A collection of blogs, guides and articles from our team

What is an informant?

An important part of the assessment process for a neurodevelopmental condition involves gathering valuable information from a reliable informant.

If you’ve been asked to be an informant for a loved one or a long-term friend seeking an autism assessment, you may be wondering what the process involves, and how you can be the best informant possible.

What is the purpose of an informant in an autism assessment?

Firstly, let’s consider the purpose of an informant in an autism assessment. An informant provides valuable information to the clinicians overseeing the assessment about the early childhood and development of the client.  They can offer first-hand accounts of the individual's behaviour, experiences, developmental history, and strengths, providing a broader context for our team to understand their neurodivergent traits. An informant is also there to offer moral support throughout the process to the individual being assessed.

Who can be an informant in an autism assessment?

To be eligible to act as an informant for an autism assessment, you need to have known the individual being assessed since their early childhood. Informants will be asked to do two things during the autism assessment process:  

1. Complete an Informant Questionnaire  

2. Attend an Informant Interview

The individual being assessed can ask two different people to be their informants; one person to complete the Informant Questionnaire, and another person to attend the Informant Interview. Or they can ask the same person to do both things, as long as they fit the below criteria:

Who can complete the Informant Questionnaire?

Ideally, this should be a parent or caregiver who has known the individual during childhood. In the absence of a parent or caregiver, the Informant Questionnaire may be completed by a sibling, a long-term spouse or partner, or a long-term friend.

Who can attend the Informant Interview?

Ideally, this should be a parent or caregiver that has known the individual during childhood. If this is not possible, a long-term spouse or partner may attend the Informant Interview.    

In the absence of any of these options, a member of our clinical team will be in touch to discuss alternative options. Please note that in the interest of clinical best practice, it is not possible for a sibling or long-term friend to attend the Informant Interview.

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How does the process work?

As we have established, there are two key things that you will be required to do as an informant in an autism assessment. Let’s take a closer look at both tasks:

1. Complete the Informant Questionnaire  

You first task as an informant is to complete the informant questionnaire, which helps clinicians gather information about the individual being assessed and identify areas to explore further. This should be completed by yourself, as the informant. Here is an overview of how to do it:  

• The Informant Questionnaire will be made available to the individual being assessed, and they will be able to forward this to you via email.

• As an informant, you should then complete the Informant Questionnaire and return it to the individual being assessed so that they can upload it back onto their client dashboard. Alternatively, you can submit it directly to ProblemShared via email at ndassessments@problemshared.net.

The Informant Questionnaire allows you to provide details to our team about the individual’s early childhood, developmental milestones, medical and educational history, social characteristics, and neurodivergent traits.  

2. Attend the Informant Interview

You will then receive an email inviting you to attend an Informant Interview. This interview will last approximately 3 hours, and the individual being assessed can also be present if they wish. The information gathered during this interview will enable our clinicians to build a clear picture of the individual's childhood, developmental history, and daily challenges, helping to guide their diagnosis.  

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How to prepare for the Informant Interview

You may be wondering if there is anything that you can do to prepare for your Informant Interview. Here are a few suggestions:  

1. Spend some time finding out more about neurodiversity and the assessment process. This will help you better understand what to expect during your interview and give you an idea of the questions you may be asked.

2. Reflect on your observations of the individual being assessed.  Think about their unique characteristics, strengths, and behaviours. This will help you to provide more detailed and accurate information during your interview.

3. Gather relevant information that will help you to provide the most accurate responses. For example, revisit early childhood memories (looking at old photographs can help to jog your memory), developmental milestone trackers, and educational records.  

4. Consider potential questions the clinician may ask and prepare thoughtful responses to these. Practice articulating your insights in a clear, concise, and informative manner.

5. If possible, consult with the individual being assessed before your Informant Interview. Find out what they are comfortable with you discussing and what they would prefer you to keep private. This could include information about their personal life, medical history, or any sensitive topics that they may not want to discuss.

6. Finally, remember that by acting as an informant, you are helping to support your friend or loved one's journey toward understanding and embracing their neurodiversity. By providing accurate and reliable insights, you can help them to receive the support they need to thrive.

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What is an informant?

When preparing for an ADHD assessment, it’s important for you to choose a reliable informant. An informant is someone who can provide us with valuable insights into your early childhood and development. They should also be able to provide information on how your symptoms affect you now. In this article, we will consider how to choose the best informant for your ADHD assessment, how to approach them, and what options are available if you don't have a suitable informant.

What is the purpose of an informant in an ADHD assessment?

Your chosen informant will tell us about any potential signs of ADHD that you displayed during your childhood, as well as those that you display now. Your informant can explain the impact that this has on your daily functioning.  

An informant plays an important role in the ADHD assessment process, particularly if they have known you since childhood. They can provide evidence that your signs of ADHD meet clinical criteria, potentially warranting a diagnosis.

How does the process work?

Your informant needs to complete an Informant Questionnaire as part of the assessment process. This questionnaire will gather important details about your childhood, developmental milestones, medical and educational history, social characteristics, and neurodivergent traits, and how these have impacted your functioning.  

Here is an overview of what your informant will be expected to do:  

• The Informant Questionnaire can be accessed from the pre-assessment forms page of your client dashboard. You will need to download it and email it to your chosen informant.  

• Once your informant has completed the Informant Questionnaire, they should send it back to you to re-upload onto your client dashboard with the rest of your pre-assessment forms. 

Who to choose as your informant

To ensure that the information they provide is accurate and relevant, your informant should be somebody who has known you since childhood.  Ideally, this should be a parent, caregiver, or sibling. However, if this is not possible, a long-term partner or close friend or employer can also act as your informant.

What to do if you don’t have a suitable informant for your ADHD assessment

Please note that it is NOT possible to act as your own informant for an ADHD assessment. However, we understand that there may be cases where an individual does not have anyone they can ask to be their informant.

While this isn’t ideal, we endeavour to make the process of accessing a ProblemShared ADHD assessment as inclusive as possible. Therefore, although involving an informant is an important part of ensuring a clinically robust assessment, our team will never turn a client away for being unable to source an informant. Instead, we will work closely with the individual to explore other avenues to gather the information needed for their ADHD assessment.  

If you find yourself in this situation, please let our clinical team know that you do not have a suitable informant as soon as possible. A clinician will get in touch to discuss alternative options with you.

How to ask someone to be your informant

Reaching out to ask someone to be your informant can feel daunting. Here are a few things to consider when initiating a conversation with your chosen informant:

• Firstly, choose a suitable time and location to have this conversation. You should talk to your potential informant in a comfortable and private setting when neither of you is in a rush.  

• Before starting this conversation, learn as much as possible about the ProblemShared ADHD assessment process. You will then be able to explain to your potential informant what their specific role will be. If they want to learn more about the process, you can direct them to this guide.

• Ensure they understand the potential benefits of an accurate diagnosis, such as access to appropriate treatment and support.

• Emphasise your informant's vital role in the ADHD assessment process and ensure they realise how valuable their support is to the outcome.

• Give your potential informant plenty of time to consider your request.

What is an informant?

An ADHD assessment is an important first step towards getting an accurate diagnosis and access to much-needed support. In order to make an accurate diagnosis, our clinicians must be provided with the most comprehensive and accurate information possible.

A vital source of this information is an informant; a person who has known the individual being assessed since childhood. If someone has asked you to be their informant for an ADHD assessment, it's important that you know what the process entails so you can be the best ADHD informant possible.

Your role as an ADHD informant

As an ADHD informant, your role is to provide information for someone undergoing an assessment for ADHD. This involves completing the Informant Questionnaire which tells our clinical team about any potential signs of ADHD that the individual displayed during their childhood, as well as those that they display now. You can help us to understand the impact this has on their daily functioning.

An informant should provide as many examples of symptoms or behaviours as possible to show that an individual’s signs of ADHD meet clinical criteria, potentially warranting a diagnosis.  

An overview of the process

When acting as an informant for a ProblemShared ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete an Informant Questionnaire. This questionnaire will gather important details about the childhood, developmental milestones, medical and educational history, social characteristics, and neurodivergent traits of the individual being assessed.  

Here is an overview of how to do it:  

• The Informant Questionnaire will be made available to the individual being assessed, and they will be able to forward this to you via email.

• As an informant, you should then complete the Informant Questionnaire and return it to the individual being assessed so that they can return it to ProblemShared. Alternatively, you can send it directly to ProblemShared via email at ndassessments@problemshared.net.

Who can be an ADHD informant?

To ensure that the information provided is accurate and relevant, an informant should be somebody who has known the individual since childhood. This will preferably be a parent, caregiver, or sibling, although a long-term partner or close friend or employer can act as an informant if this is not possible.

How can I be a good ADHD informant?

To prepare you for your role as an informant for an ADHD assessment, here are a few practical tips:

• Spend some time finding out more about ADHD and the assessment process. This will help you prepare to complete the Informant Questionnaire.  

• Reflect on the individual’s childhood and how they are now. Think about their unique characteristics and behaviours, their strengths and abilities, and any challenges they face in their daily life. This will help you to provide detailed and accurate information in the Informant Questionnaire.  

• Gather any relevant information to help you provide the most accurate responses. For example, revisit early childhood memories (looking at old photographs can help to jog your memory), developmental milestone trackers, and educational records.  

• If appropriate, consult with the individual being assessed before you complete the Informant Questionnaire. Find out what information they are comfortable with you discussing and what they would prefer you to keep private. This could include details about their medical history, personal life, or sensitive topics that they may not wish to disclose.
• Being an informant for an ADHD assessment is an important responsibility that requires attention to detail, honesty, and support. Remember that your role as an informant is invaluable, and by following the tips outlined in this article, you can be the best ADHD informant possible.

What is the SNAP-IV form?

The SNAP-IV form is an ADHD report scale for children. It’s comprised of 26 statements, each of which is rated on a 4-point scale. It screens for signs of inattentive, hyperactive, impulsive, and oppositional or defiant behaviours, and classifies them based on severity.  

You need to give 2 copies of the SNAP-IV self-report form to your GP in order for them to refer your child to our service.

Who should complete each copy of the SNAP-IV form?

• The first copy of the SNAP-IV form needs to be completed by the parent/guardian of the child or young person who is seeking an assessment.  
• The second copy of the SNAP-IV form needs to be completed by the teacher of the child or young person who is seeking an assessment.

Where can the SNAP-IV form be accessed?

• The blank SNAP-IV form can be downloaded from the self-report forms section of our Right to Choose homepage.
• You will need to download 2 copies of it.
• You should then give both completed SNAP-IV forms to your GP when you ask for your referral to our service.

Why does the SNAP-IV form matter?

The SNAP-IV form is an important screening tool used to identify children who may benefit from an ADHD assessment. By gathering information from both parents or caregivers and teachers, the SNAP-IV form allows clinicians to learn more about the child’s behaviours, experiences, and challenges across a range of settings, including school, home, and social environments.  

How do you fill out the SNAP-IV form?

You can choose to either fill out the SNAP-IV form digitally or manually on behalf of your child. If you wish to fill it out digitally, you must have access to Adobe Acrobat.

When filling out the questionnaire, take some time to read each of the 12 statements carefully. Tick the box that most accurately represents how you feel about each statement, in reference to the child that you are completing it for. When you have completed the form, click the “Finish and save” button to save the file.  

How to approach your child’s teacher or school and ask them to complete the SNAP-IV form

Since ADHD characteristics often impact performance and behaviour in the classroom, teachers and teaching staff are often the first to recognise these signs. If this is the case, your child’s teacher will already be aware of the situation, and will hopefully oblige to support you throughout the ADHD assessment process.  

Whether they are currently aware of the situation or not, the insights your child’s teacher can provide about their experiences and behaviour in the classroom are invaluable. Therefore, it is crucial to get them involved in the ADHD screening process at an early stage.  

Here are a few helpful tips when asking your child’s teacher or school to complete the SNAP-IV form:  

1. Schedule a meeting. Schedule a meeting with your child’s teacher and the school’s SEN lead so you have plenty of time to discuss the screening process with them. The school staff will likely have experience filling out the SNAP-IV form, so they may be able to guide you through the process.

2. Plan for the meeting. Before meeting with your child’s teacher, ensure you fully understand the SNAP-IV form and make a note of any concerns or queries you have.

3. Listen actively and make notes. Remember that you and your child’s teacher want the same thing for your child - to be happy and successful at school. Jot down any key points from the discussion to draw on later.

4. Request their support. Explain how important it is for them to complete the SNAP-IV form based on their observations in the classroom.  Offer to provide them with any additional information or insights that might be helpful.

5. Ensure they have access to the SNAP-IV form. Make sure that they know how to access the form. You may wish to provide them with a paper copy in advance so they can review the questions and familiarise themselves with the form before completing it.

Remember that your child’s teacher is there to support their academic and emotional growth. With that in mind, many teachers will be happy to help you through the ADHD assessment process.

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Why does post-diagnostic care matter?

Receiving a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism can be an incredibly validating and empowering experience, but it’s normal for clients and their families to also feel a bit overwhelmed. This is why we offer post-diagnostic care, to help you navigate life beyond assessment.

We are the only healthcare provider to provide this unique ongoing care. It includes psychoeducation workshops led by our clinical team, where you can learn more about your diagnosis, and where appropriate, the prescribing and titration of ADHD medication.  

This is all in line with our standards of excellence. By providing expert guidance, educational resources, and emotional support, we ensure that our clients can build on their strengths and access tailored recommendations about how they can make positive changes to their lives.

Post-diagnostic support with ProblemShared

One of the primary goals of our ongoing support at ProblemShared is to equip individuals and their families with knowledge about how neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and autism can affect their experience of the world around them.

Psychoeducation workshops

Our psychoeducation workshops are facilitated by our expert post-diagnostic intervention (PDI) practitioners. They are virtual group sessions and combine the offering of information with opportunities to learn from and support each other. While participation is encouraged, it's your choice as to how much or little you would like to contribute. Our practitioners provide a safe, structured environment to allow opportunities for discussion, reflection and collaboration.

Over 4 sessions, we aim to help you understand your diagnosis and how it affects you, as well as how you can overcome any challenges you might face and build on your strengths. You will have the opportunity to listen to the lived experiences of others with the same diagnosis and share your own thoughts and feelings about neurodiversity.

ADHD medication: prescribing and titration

If you receive an ADHD diagnosis, our specialist ADHD nurse practitioners can prescribe medication where appropriate, which can then be dispensed by your online pharmacy. Note that this will only be possible if your GP has pre-agreed to accept shared care at the point of your referral (there is a section on shared care later in this article). We will also work with you to alter the dosage of your medications based on how you respond to the medication – a process known as titration.

Shared care

Once your titration period is stable, we will move you into a shared care arrangement with your NHS GP. They will take on the role of prescribing and monitoring your medications, and provide ongoing support for any challenges you might face as a result of your ADHD.

After receiving a diagnosis, we offer guidance about working directly with your GP to ensure they continue to prescribe your medication. If you have been diagnosed by one of our clinicians, they can begin to prescribe medication, support you through frequent reviews, and liaise with your primary care team to ensure joined up expert care.

Need more information?

If you have any questions about Right to Choose, our post-diagnostic care, the referral or assessment processes in general, you can head to the support resources section of our homepage, or explore our FAQs.

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What is Right to Choose?  

If you are referred by your GP for specialist treatment, such as an ADHD or autism assessment, you have the legal right to choose which provider oversees your care, as long as you are a registered NHS patient in England.

If you suspect that you or someone close to you might have autism or ADHD, it can be difficult knowing where to start with seeking a diagnosis. The good news is that through the NHS Right to Choose scheme, your GP can refer you to ProblemShared for an assessment and ongoing support.  

The Right to Choose referral process, step by step

Firstly, you need to complete a self-report form. You will need to fill out the self-report form for your suspected neurodevelopmental condition. You should choose the self-report form that is relevant to your age:  

Autism self-report forms

• AQ-10 for adults aged 16 and over
• AQ-10 for children aged 12-15
• AQ-10 for children aged 7-11

ADHD self-report forms

• ASRS for adults aged 16 and over
• SNAP-IV teacher and parent rating scale for children aged 7-15

If you are seeking an assessment for both autism and ADHD, you will need to complete two forms in total; one for autism, and one for ADHD.

All of our self-report forms can be found on our dedicated Right to Choose homepage.

Next, you need to speak to your GP. Get in touch with your GP and ask them to refer to you to the ProblemShared Right to Choose service. You will need to give your completed self-report form(s) to your GP before they can make the referral.

Then, wait for your GP to refer you. Your GP will now complete our digital referral process. You will receive an email when they have done so, asking you to provide some enrolment information.

Once you have provided the enrolment information, we will review your referral. If your referral is accepted, you will be notified by email and informed of the next steps in the assessment process.

Handling the conversation with your GP

The idea of advocating for yourself in medical spaces can be daunting. When the time comes to ask your GP to refer you for a neurodevelopmental assessment, it’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed.

So that you can feel as prepared as possible, we’ve put together some tips on how to have the conversation with your GP:

• Use our pre-formatted GP letter. It explains everything your GP needs to know about the NHS Right to Choose scheme, and includes instructions for how they should refer you to our service. It’s been designed specifically to answer common questions GPs might have about the process, and makes the communication as simple as possible.

• Bring your completed self-report form. Make sure to give your completed self-report form to your GP when you ask to be referred, to avoid delays to the process. Feel free to bring other types of evidence which may demonstrate the challenges you have faced, such as a diary of symptoms.

• Take your time. Your GP is there to facilitate your healthcare needs and listen to you. It's highly likely that they will have had similar conversations with other patients before. Don’t be afraid to ask your GP for exactly what you want.

What to do if your GP refuses your request

If your GP questions or refuses your request, this could be for several reasons, including the following:

• They haven’t heard of the NHS Right to Choose scheme
• They have concerns about funding  

In both cases your Right to Choose is not disqualified, and you can direct your GP to the NHS information on patient choice here.

There are, however, a few clinical reasons for refusal which are valid.  

Genuine exclusions

You do not have the legal Right to Choose if:

• You are non-verbal and/or selectively mute
• You are not fluent in English
• You have a diagnosis of global development delay or a diagnosed intellectual disability (IQ below 70)

• You are currently receiving treatment for an active eating disorder, and/or in active family-based therapy or eating disorder therapy
• You are a person who is looked after, or under the guardianship of a local authority
• You are currently receiving treatment for drug or alcohol addiction
• You have experienced a current, or recently (within 3 months) resolved, psychotic episode
• You have a significant visual or hearing impairment
• You are undergoing safeguarding investigations
• You currently have high levels of risk in terms of your behaviour and mental health
• You require emergency treatment
• You have already received care or treatment for the neurodevelopmental condition for which you are seeking an assessment
• You are detained in a hospital under the Mental Health Act 1983, or on a Community Treatment order
• You are seeking a second opinion assessment, and have already been assessed for autism within the last year (this does not apply to assessment for ADHD)
• You do not have access to a laptop or computer (please note that an iPad which is at least 10” in size and can be propped up to be used handsfree can also be used to access our service, but handheld devices such as mobile phones cannot)
• You do not have access to an internet connection in a private place
• You or your child are not willing to conduct the assessment with your camera turned on for the duration of the assessment
• You are currently serving a prison sentence, or are on temporary release
• You serve in the armed forces
• You have had a head injury, brain surgery, or have a neurological condition that has left you with significant cognitive impairments
• You are unable to look after your self-care needs, or the needs of your dependants (e.g., washing, feeding, not taking prescribed medications)

Looking ahead

If you receive a diagnosis following your assessment with us, we offer a range of ongoing support options to our clients. We can prescribe medication where appropriate, and provide psychoeducation workshops where you can learn more about your diagnosis with our team of expert clinicians.

In the meantime, if you have any questions about Right to Choose, referral, or the assessment process in general, you can head to the support resources section of our homepage, or explore our FAQs.