Neurodevelopmental services in Wales
Welsh Government and NHS Wales programmes have focused on reducing long waits and improving neurodevelopmental pathways. Health boards remain central to referral, assessment and follow-up arrangements.
For children and young people, NHS Wales service development explicitly covers ADHD and autism assessment. Local referral and evidence requirements can vary.
Private autism reports
Some Welsh NHS services publish standards for reviewing private autism diagnoses. Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, for example, states that private diagnoses are accepted only where the assessment follows its published NICE-based requirements.
This is an example rather than a Wales-wide guarantee. If acceptance by a specific health board matters, check that service before paying privately.
ADHD assessment
A comprehensive ADHD assessment should consider developmental onset, current symptoms, impairment, alternative explanations and co-occurring conditions.
A private diagnosis does not guarantee NHS prescribing or shared care. Medication requires a medical prescriber and the receiving GP or health service retains its own treatment decisions.
Education and work
Wales is within Great Britain and the Equality Act 2010 is relevant to disability discrimination and reasonable adjustments. Welsh education pathways are not identical to England's.
A clinical report can describe strengths, needs and suggested adjustments, while the receiving organisation decides how recommendations are considered.
Therapy
General psychological therapy is £110 per session. Neurodevelopmental therapy is also £110 per session.
The website does not claim a physical clinic in Cardiff, Swansea or other Welsh cities.
Common questions in Wales
Is NHS Right to Choose available in Wales in the same way as England?
No. NHS England Right to Choose should not be described as a Wales-wide pathway.
Will NHS Wales accept a private autism diagnosis?
There is no universal guarantee. Some health boards publish criteria for reviewing private reports, so check the intended receiving service if acceptance is important.
Does a private ADHD diagnosis guarantee shared care?
No. Prescribing and shared care are separate medical and GP decisions.
Primary public sources
Public pathways can change. These official sources were checked for this page.