At a glance
- Right to Choose is a legal right under the NHS Constitution
- Applies to first outpatient autism assessments in England
- Your GP must agree the referral is clinically appropriate
- The 2026/27 NHS Payment Scheme introduces ICB-level caps that may limit access
- A free eligibility checker can confirm whether Right to Choose applies to your situation
Right to Choose policy is in active flux. The 2026/27 NHS Payment Scheme introduced ICB-level caps that may affect how quickly new patients are accepted by Right to Choose providers. NHS England's transition to the Department of Health and Social Care by around 2027 may further reshape the framework. This guide reflects the position as of mid-2026 - always check the eligibility checker and current NHS guidance for your specific situation.
Under the NHS Constitution, patients in England referred for their first outpatient appointment have the legal right to choose their provider. This includes autism assessments — but your GP must first agree that a referral is clinically appropriate.
This guide explains how Right to Choose works for autism, who qualifies, how to request a referral, and what to do if your GP refuses.
What is Right to Choose for autism?
Right to Choose is a legal patient right under the NHS Constitution. It allows patients in England, at the point of being referred for their first outpatient appointment, to choose any clinically appropriate provider that holds an NHS Standard Contract — not just the local NHS service.
For autism, this means that once your GP agrees a referral is clinically appropriate, you can ask to be referred to an alternative provider rather than waiting for the local NHS assessment service. Many independent providers offer autism assessments funded through the NHS under Right to Choose arrangements.
Key tip
Who is eligible for Right to Choose autism assessments?
In general, you may be eligible if:
- You are registered with a GP in England
- Your GP agrees a referral for an autism assessment is clinically appropriate
- The referral is for your first outpatient autism assessment
- The provider accepts NHS Right to Choose referrals
Many GPs don't know Right to Choose applies to autism.
Right to Choose covers autism assessments under the NHS Constitution - but a lot of GPs haven't processed one.
Tell us what happened on WhatsApp and we'll help you figure out your next step - for free.
Why message us
- We can give you: the exact NHS Constitution and Choice Framework references to quote
- Wording to use if your GP says RTC doesn't apply to autism
- A specific RTC provider name to bring to your appointment
Scan to start a WhatsApp chat
How to request an autism assessment from your GP
If you believe an autism assessment may be appropriate, the first step is to speak with your GP. During the appointment you can:
- Explain the traits or difficulties you are experiencing, and the impact they have on day-to-day functioning
- Ask whether an autism assessment referral would be appropriate
- Specifically request a referral under Right to Choose, and where helpful name a provider you'd like to be referred to
Some patients bring a short written summary or screening questionnaire to help structure the conversation. Being clear, factual, and specific about the provider you'd like to use often makes the referral easier for the GP to process.
Are you registered with a GP in England?
Quick check to see if Right to Choose applies to you.
No sign-up · anonymous · instant result
Which providers offer autism assessments under Right to Choose?
A number of providers in England offer autism assessments funded by the NHS through Right to Choose arrangements. The table below lists Right to Choose providers currently operating in England, alongside their typical adult autism assessment waiting times. Waiting times are approximate and based on the most recent available information at the time of writing.
| Provider | Typical Adult Autism Assessment Wait |
|---|---|
| Medinet Minds | 0-1 week wait |
| Atrom Mindcare | 0-1 week wait |
| Insight Diagnostics | ~2 weeks |
| Berkeley Psychiatrists | ~1-2 weeks |
| Harley Street Mental Health | ~3 weeks |
| Psicon | ~4 weeks |
| DR J and Colleagues | ~4 weeks |
| Skylight Psychiatry | ~8 weeks |
| Montrose Health Group | ~12 weeks |
| KT Healthcare | ~14-16 weeks |
| Provide Wellbeing | Up to ~18 weeks |
| Mind Professionals | ~18 weeks |
| Sinclair Strong | ~20 weeks |
| The Retreat Clinic | ~20 weeks |
| Psychiatry-UK | ~24 weeks |
| Clinical Partners | ~26 weeks |
| The Owl Centre Limited | ~26-52 weeks |
| RTN Mental Health | ~35-37 weeks |
| Problem Shared | ~40-50 weeks |
| Oakdale Group | ~52-78 weeks |
| The Aspen Clinic | ~78 weeks |
Waiting times are based on information published by providers and verified where possible through direct enquiry. Figures are approximate and may change at short notice. These figures reflect adult assessment waits only.
Explore autism assessment providers
Find Care Compare helps patients explore NHS Right to Choose and private autism assessment providers. You can:
- Browse providers accepting Right to Choose referrals
- Compare waiting times and assessment formats
- Understand what each provider offers
Autism provider waits shift monthly - check yours before you commit
Talk to a care navigator
Waiting times at Right to Choose autism providers vary significantly and are moving month-to-month with ICB caps in place. A care navigator checks which providers are actually accepting referrals in your area right now, and what their current waits look like.
Talk to a care navigator →£39 · 20-minute call · written plan within 48 hours
What you get
Current status of RTC autism providers in your area
Real waiting times, not the ones on provider websites
A shortlist filtered to your specific situation
NHS autism waiting times in England
Autism assessment waiting times vary significantly across England. In some areas, waiting lists for adult autism assessments can exceed two to four years due to high demand and limited specialist capacity.
Right to Choose can sometimes allow patients to access assessments through alternative providers with shorter waits — though under the 2026/27 NHS Payment Scheme, ICB-level caps mean that Right to Choose provider waits have also been lengthening in some areas. Always check waiting times directly with the provider before deciding.
Right to Choose vs private autism diagnosis
Patients sometimes consider private autism assessments if NHS waiting lists are long. Key differences include:
NHS Right to Choose
- Funded by the NHS — no charge for the assessment itself
- Requires a GP referral
- Waiting times vary by provider and by ICB
- Diagnosis is typically recognised across the NHS
Private assessment
- Self-funded
- Often faster access
- Costs commonly range from around £1,500 to £3,000, though fees may be higher depending on the provider and complexity
- NHS acceptance of a private diagnosis for ongoing care or medication varies by ICB
Worth knowing
Adult and child autism pathways work differently - we'll tell you which providers fit
Talk to a care navigator
Autism providers vary in whether they assess adults, children, or both - and pathways differ. A care navigator matches your specific situation (yourself, your child, post-diagnostic support needs) to the providers built for it.
Talk to a care navigator →£39 · 20-minute call · written plan within 48 hours
What you get
Providers matched to adult vs child assessment
Clarity on what post-diagnostic support each provider offers
The right pathway for your specific situation
What if your GP refuses a Right to Choose referral?
GPs sometimes decline Right to Choose referrals because they are unfamiliar with the framework or unsure whether it applies to autism. If this happens, you may wish to:
- Politely ask your GP to review NHS England's Choice Framework
- Clarify that the referral is for a first outpatient appointment
- Name a specific provider that accepts Right to Choose referrals for autism
- If still refused, contact your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) or PALS for guidance
Step-by-step guide to your options when a GP refuses or declines a referral — including how to escalate to your ICB or NHS England.
Check your Right to Choose eligibility
Not sure whether you qualify? Use our free eligibility checker to find out in under 60 seconds.
Check eligibilityFrequently asked questions
Sources
This article summarises publicly available information from:
Sources referenced include:
- NHS England — Choice Framework
- NHS Constitution — patient rights
- NHS England — Right to Choose information for patients
- 2026/27 NHS Payment Scheme guidance
- NICE — autism diagnosis guidance
Related guides
Autism diagnosis waiting times
Current NHS autism assessment waiting times across England.
Read guide GuideAdult autism assessment in the UK
What to expect from an adult autism assessment in the UK.
Read guide GuideChild autism assessment in the UK
How child autism assessments work in the UK, including referral pathways and waiting times.
Read guide GuideHow to get an autism diagnosis in the UK
Step-by-step guide to getting an autism diagnosis through NHS or private routes.
Read guide