Right to choose for ADHD and autism assessments

When a GP in England agrees to refer you for an ADHD or autism assessment, you have a legal right to choose any provider that holds an NHS contract for that assessment. The NHS pays. The right comes from the NHS Constitution and the NHS Choice Framework.

In crisis now: NHS 111 (option 2 for mental health) or 999.

How it works

  1. Your GP agrees an assessment is appropriate. The right starts at referral; it does not oblige a GP to refer.
  2. You name a provider with an NHS contract. Many publish their current wait. Check the contract covers your age group and your condition.
  3. The referral goes through the NHS e-Referral Service or directly to the provider. You should get confirmation in writing.
  4. After diagnosis, medication may need shared care with your GP. Ask before you choose; see if a GP refuses shared care.

Local conditions

The right is national; the conditions are local. Some NHS areas cap the number of right to choose assessments each year, ask for evidence first, or have closed adult ADHD referrals with exceptions. Your area page shows its position with the date it was checked: ADHD by area, autism by area.

What to say to your GP

"I would like to use my right to choose under the NHS Constitution. Please refer me to [provider] for an [ADHD or autism] assessment. I have checked that they hold an NHS contract for this service."

Sources:

Last checked 20 October 2026. The documents linked are the authority. Not medical advice.