Are you a parent or carer? Visit our main NHS Essex Assessments page for information about how to access this service.
GP Referral Guide - NHS Essex Children's Assessments
Refer patients aged 6-18 for NHS-funded ADHD and autism assessments. Commissioned by Essex ICB. Assessments delivered by a multidisciplinary team. No cost to the family.
NHS-Funded Service
What We Assess Under This Contract
ADHD Assessment
Comprehensive clinical assessment following NICE NG87. Delivered by a multidisciplinary team.
Ages 6-18Autism Assessment
ADOS-2 gold standard for every assessment. Follows NICE CG128.
Ages 6-18Dual Assessment (ADHD + Autism)
Combined process. Avoids separate referrals and reduces time to diagnosis.
Ages 6-18ADHD Medication Titration
For patients with an existing ADHD diagnosis. Regular monitoring until stable.
Existing diagnosis requiredHow to Submit a Referral
Complete the referral form, then submit through the e-Referral Service.
Download and Complete the Referral Form
Download the referral form using the button below. The form includes a parent/carer section and a GP section. If the parent has already completed their section, the GP section can usually be completed during a standard consultation.
Refer via the e-Referral Service (e-RS)
Submit the completed referral form and supporting documentation through the e-Referral Service. Search for The Private Therapy Clinic and select the appropriate assessment type (ADHD, autism, or dual).
Eligibility Criteria
For a referral to be accepted, all of the following must apply:
- ✓ The patient is aged between 6 and 18
- ✓ Registered with a GP practice in the Essex ICB area
- ✓ The patient lives in Essex
- ✓ Clinically appropriate outpatient referral for neurodevelopmental assessment (ADHD, autism, or both)
Referrals that do not meet these criteria will be returned.
What to Include With the Referral
- Completed referral form - parent/carer section and GP section
- Brief clinical summary or referral letter outlining presenting concerns
- Relevant medical history, including current medications
- Previous assessment reports if applicable (e.g. educational psychology, speech and language therapy)
What Happens After You Refer
Initial contact
We contact the family to acknowledge receipt and explain next steps.
Within 48 hoursInformation gathering
Questionnaires sent to parent/carer and to the child's school. Assessment cannot proceed until all documentation is returned. Our clinical team screens all submitted information before the appointment to ensure the assessment is a good fit for the child.
Clinical triage
Our clinical team reviews all submitted information to confirm appropriateness and plan the assessment.
Assessment
The developmental history interview with the parent or carer is conducted online. The child's assessment appointment is usually in person at our clinic in Essex, though online assessments can be facilitated where clinically appropriate.
Assessment offered within 2 weeks of referralMultidisciplinary team review
Our multidisciplinary team reviews all documentation, assessment recordings, and results to reach a diagnostic conclusion.
Outcome and report
Diagnosis communicated to the family by the parent interviewer via an outcome call. Written diagnostic report sent to referring GP.
Diagnosis within 4 weeks · Report within 6 weeksWhat You Receive After the Assessment
Following the assessment, we send the referring GP:
- ✓ A comprehensive written diagnostic report, including assessment methodology, clinical findings, diagnostic conclusions, and rationale
- ✓ Treatment recommendations and suggested next steps
- ✓ If ADHD is diagnosed and medication initiated: medication initiation plan, titration updates, and shared care agreement request once stable
Our Clinical Approach
All assessments are delivered by a multidisciplinary team following NICE clinical guidelines.
- ✓ Detailed developmental and clinical history
- ✓ Standardised rating scales and questionnaires
- ✓ Direct clinical observation, including ADOS-2 for every autism assessment
- ✓ Informant reports from parents/carers and educational settings
Private Therapy Clinic was founded in 2011 by Dr Becky Spelman, Clinical Director.
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