Scotland: Start with your GP

NHS inform says to speak to your GP practice if you think you may have ADHD and it is having a negative effect on your life.

Scotland: No standard approach

It says Scotland has no standard approach to assess ADHD: how you will be assessed depends on which health board area you live in.

It says waiting lists for assessments can be very long. It gives no figure.

Scotland: Private assessments

It warns that your local NHS health board or GP practice may not accept the outcome of a private assessment.

Wales: Children’s target

The article refers to the Welsh Government’s target that 80% of children and young people should receive an assessment within 26 weeks, and suggests services are not meeting it.

It says there is currently no waiting time policy or target for adults.

In June 2023, 67% of children and young people had been waiting for 26 weeks or more for an ADHD or autism assessment, with 45% having waited over a year.

Northern Ireland: Start with a doctor

nidirect says that if you are concerned about your child’s behaviour or health you should tell your doctor, who may refer your child to a specialist. It says most children are diagnosed when they are between six and twelve years old.

ADHD assessment in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Each UK nation runs its own NHS. NHS Right to Choose for ADHD is set out in NHS England’s rules for the NHS in England; Docorix has not found an official equivalent in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. In each nation the sources below say to start with your GP or doctor.

Docorix read the official pages named on this page on 30 October 2026. This is information, not medical advice, and Docorix is not part of the NHS and cannot make or speed up a referral. Waiting times, caps and provider lists change without notice: confirm with your GP and the provider before you rely on anything here.

Scotland

From NHS inform, the public information service of NHS Scotland.

Start with your GP: NHS inform says to speak to your GP practice if you think you may have ADHD and it is having a negative effect on your life.
Source: NHS inform (Scotland) – ADHD in adults
No standard approach: It says Scotland has no standard approach to assess ADHD: how you will be assessed depends on which health board area you live in.
Source: NHS inform (Scotland) – ADHD in adults
Waits: It says waiting lists for assessments can be very long. It gives no figure.
Source: NHS inform (Scotland) – ADHD in adults
Private assessments: It warns that your local NHS health board or GP practice may not accept the outcome of a private assessment.
Source: NHS inform (Scotland) – ADHD in adults

Wales

From Senedd Research, the Welsh Parliament’s research service, 7 November 2024. Check for newer figures.

Children’s target: The article refers to the Welsh Government’s target that 80% of children and young people should receive an assessment within 26 weeks, and suggests services are not meeting it.
Source: Senedd Research – The growing demand for ADHD and autism assessments in Wales (7 November 2024)
Adults: It says there is currently no waiting time policy or target for adults.
Source: Senedd Research – The growing demand for ADHD and autism assessments in Wales (7 November 2024)
How many wait: In June 2023, 67% of children and young people had been waiting for 26 weeks or more for an ADHD or autism assessment, with 45% having waited over a year.
Source: Senedd Research – The growing demand for ADHD and autism assessments in Wales (7 November 2024)

Northern Ireland

From nidirect, the Northern Ireland government’s public services site.

Start with a doctor: nidirect says that if you are concerned about your child’s behaviour or health you should tell your doctor, who may refer your child to a specialist. It says most children are diagnosed when they are between six and twelve years old.
Source: nidirect – Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Adults: The nidirect page does not set out how an adult gets assessed, and Docorix has not found an official page that does. Ask your GP practice what is available.
Source: nidirect – Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Right to Choose

Described for England: NHS England’s patient choice guidance explains the choices, including legal rights, that patients have in the NHS in England.
Source: NHS England – Patient choice guidance (published 19 December 2023)
Not in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland: NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board says Right to Choose applies to NHS individuals in England but does not cover Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Docorix has not found an official page setting out an equivalent right to choose an independent ADHD provider in those nations.
Source: NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board – Right to Choose referrals for ADHD or autism

Sources

NHS inform (Scotland) – ADHD in adults Senedd Research – The growing demand for ADHD and autism assessments in Wales (7 November 2024)nidirect – Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)NHS England – Patient choice guidance (published 19 December 2023)NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board – Right to Choose referrals for ADHD or autism

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