Right to Choose is a legal right, in England only, to choose which NHS-funded provider sees you when your GP refers you to a mental health professional. The NHS website confirms it can be used for an autism assessment. The provider must hold an NHS contract for the service, and you must be referred by your GP. You cannot refer yourself.
It is a choice of provider, not a promise of a faster assessment. In 2026, some integrated care boards (ICBs), the NHS bodies that fund local care, have limited how many Right to Choose assessments providers can do. Some have delayed them.
Autism also differs from ADHD in one important way. NICE does not recommend medication for the core features of autism, so there is no medication or shared care stage to arrange afterwards. The questions that matter more are about the quality of the assessment and the support that follows.
Rules were checked on 3 November 2026.
The right comes from the NHS Standing Rules (regulation 39). The government's NHS Choice Framework explains it for patients. If you are referred to a mental health professional, you can:
The choice applies only:
The framework asks referrers to shortlist an average of five choices, where this is practicable and clinically appropriate. Normally, the provider you choose for your first appointment also provides the rest of that episode of care.
Neither autism nor ADHD is named in the framework. It is a general right. That is why the picture differs between areas, and why two people can get different answers. Our guide to autism assessment in England and Ireland quotes the framework and the latest waiting figures in more detail.
When it does not apply
The framework lists situations where you do not have the legal right, including if you are:
ICB websites give a dated picture of local changes. Two examples:
Both ICBs say people still have the right to be referred to an eligible provider. But the right does not guarantee a quick appointment. Check the current position with your own ICB, your GP and the provider before you rely on it.
The NHS Ombudsman reported in August 2026 on 3,000 complaints about ADHD and autism services. Common issues included unclear information about Right to Choose, and NHS services not always recognising diagnoses made by Right to Choose providers. One case involved an online autism assessment by an NHS-funded independent provider. It lasted about 50 minutes and did not use a recognised structured assessment tool. The Ombudsman found it did not meet NICE guidance.
NICE guidance (CG142) says a comprehensive adult autism assessment should:
NICE also says biological tests, genetic tests and brain scans should not be used routinely to diagnose autism.
So before you choose, it is reasonable to ask a provider:
The NHS website says the report should say whether you are autistic, what you are good at, what you might need help with, and any other conditions found. Our guide to what to expect at an adult autism assessment walks through the process.
This does not mean autistic adults never take medication. NICE says co-existing conditions, such as anxiety or depression, should be treated in line with the relevant guidance.
For the ADHD version, see NHS Right to Choose for ADHD and shared care. If you are seeking both assessments, our guide to autism and ADHD together may help.
The NHS Choice Framework sets out these steps:
Your local Healthwatch can help you make a complaint. The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can explain the NHS complaints procedure.
The 18-week rule may not help here. The framework gives a separate right to ask for a different provider after more than 18 weeks. But it does not apply if the service you need is not led by a medical consultant. Many autism assessment services are led by other professionals. Ask your ICB whether it applies to yours.
Right to Choose is part of the NHS in England. The NHS Choice Framework applies to people in England. If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, the rules differ. Ask your GP how adult autism assessment works where you live.
Can I refer myself through Right to Choose?
No. The choice applies at the point of referral from a GP, dentist or optometrist. The NHS website says to start by speaking to a GP.
Do I need a diagnosis to get support?
Not always. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB says support does not begin with a diagnosis. The NHS website says a GP can tell you what support is available while you wait. For work, see our guide to reasonable adjustments at work in the UK.
What if I disagree with the result?
The NHS website says you can ask the assessment team to explain their decision. You can also ask your GP or the team to refer you to another team for a second opinion.
Will my diagnosis be accepted by other NHS services?
Not always. The Ombudsman found that NHS services did not consistently recognise diagnoses made by Right to Choose providers. Ask the provider for a full written report, and keep a copy.
You can read about Proco's planned assessment service on our assessments page.
This article describes how NHS patient choice works in England. It is general information, not medical or legal advice, and it cannot assess your situation. Local arrangements change often, so check with your GP, ICB and provider before you act.
Reviewed by: Proco Team
Last updated: November 2026