Right to Choose for Autism: Does It Exist?

If you've read about Right to Choose for ADHD assessment, you might be wondering whether the same option exists for autism. The short answer is: legally, yes. In practice, it's far less straightforward. Here's what you need to know.

The Legal Position

Right to Choose is a legal right under the NHS Constitution and the NHS Choice Framework that applies in England. It covers your first outpatient appointment for any mental health assessment, which includes autism assessment. The NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB confirms that GPs should always offer Right to Choose before referring to a service, including for autism assessment.

So on paper, Right to Choose for autism exists. It's the same legal framework that applies to ADHD. The difference lies entirely in implementation.

Why It's Harder to Use for Autism

ADHD Right to Choose took off largely because one major provider (Psychiatry-UK) established a nationwide service specifically designed to accept NHS-funded referrals. That created a clear, well-known pathway. For autism, no single provider has achieved the same scale and recognition, which means the options are more fragmented.

Autism assessment is also more complex than ADHD assessment. It typically requires a multidisciplinary team, multiple appointments, and an informant interview. This makes it harder for providers to scale up quickly and more expensive per assessment, which affects how many referrals ICBs are willing to fund through the Right to Choose route.

Some ICBs have published eligible provider lists for autism Right to Choose referrals, while others have no approved providers at all. The availability is a postcode lottery.

How to Find Out What's Available in Your Area

1. 1

   Check your ICB's website. Search for '[your ICB name] Right to Choose autism' or '[your ICB name] autism assessment pathway.' Many ICBs have published guidance documents listing approved providers.

2. 2

   Call your ICB directly. If the website doesn't have clear information, phone the ICB and ask whether they have approved Right to Choose providers for adult autism assessment and what the current referral process is.

3. 3

   Ask your GP. Your GP may have more up-to-date information about local arrangements than the ICB website reflects. Ask specifically: 'Do we have any Right to Choose options for autism assessment?'

4. 4

   Check provider websites. Some providers (such as those on ICB eligible provider lists) indicate whether they accept Right to Choose referrals for autism. Our clinic directory tracks this information where available.

5. 5

   Consider combined ADHD and autism assessment. If you suspect both conditions, some providers offer combined assessments through Right to Choose. This can be more efficient than pursuing two separate pathways.

Changes in 2025/26

The NHS England payment guidance for 2026/27 covers both ADHD and autism services, suggesting that the infrastructure for autism Right to Choose is being formalised. At the same time, ICBs are being given more control over how Right to Choose referrals are managed, including the introduction of Indicative Activity Plans that cap the number of referrals they'll fund per year.

This means availability is evolving. What wasn't possible in your area six months ago might now be an option, or vice versa. Staying informed is key, and we update our clinic directory as new providers come online.

If Right to Choose Isn't Available

If your area has no approved Right to Choose providers for autism, your options are: remain on the NHS waiting list, pursue private assessment (typically £800 to £2,500), or explore whether a neighbouring ICB has options your GP can refer into. Some people also choose to get an ADHD assessment through Right to Choose first (if they suspect both conditions), then pursue autism assessment separately.

Sources

NHS Hampshire and IoW: Right to Choose FAQs · NHS England: ADHD and Autism Payment Guidance 2026/27 · National Autistic Society: How to request an autism assessment