Welcome to the South Staffordshire Adult ADHD and Autism Team webpage. We support adults who do not yet have a diagnosis for ADHD or Autism with our service, helping them through the process of assessment and diagnosis, as well as providing access to essential post-diagnostic support.
Our service covers Stafford & surrounds, Cannock & Rugeley, Seisdon, Lichfield & Burntwood, Tamworth, Burton-on-Trent, and Uttoxeter.
To be referred to our service, you need to be referred by a GP, health provider, or other mental health services. Your referral will be reviewed by our team, and we will guide you through the next steps.
Once referred you will join our triage waitlist. Due to high demand waiting times can be long. While you are waiting you can access info about our services on our webpage to help you understand what to expect and how to prepare for the next stages.
TOP TIP: A common trait of neurodiverse service users is forgetting appointments or misplacing letters. Why not register for Patients Know Best (PKB) – you’ll have access to all your appointment letters online. Click here for more information about Patients Know Best.
After your referral is processed, you will have a triage appointment. Most appointments are conducted via video call. During this appointment, we will discuss your history and current symptoms. Following this, you will either:
Be added to our assessment waiting list, or
Be signposted to another appropriate service depending on your needs.
If you join our assessment waiting list, we provide you with access to our "Waiting Well" resources. These resources are designed to support your mental well-being while you wait for your assessment.
Please note: Waiting times for assessments may be long. However, rest assured that we haven’t forgotten about you! We encourage you to attend all scheduled appointments, as missing them may require you to re-join the waiting list.
Once you receive your full assessment our team will evaluate your symptoms and provide a comprehensive diagnosis and report. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, Autism or both we will then move forward with the next steps.
Following a diagnosis of ADHD or Autism, a range of support options will be available to you, tailored to your individual needs and circumstances. The types of support include, but are not limited to:
ADHD Medication
Psychoeducation Groups
Housing, Financial Wellbeing or Employment Support.
Occupational Therapy
Our team will assist you in connecting to these services so you can get the right support following your diagnosis.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control, and activity levels. It can present differently in different people - some are more inattentive, some more hyperactive or impulsive, and many experience a mix of both.
This is an initial conversation to explore your current experiences and symptoms. It helps the team decide whether a full ADHD assessment is the right next step for you.
Keep a symptom diary - Note down any difficulties with focus, restlessness, time management, or emotional regulation. This can help you at your triage.
Talk to someone you trust - Sharing how you're feeling can ease anxiety while waiting.
Look after your wellbeing - Regular sleep, eating well, and gentle routines can help.
Explore resources:
Websites:
ADHD Foundation is the UK’s leading neurodiversity charity. Please visit the ADHD Foundation website for access to self-help resources and services available
ADHD UK is a charity by adults with ADHD for adults with ADHD. Visit the ADHD UK website
NHS website for information on ADHD. Visit the NHS website
Autism (or Autism Spectrum Condition, ASC) is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how people experience the world, communicate, and relate to others. Every autistic person is unique - some may find social situations challenging, others may have intense interests or sensory sensitivities.
This is a chance to talk about your current experiences and why you’re seeking an assessment. It helps the team decide if a full diagnostic assessment is needed.
Reflect on your experiences – Think about times when social interaction, sensory input, or routine changes were difficult. You might write these down to help you prepare.
Give yourself permission to be you – Whether you're autistic or not, your experiences are valid.
Explore helpful information:
National Charities
Demand for ADHD and Autism services across the country is very high. Those joining the waiting list are likely to be on the list for a number of years before assessment can be offered. Please be assured we are doing all we can to increase capacity. If you are waiting for triage assessment, please review the Thinking Ahead & Further Resources section above. If you have already had a triage appointment, you will be given access to our Waiting Well resources.
Your appointment letter will outline the reports and information that would be useful to bring along to your assessment. We also recommend bringing someone who has known you during your younger years to provide more supporting information.
You will be placed on our triage waitlist, at which point we will contact you with a video call appointment link (reasonable adjustments can be changed to face-to-face or phone call appointments) for a triage meeting where we will ask some questions about why you have requested the referral and about your childhood and current daily life. Questions may be sent out in advance on request.
Unfortunately as per ICB guidelines, we are unable to accept private and Right to Choose ADHD diagnosis to commence treatment for patients through our pathway. You will need to be reassessed within our team in order to begin medication through MPFT.
Yes, you may access Right to Choose in the interim while awaiting to reach the top of the waitlist within our team.
Yes, you will receive a range of resources and support while you are on the waitlist. We can also offer help with finances, housing, and employment if you let us know about any issues you are currently facing. If you'd like to discuss this further, please contact our team - you'll find our contact details on your appointment letter.
