Autism and ADHD Assessments in the UK: NHS vs. Private Options for Turkish Families

As a parent living in the UK, noticing early signs of autism spectrum condition (ASC) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in your child can feel overwhelming. Getting the right diagnosis at the right time is crucial for securing appropriate support.

However, due to high demand and limited resources, NHS waiting times for autism and ADHD assessments can be very long. For many families, this means considering private options.

For Turkish families living in London, additional challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, and the complexity of the healthcare system can make the process even more difficult. In this article, we explain the key differences between NHS and private assessments, highlight the pros and cons of each pathway, and explore which option may be best for your child.

NHS vs. Private Assessments: What Are the Main Differences?

Both NHS and private assessments are guided by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) standards, but they differ in terms of accessibility, flexibility, and aftercare.

🏥 NHS Assessment

• Free of charge, initiated via GP referral to CAMHS, paediatrics or community child development services

• Uses evidence-based tools such as ADOS-2 and 3Di

• Typically conducted by a multidisciplinary team

• Waiting times can be 12–36 months depending on your local NHS Trust

• Post-diagnosis support may be limited or slow to access

🕒 Private Assessment

• Appointments can often be arranged within 2–4 weeks

• Tailored to your child’s individual profile and needs

• Conducted by clinicians registered with HCPC, GMC, BABCP or other official UK bodies

• Reports are usually accepted by NHS doctors, schools, SENCOs, and EHCP applications

• Provides flexibility for bilingual assessments (e.g. Turkish and English)

Are Private Diagnostic Reports Accepted?

Yes. When assessments are carried out by qualified and professionally registered clinicians, reports are widely recognised:

• Schools use them to plan SEN support and to inform EHCP applications

• GPs and NHS doctors accept them for ongoing care and treatment planning

• Courts and local authorities may also use them as supporting evidence

At Psikolog Londra, we follow NHS and NICE standards, ensuring that our diagnostic reports are both clinically valid and officially recognised.

Why Are NHS Waiting Times So Long?

Several systemic factors contribute to delays:

• Rapidly increasing demand for autism and ADHD assessments

• Shortage of specialist staff across the NHS

• Complex referral and triage processes within the system

As a result, many children miss the opportunity for early intervention, which is critical for both academic and social development.

Challenges for Turkish Families in the UK

Turkish families often face additional difficulties during this process:

• Language barriers: Clinical terminology in English may be confusing, leading to misunderstandings

• Cultural differences: Certain autism or ADHD behaviours may be misinterpreted as cultural norms

• Communication difficulties: Parents may feel unheard or unsupported when engaging with schools or health professionals

At Psikolog Londra, we bridge these gaps by providing Turkish-speaking clinicians, cultural sensitivity, and family-centred support throughout the process.

Beyond Diagnosis: Ongoing Support at Psikolog Londra

A diagnosis is not the end—it is the beginning of the right support journey. We provide:

• 📑 EHCP and school report support, SENCO consultation

• 🎯 Individual therapy, play therapy, and family counselling

• 🗣️ Speech and language therapy, occupational therapy for sensory needs

• 💬 Ongoing guidance in Turkish, with professionals who understand cultural context

• 🔄 Collaboration with NHS systems for continuity of care

Which Option Is Right for You?

Private assessment may be the right choice if:

• You cannot wait for an NHS appointment

• Your child is experiencing significant difficulties at school or home

• You prefer to work with a Turkish-speaking clinician

• You want a more comprehensive and personalised process

Conclusion: Early Intervention Makes All the Difference

If you have concerns about autism or ADHD, seeking timely assessment is one of the most important steps you can take for your child’s future. Early identification allows access to the right support, helping your child thrive both academically and socially.

📞 For more information in Turkish or English, and to explore assessment options tailored to your family, contact Psikolog Londra today.