Are Private Diagnoses Valued in the UK for ADHD and ASC?

In the UK, private diagnoses for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and ASC (Autism Spectrum Condition) are increasingly common due to long waiting times for NHS assessments. While private assessments can offer a quicker route to diagnosis, it is important to understand how these diagnoses are regarded by various institutions, including the NHS, educational settings, and other public services.

​

Private Diagnosis for ADHD and ASC: An Overview

Private assessments for ADHD and ASC are conducted by qualified specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or multidisciplinary teams with expertise in neurodevelopmental conditions. These assessments usually follow the same diagnostic guidelines used by the NHS, including the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines and the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) or ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition) criteria.

​

1. How Private Diagnoses are Regarded by the NHS

• NHS Acceptance: In theory, private diagnoses for ADHD and ASC are valid, as long as they have been carried out by a qualified professional and follow the recognised diagnostic criteria. However, whether or not the NHS will automatically accept a private diagnosis can vary by location and service.

  • Some NHS services may accept a private diagnosis and take over treatment, such as prescribing medication for ADHD or referring the individual to relevant services. However, other NHS services might require the individual to undergo their own assessment process before providing ongoing support.

• Medication: In the case of ADHD, if a private diagnosis includes a recommendation for medication, such as stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate) or non-stimulants (e.g., atomoxetine), an NHS GP may be hesitant to prescribe this medication without an NHS-confirmed diagnosis. In some instances, a shared care agreement may be arranged, allowing the NHS to manage the prescription following a private diagnosis, but this is not guaranteed.

• Referrals and Continuing Care: If further support is needed, such as access to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) or adult mental health services, the NHS may not automatically offer these based on a private diagnosis alone. However, a private diagnosis can still be useful in speeding up the process of obtaining a referral for an NHS assessment.

​

2. Education and EHCPs (Education, Health, and Care Plans

• Schools' Response to Private Diagnoses: In most cases, schools will accept a private diagnosis of ADHD or ASC, especially if it is well-documented and provided by a credible specialist. Once a diagnosis is in place, schools are legally obligated to provide appropriate support under the SEND Code of Practice (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), regardless of whether the diagnosis was obtained privately or through the NHS.

• EHCP Applications: A private diagnosis can be used to support an application for an EHCP, which is a legal document outlining the extra support a child needs in their education. However, some local authorities may still request further assessments by NHS professionals or local authority educational psychologists before agreeing to issue an EHCP. The private diagnosis will, however, play a significant role in highlighting the child’s needs.

​

3. Employment and Workplace Support

• Employers and Private Diagnoses: In the workplace, a private diagnosis of ADHD or ASC is usually accepted when requesting adjustments or support under the Equality Act 2010, which protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination. Once a diagnosis is made, employees can ask for reasonable adjustments, such as flexible working hours, assistive technology, or changes to the work environment.

• Access to Work Scheme: Individuals with a private diagnosis can also apply for the Access to Work scheme, which provides financial and practical support to help neurodivergent individuals succeed in the workplace. A private diagnosis should be sufficient for this purpose, though specific evidence may be required depending on the situation.

​

4. Benefits and Social Services

• Disability Benefits: A private diagnosis for ADHD or ASC is typically accepted when applying for disability benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for adults or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children. However, it is important to provide detailed information on how the condition affects daily life, and supporting evidence from a healthcare professional may still be needed.

• Social Care Support: Local authorities provide services such as respite care or direct payments for families of neurodivergent individuals. While a private diagnosis can be used to access these services, local authorities may request an additional assessment from their own professionals, particularly if a diagnosis was made privately.

​

5. Insurance and Private Health Providers

• Insurance: Private health insurance providers in the UK generally accept private diagnoses for ADHD and ASC when determining coverage for related treatments or interventions. However, some policies may have exclusions for pre-existing conditions, so it’s important to review the terms of the policy.

​

Conclusion: Are Private Diagnoses Valued?

In summary, private diagnoses for ADHD and ASC are generally valued in the UK, especially within education, employment, and some healthcare contexts. However, the degree to which they are accepted by the NHS can vary. While many schools and employers recognise private diagnoses and act on them, accessing NHS treatment and certain public services (such as medication prescriptions or EHCPs) may still require additional steps, such as further assessments by NHS professionals.

​

If you are considering a private diagnosis, it is important to ensure that it is conducted by a reputable and qualified clinician following the same criteria used in NHS assessments. A well-documented private diagnosis can speed up access to support and empower individuals to seek the help they need.

​

At BrightPath Neuro Assessments, we provide thorough and credible assessments for ADHD and ASC in line with national diagnostic guidelines (NICE). We offer clear documentation to support families and individuals in accessing the appropriate services and support, whether through the NHS, education, or other settings. Contact us today to learn more about our assessment services.