Is getting a diagnosis worth it?
The interest in neurodiversity is greater than ever, with Google searches such as ‘should I get tested for ADHD?’ Incredibly common. It may be that you resonate with the struggles and strengths highlighted by neurodiverse communities online, or just that you’re beginning to explore the reasons for your various idiosyncrasies and behaviours, but you, too, might be wondering if seeking out a formal neurodivergent diagnosis as an adult is the right decision for you. Below, we’ll outline the most common routes to a formal assessment, why some adults choose to self-identify instead and how receiving a diagnosis can change your life!
What is a neurodivergent test?
15-20% of the population is neurodivergent. Neurodivergence is used to describe individuals whose brains process information in ways which differ significantly from the population norm. This difference affects the way they think, behave and experience the world. Many people refer to neurodivergent individuals as being neurodiverse. Some common neurodivergent conditions include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and dyspraxia. There are many informal online tests and quizzes for various neurodivergent conditions, such as these neurodiversity quizzes offered by Exceptional Individuals. If answered accurately, quizzes can provide great insight into whether you may have some neurodivergent traits. If you score highly on them, you may wish to pursue a formal diagnosis.
NHS vs private diagnosis
Image by Rama Krishna Karumanchi from Pixabay
There are two main routes to receiving a diagnosis in the United Kindgom (UK); you can either receive a free diagnosis via the NHS, or receive one privately. Both routes are outlined below.
NHS diagnosis
The first port of call for a free NHS assessment is to book an appointment with your general practitioner (GP). You may be required to describe your traits and challenges to your GP. It can be helpful to complete an online quiz or screening assessment before your appointment and make a few relevant notes to show to your GP. Following your appointment your GP may choose to refer you to an appropriate specialist for an assessment. Assessments can take place at local services and there is commonly a long waiting list.
If you are not happy with your local services, the NHS’s Right to Choose framework outlines that you have the right to choose an alternative service, provided they are commissioned by the NHS. This service is free of charge, and assessments are often carried out by accredited professionals such as clinical psychologists or psychiatrists. Several clinics across the UK offer Right to Choose assessments for ADHD and autism, and Exceptional Individuals offers a list of some of these neurodiversity diagnostic organisations.
Private diagnosis
The route to diagnosis is often quicker if sought privately, averaging a waiting time around the country of just 43 days. However, receiving a private diagnosis can often be pricey, costing up to around £1500 for ADHD and Autism assessments and up to £800 for some dyslexia and dyspraxia assessments. The cost may differ depending on your area, provider and if you’re seeking an assessment for other conditions or learning difficulties.
It should be noted that the majority of adult learning difficulty assessments are self-funded and not available through the NHS. However, if you are an adult in higher education you may be able to seek a free, or subsidised learning difficulty assessment through your institution’s student support service. Student support will refer you to an educational psychologist, or certified assessor to carry out your assessment.
Private assessments are usually held within health centers, or clinics and more commonly these days, online. We are able to help you with obtaining a neurodiversity diagnosis by connecting you to providers in your area who offer private assessments for ADHD and autism and evaluations for other neurodivergent traits.
An alternative route: Self-identification
Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay
Not everyone feels they need the validation of a formal diagnosis and instead prefers to self-identify as neurodivergent.
People may choose to self-identify:
- Whilst they are awaiting a formal diagnosis
- If they experience barriers to seeking a private diagnosis, such as the expense
- If they feel that they can still learn about themselves without having a diagnosis
- If they think that formal identification may lead to prejudice, stigma, or discrimination
- If they feel a diagnosis will restrict their access to certain jobs (It should be noted that you are not required to inform employers of your diagnoses if you do not wish to)
There are however some disadvantages to self-identification. For instance, some people may choose to self-identify based on poor research and so may not actually be neurodivergent. These individuals may overlook other possible explanations for their challenges, which may require different support. They may also face difficulty accessing employment and education support.
How a diagnosis can change your life
For many, receiving a diagnosis can make them feel a sense of clarity, as it did for Tanya, a counsellor, who wrote after being diagnosed:
‘I spent many years feeling like I just couldn’t quite get life right. It wasn’t until my late 40s that I sought an ADHD diagnosis, something I assumed would be dismissed. Instead, the diagnosis helped everything make sense.’
The only way to know for certain whether you are neurodivergent is to have a formal assessment. Some benefits of receiving a formal diagnosis include:
- Understanding: helping you understand why you may respond in certain ways and find certain things challenging.
- Clarity: helping you comprehend feelings of difference you may have experienced from a young age.
- Confirmation: Providing proof to yourself, or to those who may have been skeptical.
- Support: helping you access support, such as reasonable adjustments at work, funding for specialist equipment and health and social care support.
- Relationships: helping you to build more understanding, supportive relationships with friends and family.
- Empowerment: providing you with greater self-understanding, enabling you to advocate for yourself with confidence.
- Community: making you feel more comfortable about joining peer support groups.
What happens after receiving a diagnosis?
Once you receive a diagnosis you may wish to explore various avenues for support including medication, therapy and workplace assistance.
Medication
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD your GP may offer you stimulant medication to help manage some of your symptoms. Medication is completely optional and it isn’t a panacea. You can talk with your GP if you feel that medication isn’t right for you. If you have sought a diagnosis privately you may be required to attend follow up appointments and pay for medication if needed. Following a private diagnosis, you may return to the NHS to receive care, providing your GP agrees to a shared care agreement with your private clinician.
Peer support, therapy & coaching
Receiving confirmation that you are neurodivergent can be life changing and consequently you may feel a whole host of emotions, including relief, sadness, elation, disbelief and even anger. Therefore, you may wish to join peer support groups to receive emotional support and connect with like-minded individuals. You can also seek therapy, or personal coaching to process and explore your feelings about your diagnosis, to develop additional coping skills and to support you in navigating challenges. It may be worth looking at online directories to decide which type of therapy or coaching specialty may be helpful for you.
Workplace support
A diagnosis may open up additional areas of support such as the right to apply for Access to Work funding. This grant is used to help cover any expenses incurred in order to make the workplace more accessible for you. This may cover the cost of coaching, specialist equipment and making workplace adaptations.
Conclusion
Choosing whether to seek a formal diagnosis, or self-identify is a very personal decision and one which can have an effect on many areas of your life. Ultimately, whatever feels most comfortable for you should guide your decision making.
Do you want to discover if you have some neurodivergent traits? Find out today by taking one of our FREE neurodiversity tests!
Sources
How much does private ADHD assessment cost, and what are the waiting times? https://www.mytribeinsurance.co.uk/treatment/private-adhd-assessment-cost#:~:text=Overall%2C%20we%20found%20that%20the,by%20region%20of%20the%20UK.
Navigating neurodivergence: Do I need a diagnosis?: https://newgladecounselling.co.uk/2023/05/12/navigating-neurodivergence-do-i-need-a-diagnosis/
Deciding whether to seek an autism assessment: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/before-diagnosis/deciding-whether-to-seek-an-autism-assessment
Bookings and costs: https://dyspraxiauk.com/booking-costs#:~:text=How%20much%20does%20it%20cost?%20*%20Child,assessment:%20please%20contact%20us%20for%20a%20quote.
Diagnostic assessments for dyslexia and dyscalculia: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/services/assessments/diagnostic-assessments/overview-2#:~:text=In%2Dperson%20Dyslexia%20Assessment%20Service%20(Self%2Dfunded):&text=The%20cost%20of%20an%20assessment,are%20kept%20up%20to%20date.
ADHD in Adults: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/adhd-adults/
Diagnosis pathways: https://adhduk.co.uk/diagnosis-pathways/
Before getting an ADHD assessment: https://adhdaware.org.uk/what-is-adhd/getting-nhs-diagnosis/#:~:text=Who%20Can%20Assess%20ADHD%20in,not%20qualified%20to%20prescribe%20medication.
Dyslexia, Autism, ADHD & Dyspraxia Neuropsychological Assessments by Psychologists In London and Throughout the UK: https://www.advancedassessments.co.uk/Dyslexia-Autism-ADHD-Assessment/
Finding an assessor: https://help.open.ac.uk/diagnostic-assessments-specific-learning-difficulties/find-an-assessor
The neurodivergent therapy space: https://www.neurodivergenttherapyspace.com/meet-the-team
Your choices in the NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/your-choices-in-the-nhs/
Exploring women’s experiences of diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood: a qualitative study https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/18387357.2023.2268756#abstract
Find a psychological professional: https://portal.bps.org.uk/Psychologist-Search/Directory-of-Chartered-Psychologists
Establishing the accuracy of self-diagnosis in psychiatry: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09515089.2024.2327823#d1e167
