Devon adult autism and ADHD service (DAANA)

  • Our service offers assessments to diagnose autism spectrum conditions and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults.

  • How we can help

    How we can help

    Our service offers assessments to diagnose autism spectrum conditions and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. We also provide some support after diagnosis. For ADHD, we can also help with medication and therapy.

    We also offer a service for people who have been previously diagnosed with ADHD who want to restart medication to treat their ADHD.

    We work together to provide the best service we can for the people who use our services. We also signpost people to other services if needed.
  • How to get help

    How to get help

    We accept referrals from GPs and other Devon Partnership NHS Trust staff. We have seen a significant increase in referrals which has had an impact on waiting times.

    You can speak to your GP about your right to choose another provider for an ADHD assessment. However, we may not then unable to accept referrals for people who have had their ADHD assessment via another provider. This is because they already offer the complete service for assessment and treatment under this option.

     

    Checking your referral

    Please do not call the service to find out about when you will be seen. We are unable to confirm your appointment until we send you your appointment information.

    To check if you are on the waiting list or when you were referred, email:

  • Forde House (2nd Floor), Park Five, Harrier Way
    Exeter
    EX2 7HU

    Opening hours
     Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
    01392 674 250

Autism

What is autism?

Your autism assessment

You will be contacted by a member of our team to arrange your first appointment for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video with Attend Anywhere, which we'll discuss with you. We will then send appointment details by letter or email.

Your autism assessment collects information about your experiences, life, and childhood development. We'll also speak with people who know you well, such as a parent, partner, or friend.

The assessment covers various life aspects, which can sometimes be hard to discuss. We'll support you throughout the process.

Typically, the assessment takes 2-4 sessions over a few weeks, but this may vary. We'll keep you informed at every stage.

At the end of the assessment we will meet with you to talk about the outcome and what happens next.

You may be offered further appointments. You will meet with the same clinician or other team members. Sessions vary in length but include regular breaks. We'll talk about any adjustments you need and may ask about your experiences or complete short tasks with you to understand how you think. There are no right or wrong answers in these tasks.

What happens if I am diagnosed with autism?

If you receive an autism diagnosis, we will give you a detailed report outlining observations from your assessment, including your strengths and our recommendations. We also offer a post-diagnostic workshop, a monthly support group and a separate group for family and friends.

If you have ADHD with autism, support may include managing medication, therapy, self-help resources and yearly reviews depending on your needs.

What happens if I am not diagnosed with autism?

If you have not received an autism diagnosis, it may be because another explanation better fits your experiences, or you do not meet all the criteria. We will explain our conclusion and guide you to other services if needed.

In some cases, the outcome may be unclear due to complex factors or incomplete information. Regardless of the outcome, we will share what we've learned during the assessment and discuss available support options with you.

Leaving our service

Once your autism assessment has been completed, you will be discharged from our service.

ADHD

What is ADHD?

Your ADHD assessment

You will be contacted by a member of our team to arrange your first appointment for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video with Attend Anywhere, which we'll discuss with you. We will then send appointment details by letter or email, including a consent to share form to complete before your assessment.

Your ADHD assessment involves discussing your background and the challenges you've experienced throughout your life and childhood. If you bring someone who knows you, we can also talk to them about your difficulties.

The assessment may be completed in one two-hour session, though some people might need to return for further appointments. With your consent, we may also speak to someone who knew you as a child.

Some individuals will meet the criteria for a diagnosis, while others may not. In both cases, we'll review the information gathered and explore available support options with you.

What happens if I am diagnosed with ADHD?

If you are diagnosed with ADHD we will discuss treatment options with you, which you may want to think about.

People's treatment needs vary and not everyone responds to treatment in the same way. When making decisions about your care, we will consider the severity of your symptoms and the potential benefits you may gain from improved self-care, medication, and psychological treatments.

We can provide you with self-help materials which you, your family, carers and friends may find useful.

What happens if I am not diagnosed with ADHD?

If you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis we will review the information we have gathered during your assessment and explore available support options with you.

Leaving our service

We will discharge you from our service:

  • At the end of your assessment if you have not received a diagnosis
  • Once your treatment is stabilised we will transfer prescribing responsibility back to your GP. We will invite you back yearly for a review. 
  • Once your psychology-based intervention is complete. 

Waiting times

We have seen a significant increase in referrals recently, which has resulted in longer waiting times for appointments. Our team is working very hard to see people as quickly as possible.

We aim to be transparent, and the information below may be helpful as an approximate guide to waiting times. We are sorry, but we are not able to give an accurate response to how long you may have to wait as this constantly fluctuates. We update this information quarterly. Last updated in July 2025. Dates have been updated to reflect the current position, following a change in the system used for electronic records.

ADHD assessments

The number of referrals remains very high, which has led to longer waiting times.

This is part of a national trend, as referrals for ADHD assessment and treatment have significantly increased over the past five years. A national ADHD taskforce has been created to address these issues.

Current waiting list figures:

ADHD diagnostic assessments: There are 4,590 people on the waiting list. We are currently seeing people who were referred in June 2020. This does not necessarily mean a new referral will result in a 4½-year wait, as various clinical and operational factors affect waiting times.

People awaiting treatment after a diagnosis of ADHD elsewhere: There are 1018 people on the waiting list. We are currently seeing people who were referred in March 2021. Again, this does not mean new referrals will have a 4-year wait.

Transitioning from children's services to adult ADHD services: There are 117 people on the waiting list. We are currently seeing people referred in October 2024.

In the last quarter, we received 499 new referrals across all ADHD pathways.

Autistic spectrum assessments

There are 2,967 people currently on the waiting list for an Autism diagnostic assessment.

For new referrals, most of the people we are currently seeing were referred in January 2019. This is not a reflection of timeframe that a person referred now would be seen by (i.e.a six-and-a-half-year wait) due to a range of clinical and operational factors.

In the last quarter, we received 154 new referrals.

We understand this is far from ideal and you can discuss this with your GP. They may be able to discuss assessment under the right to choose an alternative provider scheme.

If you are not happy with the level of service provided or you wish to make a complaint you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).

While you wait

We are working hard to see people more quickly. While you wait, there are some resources and guidance that may help. If your health gets worse, please contact your GP.

Workplace and education adjustments: If you need adjustments at work or school while waiting for a diagnosis, speak to your employer or educator. You can also show them your referral acceptance letter from our service.

Adult social care If you struggle with daily tasks, you might qualify for a social care assessment. This is based on your needs and doesn't require an autism diagnosis. Social care also supports carers.

Mental health and wellbeing

  • Contact your GP
  • Call NHS 111 (choose the mental health option)
  • Self-refer to TALKWORKS for free, confidential talking therapy
  • If you've severely harmed yourself or taken an overdose, go to A&E or call 999.

Autism

ADHD

Tell us what you think

We value your feedback about the Devon Adult Autism and ADHD (DAANA) service. Your opinions help us improve appointments, ensure staff are caring, and make you feel heard and supported. You can also get in touch in other ways to share your experience or ask for more information.

Referring to our service

We accept referrals from GPs and other Devon Partnership NHS Trust staff for people who:

Are aged 18 or over

  • Are registered with a GP surgery in Devon (excluding Plymouth)
  • Do not already have a diagnosis of an autism spectrum condition
  • Have evidence of a moderate-severe impact associated with ADHD symptoms.

For more information about referring to our service and to request a referral form please email:

  1. Recovery and wellbeing
  2. Get help with
  3. Carers and families