ADHD Referral Pathway

If a child is suspected to have ADHD, the special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) at their school is the key point of contact for referral to NHS services. The SENCO can assess the child’s needs, potentially offer support within the school, and if necessary, make a referral to a specialist ADHD assessment service. While a GP can also make a referral, the SENCO’s involvement is often preferred as they can provide crucial information about the child’s learning and behaviour in the school environment. 

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

The role of the SENCO

Assessment and support

SENCOs are trained to identify and support children with special educational needs, including those with ADHD. 

Referral pathway

They can initiate the referral process for ADHD assessment within the NHS system, often via a dedicated Neurodevelopmental Pathway. 

School-based support

SENCOs can implement strategies and interventions within the school setting to help manage ADHD symptoms. 

Referral process

Initial contact

Parents can discuss their concerns with the school’s SENCO. 

Information gathering

The SENCO will gather information about the child’s behaviour and learning difficulties, often through questionnaires and observations. 

Referral to specialist services

If the SENCO, with parental consent, deems it necessary, a referral will be made to a specialist ADHD assessment service. 

GP involvement

The GP can also make a referral, but often, the SENCO’s input is preferred due to their specific knowledge of the child’s educational needs. 

Important Considerations

Waiting lists

Be aware that waiting lists for ADHD assessments can be long. 

Right to choose

In England, you have the right to choose which NHS provider you are referred to, allowing you to potentially access services with shorter waiting times. 

Ongoing support

While waiting for assessment, it’s important to continue providing support at home and in school. 

Other professionals

Other professionals like educational psychologists, therapists, and school nurses may also be involved in the assessment and support process. 

What happens at an ADHD assessment

The assessment will be with one or more ADHD specialists, such as a paediatrician, or a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

The specialist will talk with you and your child to find out more about any symptoms, and about family life. They’ll also ask about your child’s development, such as how old they were when they learned to do things like walking or reading.

There may be some forms to fill in before the appointment or as part of the assessment.

The ADHD specialist will usually contact a SENCO or teacher, or both, to see how your child is doing at school.

They may also ask your child to do a computer-based test to help assess their symptoms.

If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, the specialist will discuss what this means and what happens next, including what treatment and support may be available.

Lifestyle

There are things you can do to help support a child or young person with their ADHD symptoms.

Do

• Make time for physical activities they enjoy, as exercise is a good focus for their energy.
• Encourage them to get regular sleep. The Royal College of Psychiatrists website has advice on dealing with sleep problems.
• Help them to have a healthy, balanced diet and regular mealtimes.
• If some foods and drinks seem to affect their symptoms, keep a food and drink diary to see what these are. You can share this information with their school.

Support at school and at home

Discuss with a SENCO what adjustments or support may help at home and school.

This may include:

• splitting up tasks, like doing homework or sitting down to eat, into 15 to 20 minute slots with a break in between each slot
• giving clear and simple instructions one at a time in a calm voice
• writing a to-do list and putting it somewhere easy to see
• giving praise when a child or young person does well, or making a reward chart

Published: Jun 18, 2025