"In the same storm, but in very different boats"
a neurodivergent resident doctor 2023
Although PSW is unable to assess for ADHD or autism, our fellow Dr Rachel Armstrong has put together some useful signposting information:
Mirroring the increasing recognition of neurodiversity in the general population, there are increasing numbers of doctors and other health professionals who either have a diagnosed neurodiversity or are wondering about whether to explore this. At PSW we do not offer assessments of neurodiversity (except for dyslexia in the context of exam difficulties) but we have gathered here a range of information regarding the process for seeking formal assessments for those who wish to pursue this and other resources that may be helpful.
Dyslexia
- If you think you may have dyslexia and this is getting in the way of you passing postgraduate exams a useful first step is ensuring you have had an up to date eye test (in the last 2 years).
- The British Dyslexia Association has a helpful guide for adults on “signs of dyslexia”.
- If you suspect you may have dyslexia please self-refer to PSW via the referral form on the website. The Adult Dyslexia Checklist will be used to determine what support we can provide eg. exam support sessions, Assessment for Reasonable Adjustments or a full dyslexia assessment. Please do self-refer as early as possible as there is often a waiting period before an assessment can be undertaken which may mean it is not completed in time for the next exam sitting.
- If you are diagnosed with dyslexia your supervisor, Occupational Health, and Access to Work can help you think through any reasonable adjustments at work that could support you in your role, eg. software and equipment.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) & Autism
If you suspect you may have ADHD or be autistic, completing an adult ADHD or Autism screening tool is a good place to start e.g. Adult ADHD Self Report Scale or Autism Quotient 10 (AQ 10) (both of which are easily available online).
- If this is suggestive, please then see your GP who may refer you for an ADHD or autism assessment to a local NHS service if indicated.
- Unfortunately, NHS services often have extensive waiting times. If so, you may be able to access a more timely assessment via the “Right to Choose” scheme. Discuss this option with your GP.
- You may wish to pay for an assessment privately if you have the funds to do so but it is important to ensure that your GP will accept the diagnosis and shared care arrangements for any necessary prescribing from a particular provider or you may be left shouldering high costs of ongoing private prescriptions (e.g. for ADHD medication).
- ADHD UK, The National Autistic Society and the NHS website are good places to look for up to date information regarding the process for seeking an assessments.
Other Resources
Workplace Support:
- Professional Support and Wellbeing (PSW) – whether you have a diagnosis or not please do self-refer if you are in need of support. You can discuss your individual situation with a case manager, most of whom have experience working with those with neurodiversity. Depending on your needs PSW may also be able to refer you on for additional support e.g. coaching, counselling or exam support.
- Speak with your supervisor. A Neurodiversity Toolkit has been developed for resident doctors and trainers in the South West to help support conversations and planning around simple adjustments that could be made to improve different working environments for neurodiverse individuals.
- Health passport, similar to the Toolkit, is another document that can help aid this conversation with your supervisors and employers.
- Access to Work is a government funded employment support programme aiming to support people with physical or mental health conditions to start or stay in work. They can award grants for practical support. You do not need a formal diagnosis to access this.
- Occupational Health in your trust can also help you think about reasonable adjustments to support you at work.
Other helpful reading and resources:
- Autistic Doctors International and there is an Autistic Doctors peer support Facebook group
- Staff and Student Healthcare Initiative for Neurodiversity and Equity (SSHINE)
- Lots of useful information can be found on the NHSE London website: Neurodiversity resources
- Heaps, C., Shaw, S.C.K. and Doherty, M. (2025) ‘Supporting neurodivergent doctors to thrive at work’, BJPsych Advances, pp. 1–12.
- NHS Employers: Supporting Neurodivergent Colleagues
Lots of useful information and resources on NHSE London: Neurodiversity resources