Across the UK, families are facing one of the toughest challenges when it comes to supporting children with suspected ADHD or autism: the wait for an NHS assessment. While the NHS provides excellent care in many areas, the demand for neurodevelopmental assessments has outpaced resources, leaving parents in limbo for months—or even years.
This growing pressure has sparked a surge in families choosing a private autism or ADHD assessment. Not only do private routes cut down waiting times dramatically, but many parents are also finding that the level of service, flexibility, and post-diagnostic support can be a better fit for their child’s needs.
In this article, we’ll explore why more people are turning to private assessments, the pros and cons, and what parents need to know before taking the next step.
The Challenge of NHS Waiting Times
For many families, the journey begins with their GP. Parents raise concerns about behaviours such as difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, social struggles, sensory sensitivities, or emotional regulation challenges. From there, a referral for an NHS autism or ADHD assessment is often made.
But then comes the wait.
- In some parts of the UK, children can wait 18 months to 2 years for an autism assessment.
- ADHD referrals have also surged in recent years, with waits commonly exceeding 12–24 months depending on the local authority.
- During this time, children may continue to struggle at school, face challenges with friendships, or experience increased anxiety without the right support.
For parents, the uncertainty can feel overwhelming. A diagnosis doesn’t just offer clarity—it often unlocks access to school-based accommodations, therapy, and wider support. Waiting years for that clarity can be devastating.
It’s this gap that’s driving more parents to explore private ADHD and autism assessments in the UK.
Why Families Choose Private Assessments
1. Speed and Accessibility
The most obvious advantage is speed. Many private providers can offer an initial consultation within weeks, with full assessments completed in 2–8 weeks—a fraction of the NHS timeline.
For parents whose children are struggling daily, that speed can be life-changing. It allows them to put strategies in place sooner, approach schools with confidence, and access therapies without long delays.
2. Consistency of Care
On the NHS, families may meet different clinicians throughout the process, which can feel disjointed. Private assessments often ensure continuity with the same specialist across consultations, assessments, and feedback. This not only builds trust but also helps children feel more comfortable.
3. Comprehensive Reports
A thorough private autism or ADHD assessment usually includes:
- Developmental history interviews with parents or carers
- Use of gold-standard diagnostic tools such as ADOS-2 (for autism) and structured ADHD assessments
- Input from teachers or schools where possible
- A full written report with recommendations for support at home and school
These reports are detailed, practical, and often easier to share with educational settings to support EHCP applications or classroom adjustments.
4. Better Communication and Flexibility
Parents frequently highlight how private providers offer more time for questions, longer appointments, and more personalised attention. Appointments can also be scheduled around family commitments, often with remote or hybrid options available.
5. Post-Diagnosis Support
Diagnosis is only the first step. Many private services offer additional support such as parent coaching, therapy referrals, or guidance on school rights and SEN provision. While the NHS also provides some support, demand often limits the depth and consistency of these services.
The Cost of Private Assessments
The biggest drawback is cost. Private assessments in the UK typically range from £1,200 to £3,500 depending on the provider, location, and whether both autism and ADHD are assessed together.
For many families, this is a significant investment. However, some providers offer instalment payment plans, and a growing number of parents see it as a worthwhile expense given the speed and quality of service compared to long NHS waits.
Are Private Diagnoses Recognised?
One common concern for parents is whether a private diagnosis will be accepted by schools or the NHS.
The answer is: it depends on the provider.
If the assessment follows NICE guidelines and uses recognised diagnostic tools, most schools will accept the report as evidence of need. Local NHS trusts may vary, but many also recognise these reports—especially when assessments are completed by registered psychiatrists, psychologists, or paediatricians.
Parents considering a private ADHD or autism assessment should always check that the provider follows NICE standards and has experienced, accredited clinicians on their team.
The Emotional Impact on Families
For many parents, the decision to go private is not just about logistics—it’s about peace of mind. The waiting game on the NHS can heighten stress, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness.
By securing a private assessment, families often report:
- Relief in having answers sooner
- Increased confidence when advocating for their child in school
- A better understanding of their child’s needs and strengths
- A sense of control after months (or years) of uncertainty
For children themselves, an earlier diagnosis can mean they understand themselves better, feel validated, and gain access to tailored support that helps them thrive.
Balancing the NHS and Private Pathways
It’s worth noting that going private doesn’t always mean cutting ties with the NHS. Some families use a private diagnosis to unlock immediate support while keeping their NHS referral in place. Others use private assessments to fast-track answers and then share results with their GP or school to ensure continuity.
This “dual pathway” approach allows parents to combine the strengths of both systems—speed and service from the private route, plus ongoing NHS support for medication or therapies.
Choosing the Right Provider
If you’re considering a private autism or ADHD assessment in the UK, here are some tips:
- Check credentials – Ensure the clinicians are HCPC-registered psychologists or GMC-registered psychiatrists/paediatricians.
- Ask about tools – Confirm the use of gold-standard assessments such as ADOS-2 for autism.
- Review sample reports – A good provider will show you what their final reports look like.
- Consider aftercare – Ask if they provide post-diagnostic support, guidance for schools, or follow-up appointments.
- Read reviews – Other parents’ experiences can give insight into the quality of service.
The Future of Autism and ADHD Assessments in the UK
As awareness of autism and ADHD grows, so too does demand for assessments. Unless NHS funding and resources significantly increase, long waiting lists are likely to remain a reality for the foreseeable future.
Private assessments, like those available through Atypically, are increasingly filling this gap. They provide families with faster access, greater flexibility, and detailed support when they need it most.
While the costs can be high, the benefits—clarity, early intervention, and peace of mind—are driving more parents across the UK to choose this route.
Final Thoughts
The decision to pursue a private autism or ADHD assessment is deeply personal, often shaped by urgency, financial capacity, and the unique needs of each child.
For families stuck on NHS waiting lists, the private pathway offers something invaluable: time reclaimed. Instead of waiting years for answers, children can receive the understanding and support they need within weeks. And for many parents, that’s not just worth the investment—it’s priceless.