Children Autism & ADHD

Could it be ADHD or Autism?

Before requesting a referral, it is helpful to read about the recognised signs and symptoms. The NHS has good plain-English guidance:

If, after reading these, you feel that an assessment may be appropriate, please continue to read the information below which will explain the process.

Single Point of Access

A new Autism and ADHD Single Point of Access (SPoA) has been introduced across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It provides a single referral route for patients seeking assessment for Autism, ADHD, or both.

The service reviews referrals and helps patients access the most appropriate NHS or Right to Choose provider, as well as providing information about waiting times and support while waiting.

Please note that the SPoA does not carry out assessments, make diagnoses, prescribe medication, or provide treatment. Patients already on a waiting list do not need to be referred again and will remain with their current provider.

What happens after the referral?

The SPoA clinical team reviews each referral and:

  • Identifies the most appropriate assessment or medication pathway.
  • Requests further information if required.
  • Informs the referrer of the outcome and next steps.
  • Signposts patients and families to support available while waiting.
Contact us online

How to request a referral

Got a medical or admin query? No need to call. Contact us online. It’s simple, fast, and reaches the right team directly.

Availability
Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), 8:00 am – 6:30 pm.

Next Steps
• Messages are reviewed the same day
• Urgent needs are prioritised
• Non‑urgent matters answered within 7 working days

Our Reply
We’ll respond by phone, text, NHS App message, email or send a self‑booking link for a telephone or face‑to‑face appointment.

Contact Us Online

Important: Message from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight ICB

Waiting for an Autism or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessment can be difficult, and we want to keep you informed about the current situation and what we’re doing to improve access to these services. 

Across England, referrals for Autism and ADHD assessments have increased significantly in recent years. Unfortunately, the NHS does not currently have enough capacity to meet this growing demand, without negatively impacting other essential services, which means waiting times are longer than we would like. 

Learn more: Autism and ADHD Assessment Services :: NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight

Learn more about Neurodiversity: Hampshire Neurodiversity

Important: Policy

Please read our ADHD Prescribing Policy

ADHD medication must be initiated and monitored by a specialist.

Once a patient has been stable on a dose for 6 months following the last titration, prescribing may be considered for transfer to primary care under a shared care agreement (SCA).

Neurodiversity & Wellbeing Multi-Disciplinary Team

Here to support you and your child — with or without a diagnosis

Welcome to our Neurodiversity Hub. We know it can feel overwhelming when you think your child might be neurodivergent. You may have questions, worries, or feel unsure about what help is available. This page brings together information and resources to help you feel supported and better informed. 

The Hampshire Neurodiversity and Wellbeing Multi‑Disciplinary Team (NDW MDT) supports parents and carers of children and young people aged 9 months to 19 years. We help families understand how a child or young person’s emotions, responses, thinking patterns, and behaviours may relate to neurodivergence. 

As part of our collaborative approach with children, young people, parent, carers and schools, we aim to strengthen awareness and understanding within educational settings. We do this by drawing on training, support and specialist skills from a range of services, including Therapies, Educational Psychology, the Primary Behaviour Service and Inclusion Services. 

All of our work supports the development of inclusive environments that recognise and respond to the needs of neurodivergent children and young people. 

How this team can help 

If your child is neurodivergent, or if you are noticing emerging neurodivergent traits, you do not need to wait for a formal diagnosis to access support. The team provides universal advice, guidance, and signposting for families and professionals, helping you feel more confident and supported. 

The NDW MDT is not a diagnostic or case‑holding service. Instead, we work alongside parents and carers, education settings, and other professionals to: 

  • explore areas of need 

  • provide advice and recommendations 

  • support access to other services where appropriate 

Reasons you might contact or be referred to this service include: 

  • concerns about possible neurodivergence, including autistic traits, attention related differences, speech and language delay, social communication or interaction differences, and associated social or emotional needs 

  • concerns about a child or young person’s development that are causing challenges at home, in education, or across both settings 

How to contact the team 

Parents and carers are encouraged to talk with their child’s key worker or a trusted adult in their school or setting to explore concerns together and consider how further support for inclusion and neurodiversity may be offered through the education setting’s ordinarily available provision. If additional support is needed, the NDW MDT team can help. 

Families and professionals with concerns can contact the team for advice and guidance - Visit the main site

ADHD

If you have a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) this means that you can struggle with paying attention, have high levels of energy & react quickly to things. This can get in the way of everyday life such as school, hobbies and making friends, although how much it affects someone can vary from person to person

To learn more & how to refer your child for an assessment, if appropriate, please visit CAMHS

PATCH Referral

If you or a professional have concerns about your childs development or behaviour then they maybe suitable for referral to the PATCH meeting

This includes

  • Children with complex needs who live in, or have transferred in to the patch and need ongoing follow up

  • Vulnerable children with significant health needs

  • Children born under 30 weeks gestation who require a developmental assessment at 48 months

Autism Hampshire Workshops

Ages 5 to 17 years old. Autism Hampshire offers workshops for families of autistic children and young people, which are funded by the local councils.

The aim of each course is to provide insight, advice and support to family members of autistic children. Each session will explore a child’s unique experiences and suggest practical ways in which their differences can be accommodated and supported.

Vist Parent Workshops | Autism Hampshire

Barnardo's Family Support

Provides evidenced based skills building programmes for parents and carers who have children aged 3-17 who:
1. Have a diagnosed Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC)
2. Have a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
3. Have Autism or ADHD traits
4. Are experiencing mild-moderate conduct disorder
5. Have behaviour that challenges
6. Are teenagers displaying anti-social behaviour including child to parent violence

Visit Hampshire and IOW Support for Neurodiverse Families | Barnardo's (barnardos.org.uk)

BRAAIN
Page last reviewed: 17 October 2026
Page created: 10 December 2019