NHS Right To Choose for ADHD and Autism Assessments
At Atypically, we specialise in helping families across the UK access timely ADHD and autism assessments. For many parents, the NHS waiting list for a diagnosis can feel endless. But did you know that under the NHS Right to Choose scheme, you may be able to get an ADHD or autism assessment much faster? In this guide, we’ll explain how the scheme works, what it means for families, and how Atypically can help you navigate the process.
The NHS Right to Choose is a legal entitlement under the NHS Constitution that allows patients in England to choose their healthcare provider for certain services, including ADHD and autism assessments. This means that if your GP refers you for a mental health service, you have the right to choose an alternative NHS-approved provider instead of being limited to your local NHS trust. For families struggling with long waiting lists for autism or ADHD assessments, this can make a huge difference. Instead of waiting years in some areas, children and adults may be seen in months.
The Right to Choose scheme is available to patients who are registered with a GP in England. It applies to both children and adults being referred for mental health services, including ADHD and autism assessments. However, it does not currently apply in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, as healthcare systems there are separate.
The process begins with a visit to your GP. If you suspect your child—or yourself—may have ADHD or autism, you start by booking an appointment. At this appointment, you should ask your GP for a referral for an ADHD or autism assessment and explain that you would like to exercise your Right to Choose. From there, you can select an NHS-approved independent provider who offers ADHD and autism assessments under the scheme. Once you have chosen your provider, your GP sends the referral, and you will then be booked in according to that provider’s waiting times. In most cases, these waiting times are considerably shorter than those of local NHS services.
Waiting times for ADHD and autism assessments on the NHS have reached crisis levels in many parts of the UK. In some regions, children and adults are facing waits of two to five years before being seen. This leaves families in limbo without access to the support they need. The Right to Choose scheme offers an alternative by reducing waiting times, giving families access to assessments in months rather than years. It also empowers families by allowing them to select providers with specialist expertise in ADHD and autism. More importantly, it puts parents and patients in control of healthcare decisions rather than leaving them bound to local NHS trust restrictions.
Many parents wonder what the difference is between a private assessment and an assessment via Right to Choose. A private assessment is one where families pay for the service themselves. This usually guarantees the fastest possible access, often within weeks rather than months or years, and is something that can be arranged through services like Atypically. By contrast, Right to Choose assessments are funded by the NHS, but families still retain choice in selecting an independent provider. Waiting times are generally much shorter than those of local NHS services, though not always as immediate as private assessments. Both options are valid, and the best choice depends on each family’s circumstances, budget, and urgency.
At Atypically, we understand how confusing the healthcare system can feel. That’s why we now help families not only with private ADHD and autism assessments but also with accessing the Right to Choose pathway. We explain the process in simple terms, connect families with NHS-approved providers who work under Right to Choose, and who can guide parents on what to say to their GP when requesting a referral. We also continue to support families after diagnosis, helping them with information on next steps such as working with schools and SENCOs. By combining our expertise with your legal right to choose, we ensure that families get the answers they need more quickly.
The Right to Choose is supported by the NHS Constitution and the NHS Choice Framework, which set out patients’ rights in England. This means you are legally entitled to choose your provider for eligible services. Your GP cannot refuse your request as long as the provider is NHS-approved and the service is covered. More information is available on the official NHS England guidance on patient choice.
For children, an ADHD or autism diagnosis can open the door to vital support in school. With the right documentation, parents can work with teachers and SENCOs to create Individual Education Plans (IEPs), access SEN Support, or apply for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Schools are also required to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010. For adults, diagnosis provides access to workplace adjustments, medication, and support services that can significantly improve quality of life.
The benefits of the scheme are clear. It offers faster access to assessments compared to local NHS trusts and, because services are funded by the NHS, there is no cost to families. It also allows people the freedom to choose from approved independent providers. Crucially, this is a legal entitlement under the NHS Constitution, so patients have the right to exercise it. The scheme is suitable for both children and adults who are seeking an assessment.
The Right to Choose scheme is a lifeline for families facing long delays in ADHD and autism diagnosis. By giving parents the power to choose, it reduces waiting times and ensures children and adults can access the support they need sooner. At Atypically, we are proud to now offer assessments through the Right to Choose pathway, alongside our private services. Whether you choose NHS-funded or private assessments, our goal is the same: to give you answers, clarity, and the support you need to move forward.
If you are looking for additional support, please look at our Useful Links page to see charities and organisations that can help.
Written by Ben Friedman, Founder of Atypically.
Ben has years of first hand experience as a father of an autistic son and a SEND advocate. All content is thoroughly researched to help parents to be as informed as possible when navigating private assessments and meaningful interventions for their neurodiverse children. Ben also holds a CPD Accredited Certification in the Treatment and Management of Additional Needs Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
With NHS waiting lists now taking up to 2 years in some areas for a final diagnosis, now is the time to get your child the help they need. By going private, you can cut the waiting time down to a few weeks instead and it it doesn't cost as much as you might think!
Private autism or ADHD assessments typically take 2 to 12 weeks from initial enquiry to diagnosis. These assessments are conducted by qualified professionals and follow the same diagnostic criteria used by the NHS.
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