We offer a diagnostic assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). These assessments can help clients to better understand their needs and abilities, as well as being the first step in enabling them to reach their full potential with a diagnosis.

After your diagnostic assessment, you will be offered a follow-up appointment to discuss the outcome and further support options. If for whatever reason your circumstances change, or you are new to the service but have a pre-existing diagnosis, we can offer an appointment to review your current support needs.

We also provide time limited post-diagnostic support which can include:

• Speech and language therapy to support you with your communication
• Occupational therapy which can offer support with things like employment, education and day-to-day activities
• Psychological education and strategies
• Advice on medication (ADHD)
• Group education sessions
• Counselling

At your appointment you may meet a variety of people in the team including psychologists, psychiatrists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapist and administration staff. 

If you think you would benefit from a referral to our service you need to speak to your GP or health professional who is supporting you.

If they agree that an assessment would be appropriate they need to complete a referral form.

To make a referral for an Autistic Spectrum Disorder assessment complete this form.

If you are making a referral for a Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder assessment complete this form.

Once you have completed your referral form you need to email it to SAANS@shsc.nhs.uk or send in the post to Sheffield Adult Autism and Neurodevelopmental Service, Michael Carlisle Centre, 75 Osborne Road, Sheffield, S11 9BF.

When we receive a referral we will assess it and if appropriate you will be put on our waiting list. We will send out a letter to confirm this and we will provide you with resources to help and support you while you wait for your assessment. 

Unfortunately we cannot accept self-referrals.  

If you are a health professional making a referral to our service you can take a look at our guidance for referrers and eligibility and selection criteria here. Should you have any clinical queries please email SAANSClinicalQueries@shsc.nhs.uk

Please note that we cannot accept referrals for anyone who has been diagnosed with a learning disability. 

When you reach the top of our waiting list we will send you a letter with four questionnaires for you to complete. You should complete the questionnaires with a parent or care giver, and an adult informant (such as a partner, sibling or close friend).

You need to send the completed questionnaires back to us within four weeks. Once we have received these, we will contact you to arrange an appointment.

Assessments can be carried out in person at our clinic or via a live video call depending on your needs and preferences.

You may find the videos below useful for managing your condition while you are waiting for your assessment or after your diagnosis.

• Reasonable adjustments - this video outlines what help you may be able to request from your employer
• Social battery - this video gives advice on how to manage stress arising from social interaction
• Alison's story - Alison Debenham gives a personal account of her experience of being a woman with Asperger Syndrome
• Annie's story - Annie Ryan shares her experience of ASC (Autism Spectrum Condition) diagnosis in adulthood
• Lynne's story - Lynne Gill shares her experience of being diagnosed with ASC as an adult
• Glyn's story - Glyn talks about his experience with SAANS and what life was like before and after his diagnosis of Autism
• The pros, cons and process of seeking an ASC diagnosis in adulthood.
• Sheffield safe places - a service offering safe places for individuals with a disability in the Sheffield community
• Employment Autism - an organisation supporting people with ASD finding and maintaining employment
• National Autistic Society - a charity dedicated to supporting advice and guidance to people with ASD
• Spectrum-E - in work support for individuals with ASD, learning disabilities, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, physical disabilities and long-term health conditions
• Sheffield Mental Health Guide - a search engine specifically for finding and accessing mental health services In Sheffield
• Sheffield Voices - A self-advocacy group specifically for people with learning disabilities and ASD
• Sheffield Aspergers Parents Action - A group supporting individuals with ASD without learning disabilities and their families and carers
• Autistic Parents UK - support for parents with ASD including peer support and webinars
• Beyond Belief - An exploration of Autism and faith with multiple personal stories
• Women and Autism: Towards a better understanding - Sarai Pahla explores her experience of having Autism and being a woman

• Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Sheffield - IAPT provides a range of free NHS talking therapies for anyone aged 18 or over who lives in Sheffield

• IAPT Self-Help guides - A range of free resources for self-help, including managing anxiety and stress

• Samaritans - A free phoneline available 24/7 for mental health support

• Campaign against Living Miserably (CALM) - a campaigning group raising public knowledge about suicide

• Shout - Shout is a confidential, free text line offering 24/7 support

• SHSC Research Development Unit - Meet the SHSC research team and find out about research projects currently taking place

• Take part in research - A list of current research projects including information about how to take part

• Nice guidelines for ADHD - information for the UK public about diagnosis and treatment of ADHD

• ADDISS - The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service. Provides information about support to anybody (individuals with ADHD, parents, carers, teachers etc)

• ADHD NHS Treatment Information - information about treatment that the NHS currently utilises including psychotherapy and medication

• Child and Adults with Attention-Defecit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) - goals, support, and education about ADHD, including support networks

• Mind - information and support about ADHD from mind, a British mental health charity

Videos:

• What is it like to have adult ADHD

• ADD/ADHD Simulator

• Life with ADHD

• Signs of ADHD (Child)

• Adults with ADHD speak (Canada)

• Understanding the scattered (ADHD) brain

• Professor Nutt

• Walking in my shoes: ADHD

Books:

You mean I’m not lazy, stupid or crazy? The classic self-help book for adults with Attention Deficit Disorder. By Kate Kelly and Peggy Ramundo (published by Scribner, 2006).

Too loud, too bright, too fast, too tight. What to do if you are sensory defensive in an over-stimulating world. By Sharon Heller (published by Harper, 2003)

Delivered from Distraction: Getting the Most Out of Life with Attention Deficit Disorder. By John J. Ratey (published by Ballantine Books, 2006)

Thriving with Adult ADHD: Skills to Strengthen Executive Functioning, By Phil Boissiere, 2018