If you disagree with an autism or ADHD assessment, there are several steps you can take to challenge the outcome or seek a more accurate diagnosis. Below are your options within the UK healthcare and education system:
1. Request a Second Opinion
- What it is: Seek another professional’s perspective if you feel the original assessment missed important factors.
- How to do it: Speak to the clinician who assessed you. If you’re unsatisfied, escalate to their manager or request a referral via your GP to another specialist.
- Why it matters: Different professionals may interpret symptoms differently, especially when using varied tools or frameworks.
2. Request a Reassessment or Additional Testing
- What it is: A follow-up evaluation to cover gaps or re-examine symptoms that were not explored fully.
- How to do it: Ask your GP or the original clinician for a more detailed evaluation or testing, particularly if key areas were overlooked.
- Why it matters: A fuller picture may clarify or alter the diagnostic outcome.
3. Provide Additional Information or Evidence
- What it is: Submit behavioural examples, daily challenges, and other observations that were missed during the assessment.
- How to do it: Prepare detailed notes, and include reports from teachers, family, or employers. Share these with your clinician.
- Why it matters: Extra insight helps clinicians understand nuances like masking or context-specific symptoms.
4. Consult with Support Organisations
- What it is: Charities and support services can offer advice on next steps, advocacy, and understanding the system.
- How to do it: Contact organisations such as the National Autistic Society (NAS) or ADHD Foundation.
- Why it matters: These groups can offer practical advice, resources, and emotional support based on lived experience.
5. File a Formal Complaint
- What it is: A way to formally