Public information · UK
NHS: understanding autism
What autism is, signs, assessments and support for children and adults.
Read official source ↗SUPPORT & KNOWLEDGE · RESEARCHED 5 OCTOBER 2026
Autism, ADHD & mental health
A practical starting point for families, community partners and professionals. This curated collection brings together official information, clinical guidance and relevant codes of practice; it is not an exhaustive account of every condition or legal duty.
Need help now?
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. In England, for urgent mental health help call 111 and select the mental health option. These pages are not monitored.
NHS urgent help informationPutting information into practice
Start with the person’s priorities. Record dated observations, context, adjustments tried, what helped or did not help, and the person’s own view. Agree a review date. These records can support SEN support, EHCP evidence and discussions with professionals; they do not diagnose autism or ADHD or guarantee an EHCP.
Autism and ADHD are neurodevelopmental conditions, and mental health needs can coexist. Avoid assuming that distress is simply part of a diagnosis. Ask about communication, sensory and access needs.
Official source directory
Statutory codes and clinical guidance have different roles. Duties depend on the organisation, activity and jurisdiction. Sources mainly concern England; do not apply them automatically across the UK. Open the publisher page for full guidance, available downloads and updates.
Autism
Clinical guidance · Children and young people
NICE CG128: recognition, referral and diagnosis under 19
For professionals considering recognition, referral and specialist assessment.
Read official source ↗Clinical guidance · Children and young people
NICE CG170: support and management under 19
Support planning, communication, environments and coexisting needs.
Read official source ↗Clinical guidance · Adults
NICE CG142: adults
Adult assessment, support and care pathways.
Read official source ↗Statutory guidance · England
Adult autism statutory guidance
Responsibilities of local authorities and NHS organisations under the Autism Act. Includes easy-read and contrast versions.
Read official source ↗ADHD
Public information · Children and young people
NHS: ADHD in children and teenagers
Signs, assessment routes, school support and treatment information.
Read official source ↗Public information · Adults
NHS: ADHD in adults
Understanding adult ADHD and accessing assessment and support.
Read official source ↗Clinical guidance · Children and adults
NICE NG87: diagnosis and management
Specialist diagnosis, environmental adjustments, treatment and monitoring. Observations and rating scales alone do not establish a diagnosis.
Read official source ↗Mental health
Public information · All ages
NHS mental health information
Information on conditions, wellbeing, talking therapies and services, including support for young people.
Read official source ↗Service information · England
NHS urgent mental health help
Where to seek urgent support and emergency care.
Read official source ↗Clinical guidance · All ages
NICE NG225: self-harm
Assessment, care and preventing recurrence. Risk scores must not be used to predict suicide or decide access to treatment.
Read official source ↗Rights & codes
Statutory code · England
Mental Health Act Code of Practice
Rights, involvement in care, least restrictive practice and professional responsibilities under the Mental Health Act. Official PDF and easy-read available.
Read official source ↗Statutory code · England and Wales · Mainly age 16+
Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice
Decision-making support and duties when someone lacks capacity for a particular decision. A diagnosis alone does not establish lack of capacity.
Read official source ↗Statutory code · England
SEND Code of Practice: 0 to 25
SEN support, participation, coordinated working and EHC assessment and plans. Official PDF available.
Read official source ↗Statutory guidance · England · Adult social care
Care and support statutory guidance
Wellbeing, prevention, assessment, carers, safeguarding and care planning.
Read official source ↗Legal guidance · Great Britain
Equality Act: service provider guidance
Disability discrimination and reasonable adjustments in services. Northern Ireland has a different framework.
Read official source ↗Using this collection
General information supports conversations with qualified professionals. Use current official versions at the point of care or decision-making. Check commencement and updated codes before applying changes in mental health law. Listing a source is not evidence of compliance or NHS endorsement.
There is no single autism or ADHD code of practice covering every setting: use the relevant clinical guidance alongside education, equality, capacity and care frameworks.