Dr. Sarah Butler
CRONOS

Victoria’s (Australia) Reform on ADHD Care: Can we do the same? The recent announcement from the Victorian Government marks a genuinely hopeful turning point for people seeking ADHD diagnosis and support in the state. For too long, families and individuals have faced long waits, high fees and complex specialist referrals just to access basic care. Under the new reforms, suitably trained GPs will soon be able to diagnose and treat ADHD for both adults and children, bringing th

There are several different routes to an ADHD assessment in the UK, each with its own benefits, limitations, and practical considerations. The table below outlines some of the key differences between a standard NHS assessment, NHS “Right to Choose” providers, and a private assessment with an independent psychologist. It’s intended to help you understand how these options compare in terms of waiting times, access, cost, and follow-up care, so you can make an informed decision

A private ADHD assessment with a qualified psychologist can provide clarity, understanding, and a solid clinical foundation for next steps. It can help with: • Understanding whether ADHD criteria are met A thorough assessment explores your developmental history, current difficulties, and how symptoms affect daily life, in line with NICE guidelines. • Making sense of lifelong patterns Many people seek assessment to understand long-standing challenges with attention, organisati

Short Summary Recent Guardian  reporting shows that England’s NHS “Right to Choose” pathway for ADHD assessments is causing confusion and delays for many patients. While the policy lets people access NHS-funded private assessments to avoid long waits, some diagnoses are later rejected or not integrated back into NHS care, leaving people stuck and repeating processes. This reflects wider challenges in ADHD services, variable assessment quality, and the need to understand both

Short Summary Recent media coverage has raised concerns about the quality of some ADHD assessments in the UK, particularly those provided through NHS “Right to Choose” pathways. While demand for assessment is high and NHS waiting lists are long, not all ADHD assessments follow the same clinical standards. In the UK, high-quality ADHD assessment should follow NICE guidelines and be carried out by appropriately regulated professionals, such as HCPC-registered psychologists. A t

The Press Gazette  article on autism and ADHD in the media sheds important light on a topic that’s often misunderstood both inside and outside journalism: the lived experience of neurodivergent people working in newsrooms. Their research, based on a survey of media professionals, reveals that a surprisingly large share of respondents identify as neurodivergent — with ADHD particularly common — and that many choose to keep their diagnosis private due to fears of stigma or lack

“ADHD is only diagnosed when it has a debilitating impact on your life. The over 2 million people who have ADHD and no diagnosis are de facto struggling. A diagnosis, and the understanding and support that comes with it, could instead have them thriving. We need to increase access to ADHD Assessments in the UK to get people the help that can change their life” Henry Shelford CEO and Co-Founder, ADHD UK

Registration is now fully OPEN for the  UKAAN Conference taking place from Tuesday, 16th to Thursday, 18th of April 2024. Full details can be found on the UKAAN website, together with further details of the speakers and program for all 3 days.

GPs have been advised not to start new patients on several drugs for treating attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder that are in short supply in the UK, the Department of Health and Social Care said, due to a combination of manufacturing problems and increasing global demand. www.bmj.com Shortages reported in the following: Methylphenidate: • Equasym XL® 10, 20 and 30 mg capsules • Xaggitin XL® 18 and 36 mg prolonged-release tablets • Concerta XL® 54 mg prolonged-release t

Dr Butler is a Psychologist with expertise in neuro-affirmative assessments for adult ADHD and beyond. Providing a professional and personal service to people who need fast and easy access to a gold standard assessment. She is dedicated to supporting adults with ADHD in living and performing to their full potential. Her assessment portfolio includes senior police officers, psychologists, lawyers, business owners, and university professors. For more information about ADHD asse