Right to Choose: How to Use the NHS Scheme for Autism Assessment in England

Looking at both ADHD and autism? Our full parent guide — NHS Right to Choose: Free ADHD & Autism Assessment in England — covers eligibility, the step-by-step referral process, realistic 2026 waiting times, and what to do if your GP says no.

If you are in England and facing an NHS autism waiting list that stretches for years, the Right to Choose scheme may offer a faster route — at no cost to you. This guide explains exactly what Right to Choose is, who it applies to, which providers you can request, and how to use it effectively.

What is the NHS Right to Choose scheme?

The NHS Right to Choose (also called the NHS Choice Framework) is a legal entitlement for NHS patients in England. Under the NHS Constitution and the NHS Choice Framework, if your GP refers you or your child to a consultant-led outpatient service, you have the legal right to choose which NHS provider carries out that appointment.

Crucially, this includes a small number of independent sector providers who are commissioned by NHS England to deliver autism assessments on behalf of the NHS. This means you can, in some circumstances, request an assessment at a private clinic — funded by the NHS — rather than waiting for your local NHS trust to see you.

Who does Right to Choose apply to?

Right to Choose for mental health and neurodevelopmental services currently applies to:

• Patients registered with a GP in England
• Who have been referred (or are seeking a referral) to a consultant-led outpatient neurodevelopmental assessment service

It does not currently apply in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, which have their own NHS systems and do not operate under the same Choice Framework. If you are in one of these nations, see our guide on NHS autism waiting lists in the UK for your options.

Which providers can I request?

The providers available under Right to Choose change periodically as NHS contracts are awarded and renewed. At the time of writing, providers available for autism and ADHD assessments under NHS Right to Choose have included organisations such as Psychiatry UK, Psicon, Paloma Health, and others — though availability varies by local integrated care board (ICB) and changes over time.

The best source of up-to-date information on which providers are available in your area is:

• Your GP — ask them directly which Right to Choose providers are available for neurodevelopmental assessment in your ICB area
• NHS England’s Find a Provider tool — available on the NHS website
• The provider directly — most Right to Choose providers have clear information on their websites about whether they accept NHS-funded patients via this scheme

How do I use Right to Choose?

The process has a few steps, but it is simpler than it sounds:

Step 1: Identify a provider

Research which providers accept NHS Right to Choose referrals for autism assessment. Check the provider’s website and confirm they are currently accepting NHS Right to Choose patients from your area.

Step 2: Make an appointment with your GP

Ask your GP for a referral for an autism assessment. At the same time, tell them you would like to exercise your Right to Choose and name the specific provider you have identified. Your GP is legally required to make the referral to your chosen provider, provided that provider is on the NHS-approved list and is accepting patients from your area.

Step 3: If your GP is reluctant

Some GPs are unfamiliar with Right to Choose for neurodevelopmental assessments, and some may initially decline or express uncertainty. If this happens:

• Remain calm and politely but clearly state that you are exercising your legal right under the NHS Choice Framework
• Ask them to look into it before refusing — the NHS England website has clear guidance for GPs
• If they continue to refuse, contact NHS England or your Integrated Care Board’s patient support team
• Contact your local SENDIASS for advocacy support

Step 4: The assessment proceeds

Once the referral is accepted by your chosen provider, the assessment process is exactly the same as any other NHS or private assessment. See our guide on what happens during an autism assessment for a full explanation of the process.

Is Right to Choose free?

Yes. If you are referred via Right to Choose to an NHS-approved provider, the cost is covered by the NHS. You should not be charged anything for the assessment itself.

Be aware that some providers offer both NHS-funded and privately-funded assessments. Make sure it is clear that you are being referred via NHS Right to Choose before you begin, so there is no ambiguity about funding.

Will it definitely be faster?

In many cases, yes — significantly so. Right to Choose providers have often had shorter waiting times than local NHS trusts, though this varies. Some providers have also experienced increased demand as awareness of the scheme has grown, and their waits have lengthened as a result. It is worth asking the provider directly about their current waiting time before requesting the referral.

What if I do not qualify for Right to Choose?

If Right to Choose is not available to you — because you are not in England, because no suitable provider is available in your area, or because your GP will not refer — there are other options:

• Continue waiting on the NHS list whilst accessing support for your child without a diagnosis (see our guide on what to do while waiting)
• Pursue a private assessment — read our guides on cost and what to expect
• If your GP has refused to refer at all, read our guide on what to do if your GP refuses an autism referral

Find a private autism assessor near you

If Right to Choose is not available to you or does not resolve your situation, The SEND List directory includes private autism assessors across the UK:

• Autism Assessors in Glasgow
• Autism Assessment in London
• Autism Assessment in Birmingham
• Autism Assessment in Manchester
• Autism Assessment in Bristol