Compare Costs, Wait Times, Pros & Cons
Across the UK, demand for ADHD and autism assessments has never been higher — but NHS waiting lists often stretch into months or even years. For many families, this delay means children and adults go without the clarity, support, or treatment they urgently need.
But one question often comes up: “Will a private ADHD assessment be NHS approved?”
At PrivateADHD.co.uk, every assessment is carried out by GMC-registered Consultant Psychiatrists, compliant with NICE guidelines, C QC-registered and fully recognised by the NHS. Initial appointments are available in just 1-5 days, so you can access the help you need fast.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- Which private ADHD and autism assessments are NHS approved
- NHS wait times vs. private assessment wait times
- How much private ADHD assessments cost
- How PrivateADHD.co.uk delivers NHS & NICE-compliant assessments with cost-effective, transparent pricing
Let’s dive in!
Affordable & Transparent Pricing with No Hidden Fees
ADHD Assessments: £495 (inc. VAT)
Autism Assessments: £695 (inc. VAT)
Are Private ADHD Assessments NHS Approved?
One of the most common concerns for anyone considering a private ADHD assessment is whether the diagnosis will be recognised by the NHS. Many people worry that after paying for a private service, their GP may not accept the report or agree to prescribe medication.
At PrivateADHD.co.uk, you can be confident that your diagnosis will be NHS-compliant. Here’s what our diagnostic process is based on:
- All assessments are led by GMC-registered Consultant Psychiatrists – Doctors trained to consultant level in the NHS and members of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
- We are CQC (Care Quality Commission) registered and operate as a doctor-led mental health service, ensuring quality and patient safety.
- We follow strict NICE guidelines and DSM-5 criteria – The exact same diagnostic standards used across NHS services.
- Clinically validated tools are used throughout – Including structured clinical interviews and standardised diagnostic scales.
- 95% GP Shared Care acceptance rate – Meaning in almost all cases, GPs accept our reports and take over prescription management once medication is stabilised.
Choosing a provider that doesn’t follow NICE guidance can result in GPs rejecting the diagnosis — leaving patients unable to access NHS prescriptions.
With PrivateADHD.co.uk, you get the reassurance that your assessment is both accurate and NHS-approved, ensuring smooth transition into ongoing NHS care.
Discover more about our comprehensive private ADHD assessments & book your initial consultation today.
Is Your Private Autism Assessment Accepted by the NHS?
Just like with ADHD, many families considering a private autism assessment worry about whether their diagnosis will be recognised by the NHS. This concern is valid — not all private providers use the gold-standard tools and processes required for NHS acceptance.
At PrivateADHD.co.uk, our autism assessments are fully NHS-compliant and carried out by specialists using internationally recognised diagnostic methods. Here’s what that means in practice:
- Gold-standard diagnostic tools – We use the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) and ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview), which are considered the benchmark assessments worldwide.
- Adapted for adults and children – Ensuring accuracy across all age groups, including presentations that can be harder to identify in adults.
- Two professional consultations included – Every autism assessment involves more than one clinician, which is why the cost is higher (£695) compared to ADHD assessments.
- Full compliance with NICE guidelines – Our reports meet NHS standards, giving families reassurance that their diagnosis is recognised.
- Reports accepted by GPs and NHS services – Meaning you can use your private autism diagnosis to access appropriate support and services without unnecessary barriers.
As per NHS guidance, the waiting list for ADHD assessments can range from several months to several years. With PrivateADHD.co.uk, you can gain clarity within weeks, with diagnostic reports delivered in as little as 3–5 working days after consultation.
By choosing a provider that follows the correct clinical standards, you gain peace of mind that your private autism assessment will be accepted by the NHS and trusted by your GP.
Discover more about our comprehensive private autism assessments & book your initial consultation today.
How Do NHS Wait Times & Private Wait Times Compare?
A 2024 BBC investigation revealed that it would take 8 years to clear the NHS backlog for adult ADHD assessments. Even in regions with better provision, waiting 12–24 months is common.
For autism assessments, waiting times are often just as challenging. In fact, NHS England has admitted that more than 143,000 people were waiting for an autism assessment as of late 2023, with most waiting well over the 13-week target.
By contrast, PrivateADHD.co.uk offers appointments within 1-5 days of enquiry, with initial consultations often available in just 2–3 days. Diagnostic reports are typically provided in 3–5 working days, meaning families can move from first contact to confirmed diagnosis in a matter of weeks — not years.
Here’s a breakdown of the waiting times for a private assessment against an NHS ADHD assessment:
Service | NHS ADHD/Autism Assessment | PrivateADHD.co.uk Assessment |
Average wait for initial appointment | 12-24 months (sometimes up to 5 years) | 1-5 days |
Time to receive diagnostic report | Often several weeks after assessment | 3-5 working days, with a tailored treatment plan to suit |
Overall time from referral to report | 1-5 years | 1-2 weeks |
Why Choose PrivateADHD.co.uk Over Other Providers?
A valuable ADHD assessment relies on who carries it out, how quickly you’re seen, and whether your diagnosis will be accepted by the NHS. At PrivateADHD.co.uk, we combine speed, affordability, and medical expertise to deliver care you can trust.
Here’s why thousands of patients have chosen us for their private ADHD assessment or private autism assessment:
- Fast access – Initial appointments available in 2–3 days, with full assessments usually within 2–4 weeks. Reports are delivered in just 3–5 working days, compared with months or years of waiting on the NHS.
- Affordable and transparent pricing – ADHD assessments from £495 and autism assessments from £695, with no hidden fees. Our online model keeps costs below market rates without compromising quality.
- Expert-led assessments – Every diagnosis is carried out by GMC-registered Consultant Psychiatrists, all NHS-trained and many with over 20 years’ experience. This ensures your report is both clinically accurate and NHS-compliant.
- Fully online and nationwide – Secure video consultations mean you can access care from anywhere in the UK, without the stress of travel or waiting rooms.
- Medication prescribing and management – if ADHD is diagnosed, we can prescribe medication and support you through titration. With a 95% GP Shared Care agreement acceptance rate, your NHS GP is highly likely to take over prescriptions once you’re stable.
Too often, families who choose other private providers discover that their GP will not accept the diagnosis or manage prescriptions — leaving them stuck paying privately for medication indefinitely.
At PrivateADHD.co.uk, our 95% Shared Care acceptance rate and strict adherence to NICE guidelines mean your care is trusted, recognised, and supported by the NHS. When it comes to your health, you don’t just need fast answers — you need answers that last.
How Much Does A Private ADHD Assessment Cost?
One of the main differences between a private ADHD assessment and an NHS ADHD assessment is cost versus wait time. While NHS assessments are free at the point of use, families often face months or even years on a waiting list, delaying diagnosis and access to treatment.
At PrivateADHD.co.uk, we’ve made our private assessment process as affordable and transparent as possible:
- ADHD assessments (adults and children): £495 including VAT
- Includes pre-assessment questionnaires, full consultation with a GMC-registered psychiatrist, and your written diagnostic report.
- No hidden fees — everything is included in the price.
- Autism assessments (adults and children): £695 including VAT
- Includes two professional consultations and gold-standard tools (ADOS-2 and ADI-R), providing a comprehensive, NHS-compliant diagnosis.
Because our service is delivered fully online, we reduce overheads like building rental and pass those savings directly to patients. That’s why our prices are often lower than other private providers while maintaining the highest clinical standards.
PrivateADHD.co.uk: NHS Standards, Private Speed
You don’t have to choose between speed and quality. With PrivateADHD.co.uk, you get the reassurance of NHS standards with the speed and convenience of private care — all from the comfort of your home.
Book your private ADHD diagnosis or autism assessment today from just £495.
Appointments are available nationwide, with expert psychiatrists ready to help you or your child gain clarity and support without the long wait.
Email: admin@privateadhd.co.uk
Phone: 0800 054 8042
Your diagnosis should give you answers — not more questions. At Private ADHD, we make sure it does.
