- 01753 373 244 | 0800 999 1342 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
- gems.4health@nhs.net
In the UK, families with autism or ADHD may encounter a variety of professionals throughout their journey of diagnosis, treatment, and support. Here are some key professionals you might interact with:
General Practitioner (GP): GPs are involved in most young peoples lives. They can refer you for diagnosis and further support. They may be involved in medication support and supporting other symptoms.
Paediatricians: Paediatricians manage medical conditions that affect children and young people. Often they can be involved in the diagnostic journey.
Child Psychiatrists: Medical doctors who specialise in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in children. Including prescribing medications.
Child psychologists: Can be included in the diagnosis of ADHD and autism, provide therapy, and conduct psychological assessments. Provides various supportive therapies for emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Neurologists: May be involved in diagnosing and treating neurological aspects of ADHD and autism.
Nurse Practitioners (Including mental health nurses): Can be involved in the referral for diagnoses of ADHD and autism. You may also be in contact with them for symptom management or further referrals.
Dentist: Diagnoses and treats issues related to teeth and gums, providing preventive care and treatments of oral issues. Some dentists are well-versed in supporting neurodiverse children and in some areas specialist SEN dentist practices exist.
Dietitians: Dietitians are the only formally qualified and regulated health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional concerns.
Special Education Teachers: Teachers who specialise in special needs education and have knowledge to adapt to children with additional learning needs.
Teaching assistants/1:1 support: TA’s that work with a child in and out of the class room to help them engage at school.
School Psychologists: Assess and support students within the school environment.
Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs): Coordinate special educational needs support, activities and services in schools. SENCOs help gain Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and ensure they are implemented within school.
Occupational Therapists (OT): Help children develop skills for daily living and improve fine motor skills. They may support with sensory issues and in some cases eating concerns.
Speech and Language Therapists (SALT): Address communication difficulties often associated with autism and sometimes ADHD. SALTs may also support with eating difficulties.
Cognitive Behavioural therapists (CBT): Helps children understand and change negative thoughts that make them feel upset or act in unhelpful ways.
Play therapist: Therapist who helps children express themselves through play. This approach can enhance social skills, communication, and emotional regulation for those with autism. It can support better focus and impulse control for those with ADHD.
Music therapist: Uses music and instruments as a therapeutic tool to improve communication, social skills, and emotional regulation.
Art therapist: Someone who provides a non-verbal approach to communication and expressing emotions through creating art.
ADHD Coaches: Provide practical advice on planning, organization, and time management for children with ADHD.
Autism Specialists: Professionals who specialize in autism-specific interventions and support.
Sleep Specialist: Provides supports and treatment for chronic sleep issues.
Parenting Coach: Someone who works with parents and carers to find the most appropriate parenting techniques for their family.
Social Workers: connecting them to resources, services, and strategies that improve their well-being. They can signpost and refer to guidance and advocacy services, therapies or educational support.
Behavioural therapists: A behaviour therapist helps children with autism or ADHD develop positive behaviours and skills. They work closely with families to create supportive routines, improve communication, and manage challenges, helping children to thrive at home, in school, and in social settings.
The NHS provides specialised services for ADHD and autism assessments and support. Including offering diagnostic assessments and post-diagnosis support. You may be referred on to services that aren’t specifically for children with ADHD or autism, however the programmes can be a huge support for neurodiverse families. At times waiting list can be long, your provider should be able to inform you of current waiting times.
There are also private providers that offer ADHD and autism assessments and support services. This may be through a charity or may need to be privately funded.
It’s important to note that the involvement of these professionals may vary depending on the individual needs of the child and the specific diagnosis. A multidisciplinary approach is often recommended to provide comprehensive care and support for children with ADHD or autism.
