Neurodivergence Evaluation & Treatment in the Netherlands

A Beginner’s Roadmap

If you’re neurodivergent, moving to the Netherlands can potentially add extra layers of uncertainty to manage. This guide cuts through that by giving you a roadmap of how the Dutch system works. It serves to show you: evaluation works, which clinics and specialists to contact, and the best tools and communities to support your unique needs. Feel free to use it according to where you are on your journey.

1. Self-Reflection & Symptom Tracking

Before seeking professional help, it’s useful to note down your experiences and challenges. It’s also advisable to make sure you have all of your documents and medical history with you. Bring them with you when you move, and get an updated medical certificate from the specialist in your home country.

- Keep a journal of moments when you struggled with focus, social interaction, or sensory overload.
- List daily impacts: e.g., trouble organizing tasks, feeling overwhelmed in crowds, learning difficulties.

Tip: Share these notes with your huisarts to make the conversation concrete and focused.

2. Register with a Huisarts (GP)

In the Dutch system, all specialist referrals begin with your huisarts.
- You can find English-speaking GPs via expat forums (IamExpat.nl, Expatica.com).
- Register with the practice first, then book an appointment, explain your concerns and show any current documents you may already have. Request a referral for neurodiversity assessment.

3. First-Line Screening: POH-GGZ or POH-IG

Many GP practices have an in-house mental-health or intelligence specialist (POH-GGZ for psychological issues; POH-IG for intellectual concerns).
- Brief consults (up to 7 sessions) can explore your symptoms further.
- Outcome: POH will either provide basic coping strategies or refer you to a specialized center (GGZ).

- If you already have a diagnosis, are receiving treatment, or have already been assessed, your huisarts will take this into consideration, and may bypass some of the next steps.

4. Referral to a GGZ Institution or Specialized Center

GGZ (Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg) institutions handle full diagnostic assessments.
Example providers:
- Parnassia Bavo Groep (The Hague, Rotterdam)
- GGZ Eindhoven (Eindhoven region)
- Super Brains App (digital triage, on waiting lists)
Private options (faster but may require out-of-pocket co-payment):
- Bzonder (English assessments for ADHD, autism)
- Expat Psychologists (ADHD & ASD testing center)

Note: Waiting times in GGZ can range from 2–4 months. Private centers often have shorter waits but check your insurance coverage first.

5. Diagnostic Assessment Phase

Your first meeting with the specialist typically involves an Intake interview. Your care team may involve the following specialists: psychologists, psychiatrists, and (if relevant) speech or occupational therapists.
Standardized tests (questionnaires, cognitive tasks) are part of the diagnostic assessment phase and are intended to explore attention, executive function, social communication.
If medications are being considered as part of the treatment plan, a medical exam may be considered (e.g., blood pressure check before prescribing stimulants).
The outcome of this phase is a formal report and diagnosis (e.g., ADHD, ASD, or other neurodevelopmental condition), after which treatment is planned in coordination with your GP.

6. Treatment & Support Options

Covered by Basic Insurance (Zvw):
- Medication: Short-acting methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin) is reimbursed under the basic package.
- Therapy & Coaching: Remediation programs, cognitive-behavioral therapy, executive-function coaching via GGZ.
- Educational Support: Liaison with schools or universities for accommodations (extra time on exams, note-taking services).
Shared-Care Model: After initial diagnosis, routine prescriptions and follow-ups often happen with your GP under specialist guidelines.
- Support Groups & Forums:
  * Expat Special Needs Families on Facebook
  * Design Academy Eindhoven Neurodivergence Page (educational insights)
- Digital Tools: Apps like Super Brains for interim support and coping strategies.

Quick-Start Resource List

d’Arc Autism & ADHD Research Center | dutcharc.nl | Research & understanding

Bzonder (English Diagnostics) | bzonder.com | Private ADHD/ASD assessments

Expat Psychologists | expatpsychologists.nl | ADHD & ASD testing

GGZ Eindhoven | hollandexpatcenter.com | Public mental-health services

ADHD Centraal | adhdcentraal.nl | Diagnostics & cost info

Nurturing Neurodiversity | nurturingneurodiversity.nl | Counseling & coaching

Encore Expertise Centre | encore-expertisecentrum.nl | Neuro-cognitive disorders overview