Accessing autism and ADHD assessments via Right to Choose
If you live in England and your GP agrees you need an assessment for autism or ADHD, you have the legal right to choose which NHS-approved provider you want to go to. This includes clinics outside the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area and some independent providers that work with the NHS.
You can find out more about your Right to Choose on the national NHS website.
How do I get an autism or ADHD assessment through Right to Choose?
If you think you might have autism or ADHD, you should speak to your GP. If they agree an assessment is needed, you can ask to be referred to a provider of your choice. Your GP can support your decision-making and help you decide which provider to choose.
Who offers Right to Choose assessments?
A range of clinics across England offer Right to Choose ADHD and autism assessments. To be eligible to provide this service, clinics must also offer the same service to the NHS anywhere in England. Private-only clinics are not eligible. Checking a provider’s website is a good way to determine if they offer the services you need.
Do all clinics offer the same services?
Many clinics offering Right to Choose assessments can diagnose ADHD or autism, but may not provide titration (the process of finding the right medication dose for you). This means you might need a local NHS referral after your assessment if medication is required to manage symptoms. If you think medication may be an option for you if diagnosed with ADHD, you should discuss this with your GP when choosing a provider.
How long will I wait for an assessment with a Right to Choose provider?
Providers display their waiting times on their websites and you will be able to compare these when making your choice.
In our area we have significantly increased funding for Right To Choose provision and we work with providers to plan and manage the number of autism and ADHD assessments they carry out for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) patients each year.
In some cases you may find a provider has already carried out their planned number of assessments for BNSSG patients, for the year. In these cases, you can ask to be referred to a different provider if your assessment hasn’t started yet.
If you choose to stay with your preferred provider, you will remain on their waiting list and will be seen according to their processes.
What help is available if I am seeking or waiting for an assessment?
If you think you or your child may have autism or ADHD we strongly recommend that you explore the help and advice available from local organisations.
The NHS, schools, councils and charities provide a wide range of support, which can be accessed without a formal diagnosis of autism or ADHD.
Understanding and addressing needs at an early stage is associated with much better outcomes for people with neurodivergent conditions, so you should not put off seeking help while waiting for an assessment.