How To Get An ADHD Diagnosis In Cambridge: Your Step-By-Step Guide

If you live in Cambridge, Milton Keynes, Bedford, or nearby, getting clear on ADHD can feel confusing.

Different routes, mixed waiting times, and lots of jargon. This guide walks you through where to start, how NHS and private options compare, what to expect at each stage, and how to prepare so you feel confident. You will also see how NeuroFX supports you with online or in-clinic assessments from Bedford, aligned with NICE guidelines NG87.

Where to start if you think you have ADHD

Begin with your GP. Describe your difficulties across settings, such as work or university and home, and bring brief notes of examples. If you have school reports that mention attention or behaviour concerns, bring them. Your GP can discuss NHS pathways, advise on Right to Choose options, or signpost you to reputable private services if you prefer a faster route.

You can also start privately. At NeuroFX, you can book an initial screening online to check whether a full assessment is appropriate. If you are a parent or carer in Cambridge, you can ask the school for recent reports and teacher comments to support a child's assessment.

Key points:

·         You can seek an ADHD assessment for yourself, as an adult or teen, or for your child if aged 6 or over.

·         A valid diagnosis must follow NICE NG87, include developmental history, information from someone who knows you well, and rule out other explanations.

·         If you are ready to look at local options, our team supports patients across Cambridge, Bedford, Milton Keynes, and surrounding areas with online appointments or visits to our Bedford clinic.

·         NHS, Right to Choose, and private routes explained

·         NHS referral via your GP: You can be referred to a local NHS ADHD service. Waiting times vary in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire, often several months or longer, depending on demand.

·         Right to Choose: In England, adults can sometimes choose an alternative NHS-commissioned provider if eligible. This can shorten waits in some areas. Your GP can tell you whether this applies and how to proceed. This guide is a signpost, not legal advice. Ask your GP for the current position in your area.

·         Private assessment: If you want a faster timeline with a clear pathway into treatment, a private clinic can assess and, if indicated, prescribe treatment within a defined plan. NeuroFX offers online and in-clinic slots with NICE NG87 alignment.

·         Can you get an adult ADHD assessment on the NHS? Yes, through your GP. If you prefer not to wait, you can book privately and move forward sooner.

Who can diagnose ADHD?

The best person to diagnose ADHD is a suitably qualified clinician working to NICE NG87, using structured interviews, developmental history, observer input, and clinical judgement. At NeuroFX, assessments are delivered by experienced neurodevelopmental clinicians. Competence and adherence to guidelines matter more than the length of the report or the number of people in the room.

Can an ADHD assessment be done online?

Yes. Many adults, teens, and families choose online appointments for convenience. A robust online assessment still requires the same clinical standards, including history, rating scales, and observer information. NeuroFX offers both online and in-clinic appointments in Bedford, so you can choose what suits you.

What to expect at each stage

Here is a practical view of how an ADHD pathway runs at NeuroFX, following NICE NG87.

Screening

·         You complete brief questionnaires to map current symptoms.

·         We review key history and suitability for a full assessment.

·         You gather supporting documents, such as school reports, old reports, exam access arrangements, or feedback from a partner, parent, or teacher.

Full clinical assessment

·         A structured interview covering childhood and current symptoms, impairment across settings, sleep, mental health, and any medical history that could explain symptoms.

·         Observer input, such as a parent who knew you in childhood, or a partner for current examples. For children, teacher feedback is helpful when available.

·         Differential diagnosis checks to rule out other conditions or confirm if co-occurring needs are present, for example, anxiety, depression, or autism traits.

Diagnostic report

·         You receive a clear, evidence-based report that states whether ADHD diagnostic criteria are met, how this conclusion was reached, and what to do next.

·         The report is suitable for sharing with your GP and relevant institutions, such as university disability services for DSA.

Treatment planning

·         If diagnosed, you can enter a six-month treatment package. This includes medication titration if appropriate, monitoring of benefits and side effects, and GP summary letters to support coordination and potential shared care where applicable.

·         If medication is not appropriate, you will still receive clear recommendations for support and strategies.

Timelines in and around Cambridge

NHS waiting times vary. In Cambridgeshire and surrounding areas, adults can face months before first contact. For children, waits may be longer due to demand. If you want a defined timeline, private routes can move faster. At NeuroFX, you can typically start with screening soon after booking, then progress through assessment and reporting in a shorter, clearly outlined pathway.

How to prepare for your assessment

Good preparation saves time and improves clarity:

·         School information: end-of-year reports, SEN notes, exam arrangements, or teacher comments.

·         Developmental history: any notes from parents or carers about early milestones, behaviour, or learning.

·         Current impact: examples from work, study, driving, finances, and relationships.

·         Medical background: any diagnoses, medications, or sleep, mood, or substance concerns.

·         Observer: arrange for a parent, partner, or someone who knew you as a child to provide perspective.

For teens and children in Cambridge, ask schools for recent reports or behaviour logs. For adults in Milton Keynes, consider past academic records or performance reviews if they reflect attention or organisation themes.

How NeuroFX can help

NeuroFX delivers ADHD assessments for adults, teens, and children aged 6 and over, online or at our Bedford clinic, with processes aligned to NICE NG87. We provide comprehensive reports, a six-month treatment package for those diagnosed, medication titration, side effect management, and GP letters to support shared care where appropriate.

Local relevance:

·         Many patients travel from Cambridge for in-clinic assessments or choose online for convenience.

·         Families from Milton Keynes often prefer hybrid care, combining online interviews with an in-person visit if needed.

·         We also support combined ADHD and autism assessments where symptoms overlap.

If you are looking for local options, you may find these pages useful:

·         Learn about our adhd clinic in Cambridge.

·         Read about a private adhd assessment in Bedford.

·         Explore adhd assessment Milton Keynes.

Each pathway is designed to be lean, clinically robust, and practical, so you are not left with a report but no treatment plan.

Quick answers to common questions

·         How to get an ADHD diagnosis in Cambridge? Start with your GP for NHS referral, consider Right to Choose if eligible, or book privately with a clinic that follows NICE NG87 and offers treatment pathways.

·         Where do I start to get tested for ADHD? Keep a short symptom timeline, gather school records, and speak to your GP or contact a reputable clinic. An initial screening helps decide next steps.

·         How do I get an ADHD assessment for myself? Self-refer privately or ask your GP for an NHS referral. Adults can be assessed online or in a clinic.

·         Can I get an ADHD diagnosis online? Yes, if the provider follows NICE NG87 and includes observer input and a full developmental history.

·         Who is the best person to diagnose ADHD? A suitably qualified clinician with neurodevelopmental expertise, working to NICE NG87, who can assess co-occurring conditions and provide a clear treatment plan.

Ready to move forward?

If you want clarity, book an assessment or speak to our team. NeuroFX offers guideline-aligned assessments, clear reports, and a six-month treatment package with titration and monitoring. Appointments are available online or in our Bedford clinic for patients from Cambridge, Milton Keynes, and across the region.

You deserve a pathway that is straightforward, clinically sound, and focused on outcomes. Start with a screening, prepare your documents, and take the next step toward a confident plan.