NHS Right to Choose Autism Child

The NHS Right to Choose allows parents in England to request an autism assessment for their child from an approved provider, potentially reducing waiting times. While it can offer faster access, some families prefer private assessment for its speed, clarity, and more personalised post-diagnosis support.

If your child is showing signs of autism, waiting for an NHS assessment can feel like an incredibly slow and uncertain process. Many families face long delays, sometimes months or even years, before their child is seen, assessed, and offered support.

What many parents don’t realise is that under the NHS Right to Choose, you may be entitled to bypass these waiting lists by choosing an alternative provider at no cost to you. This option applies not only to adults but also to children needing an autism assessment in many areas across England.

In this article, we’ll explain what the NHS Right to Choose is, how it applies to autism assessments for children, and how to use it. We’ll also cover common questions from parents, the latest on waiting times, who you can be referred to and reasons to consider private autism assessment as an alternative. For more information about the standard NHS process and private alternatives, take a look at our article How to Get ADHD Diagnosis. 

What Is the NHS Right to Choose for Autism Assessments?

The NHS Right to Choose is a legal entitlement that allows patients in England to choose which provider they are referred to for certain NHS services, including autism assessments. This means you don’t have to accept the default referral pathway through your local NHS trust – you can ask your GP to refer your child to a qualified provider in the independent sector who holds a contract with an NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) in England.

This right can be especially helpful when local waiting times are long, or if you’d prefer your child to be assessed by a particular provider with relevant expertise or a more child-friendly approach.

Does the NHS Accept Right to Choose Diagnoses?

Yes, if you go through the Right to Choose process properly, and your child is assessed by a provider that holds an NHS contract, then the diagnosis is fully recognised by the NHS and by schools.

This means that the outcome of the assessment (whether your child receives an autism diagnosis or not) is valid and can be used to access support through the NHS, education system, and local authority services (such as EHCP applications).

It’s important to ensure that the provider you choose is NHS Right to Choose-approved and not a purely private provider. The provider must offer services funded by the NHS, not paid for out-of-pocket.

Is Right to Choose the Same for Children and Adults?

The Right to Choose legislation applies to both adults and children, but there can be more variability in how it’s applied in children’s services. Some GPs and local NHS trusts are less familiar with using Right to Choose for under-18s, which can sometimes lead to confusion or unnecessary pushback.

However, as long as your child is registered with a GP in England and meets the eligibility criteria, they are legally entitled to choose a provider for their autism assessment via the Right to Choose pathway. You may need to advocate firmly for this, and be prepared to provide the name of a suitable provider when making your request.

What Is the NHS Law on Autism Assessments?

Under the NHS Constitution for England, patients have the legal right to choose their first outpatient appointment for physical or mental health services, including autism and ADHD assessments, where clinically appropriate.⁽¹⁾

This is supported by NHS England guidance, which confirms that children and young people may be referred to independent sector providers under Right to Choose, provided those services are commissioned and NHS-funded.⁽²⁾

It’s also worth noting that NICE guidelines recommend that children suspected of having autism should be assessed within three months of referral, though in reality, this is rarely met through standard NHS pathways, which is why many families turn to Right to Choose.

Why Use Right to Choose for Autism

NHS Waiting Times for Autism Assessment in the UK

Waiting times for autism assessments on the NHS can vary widely depending on your location, but many families face delays of several years, sometimes longer. In some areas, especially where demand is high and services are under-resourced, children may wait more than a few years before being fully assessed.

This delay can have real consequences. Without a diagnosis, it may be harder to access support at school, secure EHCP funding, or receive referrals for additional services like speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, or ADHD assessment. These years are critical in a child’s development, and long delays can leave families feeling stuck and unsupported.

Can Right to Choose Speed Things Up?

Yes, in many cases, using the Right to Choose pathway can significantly reduce waiting times. Some NHS-commissioned providers in the independent sector are able to offer assessments within a few months, or even sooner, depending on capacity.

Because these providers operate outside the standard local NHS referral system, they may have shorter queues and more streamlined processes. While wait times still vary between providers, many families find they are seen far more quickly than they would be through the default local pathway.

It’s not guaranteed to be immediate, but for many, it’s a faster route to clarity and support.

What If You’re Already on an NHS Waiting List?

If your child is already on a waiting list for an NHS autism assessment, you can still use Right to Choose. You don’t have to stay on your local trust’s pathway if a quicker or more suitable alternative is available.

You simply need to ask your GP to refer your child to a Right to Choose-eligible provider instead. It’s a good idea to have the name of a specific provider ready, along with confirmation that they accept referrals via Right to Choose. Once the new referral is made, you can request to be removed from the original waiting list if you wish or remain on it as a fallback.

This approach is entirely within your rights, and many parents are not told it’s an option unless they ask.

How to Use Right to Choose for an Autism Assessment for Your Child

Step-by-Step Guide for Parents and Carers

Using the NHS Right to Choose pathway for your child’s autism assessment is legal, free, and relatively straightforward, but it does require a bit of preparation. Here’s how to get started:

1. Check your child is eligible
   
   • They must be registered with a GP in England.
     
   • The assessment must be for a suspected mental health condition (such as autism).
     
   • Your GP must agree that a referral is clinically appropriate.
     
2. Research Right to Choose providers
   
   • Choose a provider that is commissioned by an NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) and accepts Right to Choose referrals.
     
   • Confirm they assess children and offer autism assessments specifically.
     
   • Many providers list eligibility criteria and referral forms on their websites.
     
3. Make an appointment with your GP
   
   • Take details of your chosen provider with you.
     
   • Request a referral under the NHS Right to Choose scheme.
     
4. Follow up in writing
   
   • After your GP appointment, follow up with a brief written request confirming that you are exercising your Right to Choose and naming the provider.
     
   • Keep a copy for your records.
     

What Your GP Needs to Do

Your GP plays a key role in making the referral, but they don’t need to handle the process alone. When you meet with them, they will need to:

• Confirm that a referral for autism assessment is clinically appropriate.
  
• Refer directly to the chosen provider under Right to Choose – usually via the provider’s own referral form or the e-Referral Service (e-RS).
  
• Include all supporting documents, such as school reports or observations (if available).
  

It may help to bring a printout of the provider’s referral form or guidance for GPs, especially if your GP is unfamiliar with the process. Some GPs may wrongly assume it only applies to physical health services – but Right to Choose includes mental health assessments.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Delays

To avoid unnecessary delays, watch out for these common pitfalls:

• Choosing a provider that doesn’t accept Right to Choose referrals – Always confirm they are NHS-commissioned and not private-only.
  
• Not following up in writing – A short email or letter confirming your request can prevent confusion later.
  
• GP not including key documents – If your school or health visitor has provided reports, make sure these are shared with the provider at the time of referral.
  
• GP misunderstanding eligibility – If your request is refused, ask for the reason in writing. You may then raise it with the practice manager or seek support from a patient advocacy service.
  

With the correct information and documentation, your referral should be accepted and the provider will contact you directly to arrange the next steps.

Right to Choose Providers for Autism – Who Can You Choose?

There are a number of independent providers across England who are approved to deliver autism assessments under the NHS Right to Choose pathway. These organisations hold contracts with NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and meet the criteria for offering free assessments funded by the NHS.

Each provider has its own process, referral requirements, and approach – some offer online assessments, others offer face-to-face, and some may combine both. It’s important to ensure the provider you choose:

• Accepts Right to Choose referrals for children (not just adults)
  
• Is commissioned by the NHS (not private-only)
  
• Follows NICE-compliant diagnostic procedures
  
• Provides detailed diagnostic reports suitable for use in school or EHCP applications
  

You can find eligible providers by searching online for “Right to Choose autism assessment NHS” or by asking your GP to help you identify approved options.

Autism Assessment Services Available via Right to Choose

A full autism assessment under Right to Choose will usually include:

• A clinical history and parent/carer interview
  
• Observational assessment of your child using structured tools (such as ADOS-2 or equivalent)
  
• Consideration of information from school or nursery
  
• A multidisciplinary review, where possible
  
• A written diagnostic report and outcome summary
  
• A feedback session to explain the results and next steps
  

Some providers also include post-diagnostic guidance or signposting to local services. However, not all offer follow-up support, so it’s worth checking in advance.

Finding the Right Provider for Your Child’s Needs

When choosing a provider, think about your child’s specific needs and your family circumstances:

• Age limits – Some providers only see children over a certain age (e.g. 6 or 7 years old)
  
• Assessment format – Does your child engage well on video calls, or would an in-person setting be more suitable?
  
• Assessment scope – If your child may also have ADHD, consider whether the provider offers assessments for both conditions
  
• Report clarity – Ensure reports are detailed and suitable for use in education settings or with your local authority
  

Take time to review the provider’s website or contact them directly before confirming your referral, to make sure they’re a good fit for your child’s profile and needs.

Using Right to Choose in Oxfordshire – What You Need to Know

Autism Waiting Times in Oxfordshire

As in many parts of England, waiting times for autism assessments in Oxfordshire are long. According to data published by the Children’s Commissioner, children in Oxfordshire and the wider Berkshire-West region are waiting a median of 512 days (roughly 17 months) from referral to first contact for autism and neurodevelopmental assessments.³

These delays can have a significant impact. Without a diagnosis, families may struggle to access educational support, initiate appropriate interventions, or gain clarity about their child’s needs during critical developmental years.

Are There Local Providers Who Accept Right to Choose Referrals?

While most NHS autism assessments in Oxfordshire are provided by local trusts, you are not limited to these options. Under Right to Choose, Oxfordshire families can request a referral to any NHS-commissioned provider in England that accepts referrals from outside their area. These assessments are usually carried out by independent organisations commissioned by NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs).

Although these providers may not be physically located in Oxfordshire, many offer online or hybrid assessments, and all are NHS-funded if accessed through the correct referral route.

Support for Parents Navigating the Process Locally

If you prefer not to use Right to Choose, or want to be seen sooner than either NHS pathway allows, private assessment is another option. With private services, you can typically access an autism assessment within a matter of weeks, without the need for NHS referral or GP approval.

At Oxford CBT, we offer private autism assessments for children and young people. Based in Oxford, we also support families travelling from London and surrounding counties who are looking for a faster, high-quality assessment process, with clear feedback and practical post-diagnosis support.

Right to Choose offers an alternative route that may significantly shorten the wait but it requires your GP to refer to an approved NHS-commissioned provider outside the local trust. This isn’t always clearly explained during initial referrals, so it’s important for parents to be proactive in asking about this option.

Are There Local Providers Who Accept Right to Choose Referrals?

There are NHS-commissioned services that accept Right to Choose referrals from Oxfordshire GPs, although they are not necessarily based within Oxfordshire itself. These assessments are typically delivered by independent providers working across regions, with some offering online or hybrid (in-person and online) formats.

Your child remains fully entitled to access Right to Choose if registered with a GP in Oxfordshire. While you may not be referred to a local NHS trust team, the provider you choose must be approved and NHS-funded for the diagnosis to be recognised.

Support for Parents Navigating the Process Locally

If you are based in Oxfordshire and prefer not to use Right to Choose – or are looking for quicker answers than either route provides – private assessment is another option. With a private service, you typically have immediate or near-immediate access to appointments, without the need for GP referral or NHS funding approval.

At Oxford CBT, we provide private autism assessments for children, including full diagnostic reporting, feedback, and support. Our clinic is based in Oxford, and we also welcome families from surrounding areas, including those willing to travel from London or nearby counties.

For families who are unsure which route is right for them – NHS via Right to Choose or private – we are happy to advise and support you in understanding your options.

Conclusion

For many families, the NHS Right to Choose pathway offers a welcome alternative to long waiting lists. It puts you back in control, allowing you to choose a qualified, NHS-funded provider and often significantly reduce waiting times for an autism assessment. For children in critical stages of development, that quicker access can make a meaningful difference.

But it’s not always straightforward. The Right to Choose process still depends on your GP making the referral correctly. You may need to do more of the admin yourself – researching providers, chasing progress, and ensuring documentation is complete. Some families also find that follow-up support after diagnosis is limited compared to local NHS pathways.

For those who want the most direct and immediate route, private assessment may be the better option. At Oxford CBT, we offer timely, high-quality autism assessments for children, with a strong focus on clear communication, evidence-based reporting, and support tailored to each family. There are no waiting lists, and you can usually be seen within a matter of weeks – contact us to discuss private autism assessments.

Whether you choose NHS Right to Choose or private assessment, what matters most is getting the right support for your child at the right time and knowing that you don’t have to accept endless delays. Help is available, and you have options.

References

1. NHS Constitution for England – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs-constitution-for-england
   
2. NHS England Guidance on Choice in Mental Health – https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/resources/right-to-choose/

3. Children’s Commissioner for England. (2024). Annex to NDD Waiting Times Analysis – https://assets.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/wpuploads/2024/10/Annex-to-NDD-waiting-times.pdf

Author – Tom Murfitt

With over a decade’s experience in providing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Tom has worked in both the NHS and private sector to help adults and children to overcome a range of difficulties and improve their mental wellbeing. In addition to being an experienced CBT therapist, Tom is also an accredited Mindfulness teacher, providing courses locally, in businesses and schools. You can read more about us here. 

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