Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder (ADD/ADHD)

Current diagnosis

If you already have a full diagnosis, you will be allocated a named adviser within the Accessibility and Wellbeing Team. You will need to provide a copy of your report so that we can discuss your support with you.

Getting an assessment

If you require an assessment for Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder (ADD/ADHD) or Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC), you will need to make an appointment to see your UK doctor/GP who will be able to make a specialist referral if this is appropriate.

When this referral has been made, if you are registered with a UK doctor and are eligible for NHS services, in most cases you have the legal right to choose the hospital or service you would like to go to. This can improve waiting times. This may include private hospitals if they provide services to the NHS. For example, information for private providers of ADHD and ASC diagnosis can be found on ADHD UK’s website. This may be especially useful if NHS waiting lists exceed the usual 18-week NHS limit (this waiting limit may be subject to change so please check current information), as you may have the opportunity to access other NHS or eligible private services earlier.

Support whilst waiting for diagnosis

We can now consider reasonable adjustments for students who are on an assessment pathway and where there are expected lengthy waiting lists for the appointment. You will need to provide us with supporting evidence of your difficulties or proof of your referral. To discuss please contact us at include@essex.ac.uk