce the wait.

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Right to Choose & NHS Referrals

How to Ask Your GP for a Right to Choose Referral for ADHD & Autism

Learn exactly what to say to your GP to request a Right to Choose referral for your child's ADHD or autism assessment, plus what to do if they say no.

Read Now
Autism Assessments

Are Remote Autism Assessments as Good as In-Person?

Research shows remote autism assessments have the same diagnostic accuracy as in-person. Learn why they're equally rigorous and often less stressful for children.

Read Now
Autism Assessments

The CAT-Q: Understanding the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire

What is the CAT-Q, who is it for, and what does a high masking score mean? A clear guide to the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire for families.

Read Now
Autism Assessments

The AQ-10 Autism Screening Test: A Guide for Families

What is the AQ-10, who is it for, and what does your child's score actually mean? A clear, practical guide for families considering an autism assessment.

Read Now
ADHD Assessments & Treatment

ADHD Masking in Children: Why Your Child's School Says They're Fine (But You're Not So Sure)

Does your child mask ADHD at school but struggle at home? Learn why kids hide ADHD symptoms, why teachers might miss it, and what to look for.

Read Now
ADHD Assessments & Treatment

How Is ADHD Diagnosed in Children? Step-by-Step Guide

How is ADHD diagnosed in children? A clear walkthrough of the assessment process, who carries it out, and what to expect at each stage.

Read Now
ADHD Assessments & Treatment

What Causes ADHD in Children?

What causes ADHD in children? Explore the genetic and environmental factors research points to, and the common myths that aren't supported by evidence.

Read Now
ADHD Assessments & Treatment

What Are the Physical Signs of ADHD in Children?

What is ADHD, and what are the physical signs of ADHD in children? A clear guide to the visible symptoms, plus what they don't tell you on their own.

Read Now
ADHD Assessments & Treatment

What Is the SNAP-IV Questionnaire? A Guide for Families

What is the SNAP-IV questionnaire, how is it scored, and what does it mean for your child's ADHD assessment? A clear guide for families preparing for a GP referral.

Read Now
Right to Choose & NHS Referrals

Autism & ADHD Assessment Waiting Times UK: 2026 Family Guide

How long is the wait for an NHS autism or ADHD assessment in 2026? Compare pathway wait times, understand the 18-week rule, and learn how to reduce the wait.

Read Now
Right to Choose & NHS Referrals

How to Ask Your GP for a Right to Choose Referral for ADHD & Autism

Learn exactly what to say to your GP to request a Right to Choose referral for your child's ADHD or autism assessment, plus what to do if they say no.

Read Now
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For GPs

What Is NHS Right to Choose? A GP's Guide to Referring for ADHD/Autism Assessments

A practical guide for GPs on how NHS Right to Choose works, how to refer children and young people for ADHD or autism assessments, and how Paloma Health supports the process.

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Get in touch

Avoid the long wait for an NHS autism or ADHD assessment

Start your child's autism or ADHD assessment journey with an NHS GP referral to Paloma Health.

Paloma Health is only available in England, and only NHS GPs in England can refer into our service