OUR AUTISM & ADHD SERVICES
NHS Right to Choose Adult Autism Assessments
Provide Wellbeing now offers NHS Right to Choose adult autism assessments.
Right to Choose is a national NHS pathway that allows eligible patients in England to ask their GP to refer them to a provider of their choice for an autism assessment.
This service is available for adults aged 18 and over who would like to be assessed for autism.
These services are available via:
NHS
Who can access this pathway
This pathway may be available if:
- You are aged 18 or over
- You are registered with a GP in England
- Your GP agrees that a referral for an autism assessment is appropriate
- Your GP refers you to Provide Wellbeing under the NHS Right to Choose pathway
Self-referrals are not accepted under this pathway. Your referral must come from your GP.
You or your GP can download the referral form for this pathway below:
GP Referral Form – NHS Right to Choose Adult ASD Assessment
Looking for children’s autism, ADHD or combined assessments under the Right to Choose scheme? Please click here.
Want to understand Right to Choose in more detail?
For a clear explanation of what Right to Choose is, when it applies and why it can differ between areas go to our Understanding NHS Right to Choose page.
What this pathway includes
Under the NHS Right to Choose adult autism pathway, we provide:
- Adult autism assessments
- Clinical review and triage of referral information
- A structured autism assessment appointment
- Outcome and diagnosis discussion
- A written diagnostic report with clear recommendations and signposting
All assessments are:
- Delivered in line with relevant NICE guidance
- Carried out by appropriately qualified clinicians
- Designed to be person-centred, with reasonable adjustments where needed
Adult Autism Assessment – Step by Step
GP Appointment
Speak to your GP to discuss your concerns and request a referral for an adult autism assessment under Right to Choose. Once your GP has referred you to Provide Wellbeing, our team will begin the process.
Questionnaires
We will send questionnaires to you and, where appropriate, to someone who knows you well, such as a partner or close family member.
These help us understand your:
- Developmental background
- Medical history
- Social communication
- Sensory needs
- Daily routines
Please return these as soon as you can, as we cannot move forward without them.
Clinical Triage
A clinician will review all completed questionnaires and referral information to confirm whether an autism assessment is appropriate. We will then contact you to confirm the next steps and, where appropriate, add you to the waiting list for assessment.
Your assessment will be carried out by the clinical teams with expertise in autism assessment. The process is tailored to the individual and may include discussions about your developmental history, communication style, social interaction, sensory experiences, routines, strengths and day-to-day challenges.
The clinical team will also review questionnaires and any supporting information provided as part of the assessment process. Reasonable adjustments can be made where needed to help ensure you feel comfortable and supported throughout.
You can find more detailed information about what happens during an adult autism assessment here.
Following your assessment, the clinician will meet with you to explain:
- Whether autism has been diagnosed
- What this means for you
- Practical next steps and support options
You will receive a detailed written report, usually within eight weeks. Reports are written in clear, accessible language and include:
- The assessment findings
- Any diagnosis given
- Recommendations and signposting for support
With your consent, information is shared with your GP.
What this pathway does not include
It is important to be clear about the limits of this service:
- This pathway is for adult autism assessments only
- It does not include ADHD assessments or combined autism and ADHD assessments for adults
- It does not include medication or prescribing.
- It does not include ongoing post-diagnostic support beyond the assessment, outcome discussion and report
- Any longer-term support will need to be accessed through your GP, local NHS services or other support providers
Need help or more information?
If you have questions about whether this pathway applies to you, you can:
- Speak to your GP, or
- Contact our team for general information about the service
