NHS Essex Framework
The NHS Essex Framework provides access to NHS-funded Autism and ADHD assessments for children and young people through local referral pathways
This service is commissioned by NHS Essex for patients registered with a GP in Essex. At Mind Professionals Neurodevelopmental Service, we deliver Autism and ADHD assessments as part of this framework for eligible children and young people up to the age of 18 years. In most cases, we can offer assessment appointments via the Essex Framework within 4 to 6 weeks for children and young people. See the waiting times section below for the latest updates.
About the NHS Essex Framework
The NHS Essex Framework provides access to NHS-funded Autism and ADHD assessments for children and young people through local referral pathways.
This service is commissioned by the NHS Essex for patients registered with a GP in Essex. If you live outside of Essex, you may be eligible for NHS Right to Choose.
To access this service:
- your child must be registered with a GP in Essex
- referrals must be made via an Essex GP
Unlike NHS Right to Choose, patients cannot self-select providers under this framework. Referrals are made in line with local commissioning arrangements.
If your child may need an Autism or ADHD assessment, you should:
- book an appointment with your GP or relevant healthcare professional
- discuss your concerns and request a referral via the NHS Essex pathway, your GP will need to use the referral from below.
If further information is required, clinicians can contact us directly by calling 01223 813 838, emailing autism@mindprofessionals.com or use our online enquiry form.
NHS Essex Framework services
Assessment type | Location |
|---|---|
Autism assessment for children and young people, up to the age of 18 years | In person at our clinic in Chelmsford Essex |
ADHD assessment for children and young people, up to the age of 18 years | In person at our clinic in Chelmsford Essex |
NHS Essex Framework waiting times
We aim to offer appointments as quickly as possible. Waiting times may vary depending on demand and clinical complexity.
Our current NHS Essex Framework waiting times are detailed below.
Last updated May 2026.
Assessment type | Estimated waiting time for assessment |
|---|---|
Children and young people Autism assessment | 4 weeks Dependent on receiving all required documentation |
Children and young people ADHD assessment | 18 weeks weeks Dependent on receiving all required documentation |
NHS Essex Framework assessment process
GP referral and booking your assessment
Step 1 – Make an appointment with your GP.
Step 2 – Your GP will make a referral though the Mid and South Essex Framework and make a referral using this referral form.
Step 3 – We will contact you once we have received your referral.
Step 4 – You will be asked to complete and return some additional questionnaires.
Step 5 – We will contact you to let you know if your referral has been accepted, and book you in for an assessment date.
What the assessment involves
Assessments typically include:
- a detailed clinical interview
- developmental and personal history
- standardised diagnostic questionnaires
- behavioural and cognitive screening tools
- informant reports (e.g. from a partner, parent, or caregiver)
For Autism assessments, this will also include autism-specific tools such as structured observations.
We will guide you through each step of the process and keep you updated throughout.
After the assessment you will receive:
- a comprehensive written diagnostic report
- diagnostic conclusions and rationale
- practical recommendations and next steps
We can also provide a summary of your report, which are suitable for educational institutions.
Referral information for GPs
Referrals to the NHS Essex Framework must be made in line with local NHS Essex commissioning arrangements.
For a referral to be accepted, the patient must be eligible to receive a NHS Essex Framework assessment and the below statements must be met:
- the patient must be registered with a GP in Essex
- the referral must be made by a general practitioner at a GP practice in Essex
- the referral is a clinically appropriate outpatient referral
- this is the patient's first referral for an outpatient appointment for this condition
By proceeding with the referral, you confirm that the referral meets all criteria.