Getting assessed for ADHD or autism in Scotland
Whether you are looking into ADHD, autism, or both, there are two routes: through the NHS or through a private provider. Here is where to start.
Reviewed by ADHD Scot,
Two routes to assessment
Assessment in Scotland happens one of two ways, and both are valid. Which is right for you comes down to how long you can wait and what you can afford.
NHS assessment
Free, and carried out by specialist services: CAMHS for children, and adult ADHD or neurodevelopmental services for adults. The catch is the wait, often measured in years across Scotland.
Private assessment
Much faster, but you pay for it. If you are diagnosed with ADHD and need medication, you will usually need your GP to take over prescribing through shared care.
Not sure it applies?
Start with a free, validated self-screener. It takes about five minutes, stores nothing, and gives you something concrete to bring to your GP.
ADHD
Beyond the two routes above:
- Assessment tools and what to expect, what the tools are, what to expect on the day, and why a different toolkit does not mean a worse assessment
- Shared care, how to get NHS prescribing after a private ADHD diagnosis
- Right to Choose in Scotland, what it is and why it does not apply here
- GP refused your referral?, your options and template wording if your GP says no
Autism
- NHS pathway for autism, GP referral, CAMHS, adult neurodevelopmental services, and what to do if you struggle to access care
- Going private for autism, what a good assessment includes, which tools are used, and how to compare providers
Have both? (AuDHD)
Around half of autistic people also have ADHD, and roughly one in five people with ADHD also meets criteria for autism. If you think this might apply to you, read our AuDHD guide before booking, the order of assessment can matter significantly.
How providers are regulated in Scotland
Scotland's private healthcare regulator is Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS), not the CQC, which covers England only. Whether a provider is required to register with HIS depends on the type of clinician involved. Our regulation page explains which services must register, which are exempt, and what "registration in progress" means.
Compare providers and check the waits
Compare providers
The full filterable directory of private assessment providers in Scotland, with costs, HIS registration status, and shared care support.
NHS waiting times
What people are actually waiting, board by board, gathered through Freedom of Information requests to all 14 Scottish health boards.
Guided quiz
Not sure which filters to use? Answer a few quick questions and we will show you the providers that fit.
Still not sure where to begin?
A five-minute self-screener is the easiest first step. It costs nothing, stores nothing, and gives you something concrete to take to your GP.