A LEADING mental health provider has been selected to expand its existing autistic spectrum disorder service, and deliver a new attention deficit hyperactivity disorder service across Hampshire.

The Hampshire autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder service will provide the Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS FoundationTrust’s nationally recognised model of diagnosis and support for adults with autistic spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Receiving a diagnosis of either can be hard for people to accept, so the aim of the service is to enable them to make sense of their lives and behaviour. Following a diagnosis, the service will signpost people toward the best treatments and strategies to help them manage and cope with their condition, and thrive in all aspects of their lives.

The Trust has partnered with a leading autism focused organisation, Autism Hampshire, to provide a range of pre and post-diagnostic support to those diagnosed with autism.

Referrals to the service will be made by health and social care professionals via fax, post, or secure e-mail.

Raja Mukherjee, consultant psychiatrist and lead clinician for the service, said: “This is a really positive development to the services the Trust already provides for people living with autistic spectrum disorder, and we are excited to launch our new attention deficit hyperactivity disorder service.

“These services mean we will be able to make a significant difference to people’s lives through our diagnostic and support services. We look forward to working with communities in Hampshire.”

The Hampshire Autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder service is available in the areas served by clinical commissioning groups in Fareham and Gosport, North Hampshire, South Eastern Hampshire, West Hampshire, and Portsmouth.