Professional Advice and Support
Table of contents
General Practitioner (GP)
Role: First point of contact for health concerns. Can screen for ADHD, autism, or other neurodivergent traits and provide referrals.
Qualifications: Medical degree (MBBS, MBChB) + GMC (General Medical Council) registration.
Scope: Can prescribe medication, refer to specialists, and coordinate care. Usually not specialized in neurodivergence.
Psychiatrist
Role: Medical doctor specialising in mental health. Can diagnose ADHD, autism, or other conditions and prescribe medication.
Qualifications: MBBS/MBChB + postgraduate training in psychiatry (MRCPsych) + GMC registration.
Scope: Diagnosis, medication management, and some therapy; primarily focused on medical treatment.
Clinical Psychologist / Counselling Psychologist
Role: Conducts assessments for ADHD, autism, learning difficulties, and provides therapy.
Qualifications: Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) or Counselling Psychology + HCPC (Health & Care Professions Council) registration.
Scope: Diagnosis, psychological testing, therapy, and intervention planning. Cannot prescribe medication.
Educational Psychologist
Role: Focuses on learning differences in children and young people; can assess for ADHD, autism, and other learning-related neurodivergence.
Qualifications: Doctorate in Educational Psychology + HCPC registration.
Scope: Academic assessments, advice for schools, and recommendations for special educational needs (SEN) support.
Occupational Therapist (OT)
Role: Supports daily living skills, sensory processing, executive function, and organisation, often for ADHD or autism.
Qualifications: BSc or MSc in Occupational Therapy + HCPC registration.
Scope: Provides therapy for sensory, motor, and cognitive skills; recommends strategies for work or school.
Speech and Language Therapist (SLT)
Role: Supports communication, social interaction, and pragmatic language skills.
Qualifications: BSc or MSc in Speech & Language Therapy + HCPC registration.
Scope: Works on speech, language, and communication challenges; may support social skills for autistic individuals.
Counsellor / Psychotherapist
Role: Provides therapy and emotional support for neurodivergent individuals.
Qualifications: Various routes (Diploma, MSc); often registered with UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy) or BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy).
Scope: Offers therapy and coping strategies; cannot prescribe medication.
ADHD / Neurodiversity Coach
Role: Provides practical guidance, strategies, and accountability for managing ADHD and executive function challenges.
Qualifications: Voluntary certification (e.g., ADHD Coaches Organization, UK-based coaching programmes); no formal NHS licensure required.
Scope: Non-clinical support; helps with organisation, time management, and daily functioning.
Specialist Teachers / Learning Support Practitioners
Role: Works in schools to support students with ADHD, autism, or learning difficulties.
Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) + SENCO training (Special Educational Needs Coordinator).
Scope: Educational support, classroom strategies, and advice on accommodations.
Genetic Counsellor (Optional)
Role: Provides guidance on hereditary aspects of neurodivergence and co-occurring conditions.
Qualifications: MSc in Genetic Counselling + registration with the GCRB (Genetic Counsellor Registration Board).
Scope: Risk assessment and information; does not diagnose or treat ADHD/autism directly.