Right to Choose for an autism assessment

Right to Choose covers autism assessments in the same way as ADHD. The main difference is that fewer providers hold NHS contracts for autism, so waits and choice vary more.

Who can use it

• Adults and children registered with a GP in England.
• People who aren't already receiving care for autism after an NHS referral.
• The referral must come from your GP; you can't refer yourself under Right to Choose.

How it differs from ADHD

• Fewer providers. Check that a provider assesses autism, not only ADHD, and covers your age.
• More information gathering. Autism assessments usually ask about early development, so a parent's or carer's account of childhood is especially useful.
• No medication pathway. There's no medicine for autism itself, so the outcome is a diagnosis, a report and recommendations for support.
• Both conditions. Autism and ADHD often occur together. Some providers assess both; ask whether that needs one referral or two.

Evidence that helps your GP

• Examples of social communication difficulties, such as reading tone, unwritten rules or friendships.
• Distress around change, intense interests, or sensory sensitivities.
• "Masking": copying others to fit in and needing long recovery time afterwards.
• Signs from childhood, from school reports or family memories.

Steps

1. Pick a provider with an NHS contract for autism assessment for your age group.
2. Ask them whether they can take a referral from your area now, and get their GP referral form.
3. Build your evidence summary and letter with the free ChoiceRoute tools.
4. Ask your GP: "I'd like to use my NHS Right to Choose to be referred to [provider] for an autism assessment."

Source: NHS England patient choice guidance.

Related guides

• Right to Choose for a child's ADHD or autism assessment
• Right to Choose caps in 2026/27: what they mean for you
• Right to Choose ADHD letter template for your GP
• ADHD assessment waiting times for adults in England