NHS Support and Advice in the UK
## Finding a starting point
It can be difficult to know where to begin when you are looking for health advice, an assessment or ongoing support. You do not need to have all the answers before asking for help.
This page offers starting points and questions to help you find the relevant information. Services, referral routes and availability differ across the UK, so check the arrangements where you live.
## Speak to your GP about what is affecting everyday life
If you have concerns about your health, or think autism or ADHD may be affecting everyday life, your GP or relevant local service can explain possible next steps.
Before an appointment, it may help to write down:
- what you are finding difficult and how long it has been happening;
- examples from home, education, work or relationships;
- what you have already tried and whether it helped;
- the questions you would like answered.
You can ask whether written information, a quieter appointment time or another communication adjustment is available. If it would help, ask about bringing someone you trust.
## Exploring an autism or ADHD assessment
An assessment is a way to explore whether autism or ADHD may explain some of your experiences and what support may be appropriate. The route depends on your age, location and circumstances.
Useful introductions include :
NHS autism assessment information
NHS ADHD information for adults
NHS ADHD information for children and young people
Ask who will make the referral, how you will know it has been received and whom to contact with questions. Waiting times vary; the relevant service is the best place to ask about its current arrangements.
## Patient choice in England
For some NHS referrals in England, you may have a right to choose an eligible provider. This is often described as “Right to Choose”. It can include independent providers delivering the relevant NHS-funded service.
Eligibility and exceptions apply. An NHS-funded referral is different from booking and paying privately. Ask the person referring you about your options and read the NHS guidance on patient choice
There is extra support for UK Military serving and UK Military veterans - known as the Military Covenant. Further information can be found in the HM Gov website.
## Practical support while you are waiting
You can ask about practical help while an assessment or referral is being explored. Some everyday adjustments can be discussed without waiting for a diagnosis, although particular services and formal support arrangements may have eligibility requirements.
Depending on the situation, you might explore clearer written instructions, fewer interruptions, more predictable routines or access to a quieter space. Our [Sensory Advice page](https://frisson8.co.uk/pages/sensory-advice) and [Educational Support page](https://frisson8.co.uk/pages/uk-educational-support) offer ideas to consider.
Start with what feels difficult and what the person would find helpful. There is no requirement to buy a sensory product.
## Questions about medicines and ongoing care
Ask your prescriber or pharmacist about medicine instructions, side effects, availability or prescription costs. If you are worried about running out of a prescribed medicine, contact them rather than changing the medicine or dose yourself.
For ADHD medicines, ask who is responsible for prescribing, monitoring and specialist reviews. If shared care between a specialist and GP is proposed, confirm whether both have agreed to the arrangement. NHS information about ADHD medicines and shared care
If you are considering paying for an assessment, our Private Assessment and Support page includes questions about ongoing care and costs.
## Information for your part of the UK
- **England:**
- **Scotland:**
- **Wales:**
- **Northern Ireland:** N I Direct - health and wellbeing information
These sites provide routes to official health information and services. Check the relevant local information rather than assuming the same arrangements apply throughout the UK.
## Where Frisson8 can help
Frisson8 offers general information and signposting, not medical advice or an assessment service. You are welcome to contact us if you would like help finding the relevant part of our Support Hub.
Please do not wait for a Frisson8 reply if you need urgent medical help. Use the appropriate urgent health service where you live; in a life-threatening emergency, call 999.
Return to the Support Hub