Understanding your assessment options

Getting an autism or ADHD assessment for yourself or your child is one of the most important steps you can take – but knowing where to start isn’t always straightforward. This page explains your three main options clearly, so you can make the right decision for your family.

Option 1: Private assessment with The Autism Service

A private assessment is the fastest, most straightforward route to getting the answers you need. There is no GP referral required, no waiting list, and no dependence on local NHS capacity or funding approval.

At The Autism Service, we can offer appointments in less than 4 weeks. Our assessments are clinically led, NICE-compliant, and delivered by experienced multidisciplinary teams across 40+ clinics nationwide.

The benefits

• Seen in less than 4 weeks — no long waiting list
• No GP referral required — you can self-refer directly
• Available for children, young people and adults
• 40+ clinics nationwide — find a location near you
• Gold standard NICE-compliant assessment delivered by an experienced multidisciplinary team
• A detailed written report recognised by schools, employers, NHS and other support services
• Clear, supportive communication throughout – from first enquiry to report
• Answers when you need them – not years down the line

Who is it right for?

Private assessment is ideal for anyone who cannot afford to wait for an NHS assessment, needs answers quickly to access support at school or work, or simply wants a clear, well-managed process without the uncertainty of NHS waiting times. It is available for both children and adults.

We can see you in less than 4 weeks. No GP referral needed. 40+ clinics nationwide.

Option 2: NHS Right to Choose

If you are an adult in England – including a parent seeking an assessment pathway for your child – you have a legal right under NHS legislation to choose any ICB (Integrated Care Board) approved independent healthcare provider for your appointments, rather than being automatically referred to your local NHS service. This is known as the NHS Right to Choose pathway. 

The Autism Service is an ICB approved provider. This means we can accept NHS Right to Choose referrals and the cost of your assessment is covered by NHS funding.

The benefits

• NHS-funded — no cost to you
• Often significantly faster than the NHS standard pathway
• Access to an experienced independent provider rather than waiting for your local service
• Same high-quality, NICE-compliant assessment as our private pathway

How it works

1. Ask your GP for a referral under the NHS Right to Choose pathway
2. Request The Autism Service as your preferred provider
3. Referral is screened by us or a central NHS triage team
4. Once accepted, your assessment will take place at one of our approved clinic locations

Important: Where assessments can take place

NHS Right to Choose assessments through The Autism Service must take place within an ICB area where we hold current approval. At present, this includes

Adult and Child autism assessments

• Devon

Additionally, our sister company, The ADHD Service, who we can introduce you to, can see patients at the following locations:

Child autism and ADHD assessment and treatment

• Essex

Adult ADHD assessment and treatment

• Shropshire

If you live outside these areas, some travel may be required. We understand this isn’t always straightforward, and our team is happy to help you understand whether Right to Choose is a viable option for you and to guide you through the process. Right to Choose can be a faster, NHS-funded alternative to the standard pathway – and we’re here to help you navigate it.

Right to Choose is only available to patients living in England.

Option 3: The NHS standard pathway

The NHS provides autism and ADHD assessments free of charge through your local neurodevelopmental service. To access this pathway, you’ll need to speak to your GP and request a referral. Your GP will assess whether a referral is appropriate and, if so, send it to your local NHS service.

The benefits

• Free of charge
• Delivered by your local NHS neurodevelopmental team
• Any subsequent NHS support or treatment may also available through the same service
• Appropriate for those who are able to wait and do not need urgent answers

What to expect

• A GP referral is required
• You will be placed on a waiting list once your referral is accepted
• You will be assessed by an NHS multidisciplinary team

Waiting times

NHS waiting times for neurodevelopmental assessments have grown significantly in recent years and vary considerably by region. Across England, waiting times for ADHD assessments average 2 to 5 years, with some areas reporting waits of over 7 years. For autism, over 90% of people with an open referral are currently waiting longer than the NICE-recommended 13-week target.

Comparing your options at a glance:

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a private assessment and then get NHS support afterwards?

Yes. A private assessment report from The Autism Service is clinically recognised and can be shared with your GP, school, employer or other services. Following a private diagnosis, you can discuss ongoing support options with your GP.

Do I need a GP referral for a private assessment?

No. You can self-refer for a private assessment with The Autism Service. You do not need a GP letter or referral to a book.

What is an ICB?

An Integrated Care Board (ICB) is the NHS organisation responsible for planning and commissioning health services in your local area. Under the NHS Right to Choose pathway, your local ICB determines which independent providers are approved and whether funding can be allocated for your assessment.

How do I know if Right to Choose applies to me?

The Right to Choose pathway applies to children and adults in England who are being referred for a first outpatient appointment. Speak to your GP and ask specifically about Right to Choose. Our team can also help advise you on whether it is likely to be a viable option for your circumstances.

What areas do you cover for private assessment?

The Autism Service has 40+ clinics across England, Wales and Scotland. To find your nearest clinic, visit our locations page or contact our team directly.

What happens after my assessment?

Following your assessment, you will receive a comprehensive written report. Our team will talk you through the findings and next steps. If a diagnosis is made, the report can be used to access appropriate support — whether that’s an EHCP for a child, workplace adjustments for an adult, or onward referral to specialist services.

Ready to take the next step?

Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to book, our team is here to help. We’ll support you in finding the right pathway – and if a private assessment is the right choice for you, we can get you seen in less than 4 weeks.