ADHD screening and assessment routes in Luton
Local service rules are different for children and adults. Check the receiving service before assuming a GP or school can use the same route.
The short answer
For children in Luton, the published neurodevelopmental pathway accepts referrals from health visitors, nurseries and schools rather than GPs. Adults should ask their GP for the current local route. Right to Choose may offer another NHS referral option in England, while private assessment is a separate paid route.
Child referrals do not use the GP route on the published pathway
The Bedfordshire and Luton children's health pathway accepts referrals from professionals who have spent time with the child, including health visitors, nurseries and schools. Its page states that GPs are not accepted as referrers for this pathway.
The service assesses ADHD in children and young people aged 6 to 17. An accepted referral goes onto an assessment waiting list.
Share your concerns with the school or relevant health professional and ask what evidence its referral form requires. A screening report can support the discussion, but it does not replace the service's process.
Adult referrals use local mental health services
The current adult route can depend on the person's GP and local community mental health team. Ask the GP to confirm the receiving service and its current referral criteria before sending forms or personal information.
NHS Right to Choose is another route that may apply to a clinically appropriate GP referral in England. It is not a self-referral scheme.
Waiting-time information changes
National NHS information says adult ADHD assessment waits can be several months or years. East London NHS Foundation Trust has reported a continuing assessment backlog across Luton and Bedfordshire in its public board papers, but a single current wait for every patient is not published.
Ask whether any estimate is for triage, diagnostic assessment or later treatment. Record the date and source when comparing providers.
Screening and private assessment
ADHDassess is an online screening service. It can organise evidence for a local referral discussion but cannot diagnose ADHD.
NeuroFX accepts private self-referrals for full ADHD assessment. That is a separate paid route and is not funded through Right to Choose.
Sources
- Bedfordshire and Luton children's health: assessment and diagnosis process
- East London NHS Foundation Trust: January 2026 public board papers
- NHS: ADHD in adults
- NHS England: patient choice guidance
How this resource is maintained
This page is reviewed and maintained by NeuroFX Ltd. Its next scheduled review date is 14 November 2026. Local and pathway sources were last checked on 14 August 2026.
Services and referral rules can change. Follow the linked NHS or provider page before acting on local pathway information.