My appointment preparation sheet
Free to read and print. No diagnosis, account or screening purchase is needed.
About 10–15 minutes. You can return to it later.
Download printable sheet (PDF)
Waiting Well resources
Urgent help
Download referral and appointment checklist (PDF)
If you are becoming overwhelmed, here are some contacts to talk to:
1
What this helps with
Read this
Keep your main questions, examples and practical needs together for an appointment.
Use this
Who it is for: Anyone preparing for a GP, assessment or follow-up appointment, for themselves or with a child or young person.
Time: About 10–15 minutes. You can return to it later.
2
Short explanation
Read this
Start with the question that matters most. Ask the service what information to bring. For an ADHD assessment, this may include examples from everyday life and earlier history. For a child, include their own view where possible.
Use this
Take a current medicines list and any records the service requests. If you would like communication support, breaks or someone to attend with you, ask the service beforehand. You can use your notes during the conversation.
3
One practical action
Read this
Write your most important question at the top of the sheet and take it with you.
Use this
Example question: “While I am waiting for the next step, what support can I ask for and who should I contact if things change?”
4
Worksheet: start here
Read this
You can copy these prompts into a private note or print the sheet.
Appointment details
Date, time, place or video/phone instructions, and contact number.
Use this
My main questions
Start with the most important. Add up to two others if useful.
What I want them to understand
One or two examples, their effect and something that helps.
5
Worksheet: next steps
Read this
Relevant background or requested information
Earlier history, medicines, allergies or records the service asks for.
What would help me take part?
Communication needs, a break, a supporter or another access need to discuss.
Use this
Before I leave: what happens next?
Agreed action, who will do it, when, and who to contact with questions.
6
Use your sheet privately
Read this
Write on paper or in a private file on your own device. Keep your copy somewhere safe, especially on a shared device. You choose what to share.
Use this
Print the free sheet or copy the prompts into your own private note. Complete only the parts that help.
Useful checks:
• Check the time and how to attend.
• Ask which records or forms are needed.
• Bring your questions and current medicines list.
• Ask for any unclear information to be explained.
Download printable sheet (PDF)
Download referral and appointment checklist (PDF)
7
Where to go next
Read this
Choose the next topic that is useful to you. There is no order to follow.
Keep a referral and contact record
Record concerns and strengths
Choose another Waiting Well resource
Use this
Sources used for this draft. Check current arrangements with the relevant service.
NHS: What to ask your doctor or other healthcare professional
NHS: Outpatients and day patients
NHS: ADHD in adults
NHS: ADHD in children and young people
8
Author and review
Read this
Prepared for: Matthew Lock ADHD Charity.
Draft content: AI-assisted.
Source and accessibility check: 14 November 2026.
Use this
Charity reviewer: pending sign-off.
Review status: not yet clinically reviewed.
Practical guidance and urgent help
This is a practical organising tool. It does not diagnose ADHD or replace individual professional advice.
Urgent help: call 999 if someone's life is at risk or you cannot keep yourself or someone else safe. Samaritans: 116 123, free, day or night. For other urgent routes across the UK, use the site's Urgent help page.
Urgent help across the UK
For me
For my child or young person
Waiting Well resources
Back to Waiting Well
References and resources
Hallowell, E.M., & Ratey, J. J. (1994). Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder. Anchor Books.
Resource topic:
Understanding ADHD
Barkley, R.A. (2020). Taking Charge of Adult ADHD (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press.
Resource topic:
Understanding ADHD
Brown, T.E. (2013). A New Understanding of ADHD in Children and Adults: Executive Function Impairments. Routledge.
Resource topic:
Tracking Symptoms and Executive Function
Dawson, P., & Guare, R. (2016). Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary "Executive Skills" Approach. The Guilford Press.
Resource topic:
Tracking Symptoms and Executive Function
Solanto, M.V. (2011). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adult ADHD: Targeting Executive Dysfunction. The Guilford Press.
Resource topic:
Routines and ADHD-Friendly Systems
Sarkis, S.M. (2017). Natural Relief for Adult ADHD: Complementary Strategies for Increasing Focus, Attention, and Motivation. New Harbinger Publications.
Resource topic:
Routines and ADHD-Friendly Systems
Porges, S.W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, Self-Regulation. Norton.
Resource topic:
Regulation Techniques
Fisher, J. (2017). Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors: Overcoming Internal Self-Alienation. Routledge.
Resource topic:
Regulation Techniques
Neff, K.D. (2011). Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself. William Morrow.
Resource topic:
Self-Compassion and Mental Health
Ramsay, J.R., & Rostain, A. L. (2015). The Adult ADHD Tool Kit: Using CBT to Facilitate Coping Inside and Out. Routledge
Resource topic:
Self-Compassion and Mental Health