Welcome to the Attforde ADHD centre. If you’ve been to this page before, then welcome back; if it's your first time here, then thank you for clicking on our link.
You obviously have an interest in ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder). Personally, I find the ADHD label a bit judgemental/inaccurate/stigmatised; we know many don't display the traditional (male) symptoms of hyperactivity, and an individual's ADHD can be as unique as you are.
Well done on taking the first steps on your ADHD journey with us. We all assume the way we think is the same as everyone else; it can be a bit worrying to think that the way we process information and plan things might be hampering us.
Firstly, let's put this in perspective, unless there are worrying aspects about how you think (external voices, losing touch with reality, extreme emotional highs or lows, or other serious symptoms) then we have often learnt how to manage ADHD traits through general ‘life skills’. You might then rationally ask ‘why do I need an ADHD diagnosis then?’ The ADHD assessment process is often a period of reflection on stressful times that can bring up strong emotions, processing these reflections can help clarify issues from our past and help how we approach things in the future. Also, there might be times in the future when you might want to try medications to help reduce distractions.
At the Attforde ADHD centre we know how emotional the ADHD assessment process is, we have first-hand experience of the ADHD diagnosis process and this has led to us creating the Attforde ADHD centre. We know there are lots of online providers of ADHD assessments, we offer in-person sessions to take a thorough history, we talk with friends or family members who know you best and then finally we meet to discuss treatment options.
Is this an NHS service?
Sadly not, this is a paid for service. Removing the many layers of bureaucracy allows us to be more responsive to patient needs. Should you start the NHS referral pathway (generally recommended), you will receive a copy of your assessment that you can give to your NHS clinicians when you are allocated an assessment appointment.
Shared care
In England the ‘Right to Choose’ initiative allows English residents to choose from a range of providers for the assessment and management of certain conditions. Wales does not have a ‘Right to Choose’. Also GPs have been instructed not to engage in ‘shared care agreements’ (patients undergo private assessment and potentially receive a diagnosis, the medication is started by the private provider, but continuation of medication is via the GP).