Introduction
If you are seeking an autism and/or ADHD assessment in England, you may be able to choose which provider carries out your NHS-funded assessment. This is known as Right to Choose and can give you more choice over where you are assessed, rather than automatically using your local NHS service.
This forms part of wider NHS patient-choice rights set out in the NHS Constitution, which give patients choices about some NHS-funded services and access to information to help them make those choices.
In this article we will cover:
Right to Choose explained
How Right to Choose works
When Right to Choose is not available
Finding assessment providers
Right to Choose Explained
There are several ways to access an autism and/or ADHD assessment. These include:
Local NHS services
Right to Choose (RTC)*
Private services
*Right to Choose only applies in England.
Waiting times for local NHS services can be long, although this varies between areas. Private assessments may offer another option, but they can be expensive. Right to Choose allows you to choose which provider carries out your NHS-funded assessment. You do not pay privately for an assessment carried out through this pathway.
The provider must have an NHS contract for the service you need. This can include NHS organisations and independent providers delivering services for the NHS.
You may be able to use Right to Choose when you are referred for an autism and/or ADHD assessment. Referrals are usually made through your GP.
Before asking for a referral, it is worth checking what the provider offers. For ADHD, this may include whether they can prescribe medication.
How Right to Choose Works
The Right to Choose process will vary between providers, but it may look like this:
Research Right to Choose providers and choose one.
Ask your GP for an autism and/or ADHD assessment through Right to Choose, naming your chosen provider.
If the referral is appropriate, your GP sends it to the provider.
The provider reviews the referral and, if accepted, you join their waiting list.
Complete the assessment and receive the outcome.
Right to Choose Pathway
What happens after diagnosis varies between providers. Some providers offer ongoing support or ADHD medication, while others may refer you back to local NHS services.
Some providers may ask your GP to take over prescribing once your ADHD medication is stable. This is known as shared care. GPs do not have to accept a shared-care agreement, so it is worth checking both the provider’s arrangements and your GP’s approach before choosing a provider.
When Right to Choose Is Not Available
Right to Choose does not apply in some situations, including if:
You are already receiving care and treatment for the condition you are seeking an assessment for.
You need urgent, emergency or crisis care.
You are in prison or another secure setting.
You are a serving member of the armed forces.
Finding Assessment Providers
Right to Choose providers and waiting times can change. It is important to check the most up-to-date information before choosing a provider.
ADHD UK maintains a list of Right to Choose providers for both autism and ADHD. They also give information about waiting times and the services they offer but it is also worth checking the provider’s own website for its latest referral process and availability.
Summary
Right to Choose is available in England and may allow you to choose which provider carries out your NHS-funded autism and/or ADHD assessment.
Waiting times and the support offered after assessment vary between providers, so it is important to check these before asking for a referral.
Right to Choose does not apply in some situations, such as urgent or emergency care, or if you are already receiving care and treatment for the condition you are being referred for.
Right to Choose providers and waiting times can change. ADHD UK provides regularly updated information about ADHD and autism assessment providers and waiting times.
References
What’s Patient Choice? - Independent Healthcare Provider Network. IHPN, https://www.ihpn.org.uk/2023/03/whats-patient-choice/ (2023, accessed 26 June 2026).
NHS Right to Choose: for autism and ADHD assessment. Sussex Health and Care, https://www.sussex.ics.nhs.uk/our-work/cyp/special-educational-needs-and-disability-send/waiting-neurodevelopmental/nhs-rtc-framework/ (2026, accessed 23 June 2026).
Public information: West Yorkshire Health & Care Partnership. West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, https://www.wypartnership.co.uk/our-priorities/mental-health-learning-disability-and-autism/neurodiversity/right-to-choose/public-information (2026, accessed 23 June 2026).
Right to Choose: ASD & ADHD Assessment Pathways - Cuckfield Medical Practice. NHS, https://www.cuckfieldmedicalpractice.nhs.uk/2025/01/24/right-to-choose-asd-adhd-assessment-pathways/ (2025, accessed 26 June 2026).