Can I Get an NHS Autism Assessment Through Right to Choose?

This guide explains what Right to Choose is, who can use it for autism, how to ask for a referral, and how it compares with paying for a private assessment.

Right to Choose is part of the NHS choice framework in England. It gives you a legal right to choose which provider you're referred to for your first appointment with many specialist services, including autism assessment.

The provider doesn't have to be your local NHS service. It can be an independent organisation, as long as it holds an NHS contract for that service. The assessment is funded by the NHS, so you don't pay.

To use Right to Choose for an autism assessment:

• you must be registered with a GP practice in England
• your GP needs to agree that a referral is clinically appropriate
• the provider must hold a qualifying NHS contract and follow NICE guidelines
• you can't already be receiving NHS care for autism assessment from another service

Right to Choose can be used for adults, and for children and young people. Not every provider assesses all ages, so check before asking for a referral.

1. Find a provider. Look for providers that offer NHS-funded autism assessments through Right to Choose. Check their waiting times, the ages they assess, and how assessments are carried out.

2. Speak to your GP. Ask for a referral to your chosen provider under Right to Choose. Some GP practices have a form or process for this.

3. Your GP makes the referral. If they agree it's clinically appropriate, they'll send the referral, often with information from you or your child's school.

4. The provider contacts you. They'll explain the next steps, and when your assessment is likely to take place.

NHS autism assessment waiting times vary widely across England, and many people wait more than a year through their local service.

Right to Choose waits can be shorter, but they also vary a lot between providers, and have grown in recent years as demand has increased. Some providers have long waiting lists of their own.

Some local NHS areas have also introduced limits or pauses on new Right to Choose referrals because of budget pressures. The legal position of these limits has been questioned, and the situation is changing. Your GP practice can tell you what currently applies in your area.

• Your GP needs to agree. If they don't think a referral is clinically appropriate, they should explain why.
• Not every provider offers every service. Some assess adults only, or children only.
• Post-diagnosis support varies. Ask what's included after the assessment.
• It doesn't apply outside England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own NHS arrangements.

Right to Choose (NHS-funded)

• free at the point of use
• needs a GP referral
• available in England only
• waiting times vary, and some areas have limits on referrals
• you choose from providers with an NHS contract

Self-funded (private) assessment

• you pay for the assessment yourself
• you can usually book directly, without a GP referral
• available across the UK
• often shorter waits
• you can choose any provider, so it's important to check they follow NICE guidelines

Both routes can lead to a diagnosis that's recognised by your GP and other services, as long as the assessment is thorough and follows recognised standards.

Whichever route you choose, it's worth checking that the provider:

• follows NICE guidelines, and uses a multidisciplinary team
• uses qualified clinicians registered with the right professional bodies
• gathers a developmental history, and information from school for children
• provides a clear, detailed report you can share with your GP, school or employer
• explains what support is available after the assessment

Raiys works nationwide, offering online autism assessments for adults, and for children and young people, across the UK. Our assessments follow NICE guidelines, include a multidisciplinary review, and come with a clear, detailed report you can share with your GP, school or employer.

You'll also have access to the Raiys app, where you can securely read your report and use BeChange, our digital support programme. BeChange helps you understand your diagnosis and build practical, everyday strategies at your own pace, with resources across five areas: Mind, Resilience, Life, Move Matters and Nutrition.

If you're in crisis right now, call 999, go to A&E, or call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time of day or night.

Ready to take the next step? Find out more about our autism assessments.

Right to Choose can be a helpful route to an NHS-funded autism assessment. Knowing how it works can help you choose the option that fits your needs, and your timescales.