Services
Gloucestershire Adult Autism and ADHD Service
The Adult Autism and ADHD Service provides initial assessment and diagnosis for adults in Gloucestershire whose symptoms are consistent with an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Adult ADHD Diagnostic Service
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is marked by an ongoing pattern (from childhood) of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that has a negative impact on your education, work, or social functioning.
For ADHD to be diagnosed, symptoms of significant inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms must be present before the age of 12 – typically by early to mid-childhood.
You can find out more about ADHD on the NHS website.
You can self-refer to the Adult ADHD Diagnostic Service using the referral form below.
What we offer
We offer a diagnostic and follow-up service for adults who live in Gloucestershire and do not currently have a diagnosis of ADHD. If you are diagnosed in our service, you will be offered a follow-up appointment to start medication before we ask your GP to continue treatment.
Please note, our service is not an emergency or crisis service. Opening times: Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm
Referral process
As well as self-referrals, we accept referrals from GPs and other Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust colleagues (e.g. the Mental Health Intermediate Care Team (MHICT), Gloucestershire Recovery in Psychosis (GRiP), recovery teams, inpatient wards and eating disorder teams). We cannot accept self-referrals.
Please speak with your GP or the mental health practitioner at your GP surgery. The mental health practitioner can offer a longer appointment and, if necessary, will also be able to advise on strategies and support for any mental health difficulties you may be experiencing.
The referral process includes an informant questionnaire, which we ask you to give to someone who has known you for a long time, ideally since childhood (i.e. a parent, carer, older sibling, aunt, uncle, childhood friend). This is because ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, and part of the diagnostic criteria is that the features must be present in early childhood. However, if you do not have anyone who can give a good report on your childhood, we will consider information from a partner, spouse, or friend – although that would not be adequate to have all information necessary for a definitive diagnosis.
Adult Autism Assessment Service
The Adult Autism Assessment Service offers assessment and diagnosis to those aged 18 and over and living in Gloucestershire who do not currently have a diagnosis of autism. Each assessment takes place over one or two appointments lasting up to three-and-a-half hours each. If a diagnosis is given, you will be offered a place on a seven-session post-diagnostic group, which will help you to understand autism and suggest useful coping strategies for living well as an autistic person.
We also offer an assessment with one of our occupational therapists, who will look at any challenges with work/education/daily living skills, with particular focus on managing difficulties with sensory processing and difficulties with executive function.
You can find out more about autism on the NHS website.
You can self-refer to the Adult ADHD Diagnostic Service using the referral form below.
Considering if a referral is right for you
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, with a set of very specific diagnostic criteria. It is worth noting that most people who come for an autism assessment will not be diagnosed with autism, even though they may be experiencing significant challenges in their lives.
We are aware that it can be distressing when the outcome of the assessment does not align with your view of your difficulties. However, there are many reasons why people might experience difficulties, and we strongly encourage you to remain open-minded to all outcomes prior to assessment.
We are here to provide you with our clinical opinion. We may recommend referral to other services if this is indicated.
Referral process
As well as self-referrals, we accept referrals from GPs and other Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust colleagues (e.g. the Mental Health Intermediate Care Team (MHICT), Gloucestershire Recovery in Psychosis (GRiP), recovery teams, inpatient wards and eating disorder teams).
Please speak with your GP or the mental health practitioner at your GP surgery. The mental health practitioner can offer a longer appointment and, if necessary, will also be able to advise on strategies and support for any mental health difficulties you may be experiencing.
The referral process includes an informant questionnaire, which we ask you to give to someone who has known you for a long time, ideally since childhood (i.e. a parent, carer, older sibling, aunt, uncle, childhood friend). This is because autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, and part of the diagnostic criteria is that the features must be present in early childhood. However, if you do not have anyone who can give a good report on your childhood, we will consider information from a partner, spouse, or friend – although that would not be adequate to have all information necessary for a definitive diagnosis.
