OUR AUTISM & ADHD SERVICES
Guide to NHS ICB Frameworks and Local Pathways
If you’re trying to access an Autism or ADHD assessment through the NHS, you may be told that services depend on local NHS pathways or an ICB framework.
The NHS structure can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to handle the complexity behind the scenes so that you can focus on what matters: getting the right support for you or your family.
These services are available via:
NHS
What is an Integrated Care Board (ICB)?
An Integrated Care Board (ICB) is the NHS organisation responsible for planning and funding healthcare services in a local area.
Each ICB:
- Manages the NHS budget for its population
- Decides which services are needed locally
- Commissions services from NHS trusts and approved independent providers
Being part of an NHS framework means Provide Wellbeing has passed quality and safety checks. It is our promise to you that the care you receive meets the highest national standards.
What is a local NHS pathway?
A local NHS pathway is a service that:
- Is funded by the NHS
- Is commissioned by a local Integrated Care Board (ICB)
- Is only available to people who reside in the area and are registered with a local GP practice.
- Requires a GP referral
Local pathways are not part of the national Right to Choose scheme. They are designed to support local demand and reduce waiting times within a specific NHS area.
These local partnerships allow us to tailor our Autism and ADHD services specifically to the needs of families in Essex, ensuring the support we provide is relevant to your local schools and community services.
What does “being on a framework” mean?
When an ICB sets up a service, it often creates a framework or approved provider list.
This means:
- Providers have met the ICB’s clinical, governance, and quality requirements
- GPs can only refer to providers that are approved on that framework
- The ICB has agreed exactly what the service includes
Being “on a framework” does not automatically mean:
- The service is open everywhere
- Right to Choose applies
NHS activity limits for local pathways
When an ICB commissions a local NHS pathway, it also agrees how the service will be delivered within NHS capacity, funding, and waiting time arrangements.
These arrangements are known as Indicative Activity Plans (IAPs).
IAPs help ICBs:
- manage demand across services
- ensure waiting times remain safe and reasonable
- deliver services within agreed NHS standards
In practice, this means that local NHS pathways may operate within:
- waiting time limits
- agreed levels of activity over a set period
This can affect how referrals are managed and how services are scheduled.
We will provide information on any activity limits we must adhere to on our website and when you use our service.
You can also read more about how NHS activity limits work here:
How NHS Activity Limits Work (Indicative Activity Plans)
Why services differ between areas
Each ICB decides:
- Who the service is for (children, young people, adults)
- Which conditions are included (Autism, ADHD, or both)
- Whether the pathway includes:
- assessment only, or
- assessment plus treatment, medication, or follow-up
- How referrals, prescribing, and shared care work
This means that:
- Two NHS services can look different, even if delivered by the same provider
- Some areas may include ADHD medication and monitoring
- Others may commission assessment and diagnosis only
These differences reflect local funding decisions and population needs, not differences in quality.
Why GP location matters
Local NHS pathways are based on where your GP practice is registered and where you live.
This means:
- Two families living in the same town may have access to different services if their GPs belong to different ICBs
- A provider can only accept referrals from GPs in areas where an NHS contract is active
- GPs are not able to refer into services that sit outside their local commissioning arrangements
Your GP practice can confirm which ICB they belong to and which providers are available.
How local NHS pathways differ from Right to Choose
Although both are NHS-funded, local pathways and Right to Choose work differently.
Local NHS pathways:
- Are limited to specific geographic areas
- Can only accept referrals from local GPs
- Are commissioned to meet local service needs and so what exactly is offered can differ based on your ICB
Right to Choose:
- Is a national NHS right
- Allows eligible patients to choose an approved provider anywhere in England
- Can only be offered by providers with a live, qualifying NHS contract
How local NHS pathways differ from Right to Choose
Although both are NHS-funded, local pathways and Right to Choose work differently.
Local NHS pathways:
- Are limited to specific geographic areas
- Can only accept referrals from local GPs
- Are commissioned to meet local service needs and so what exactly is offered can differ based on your ICB
Right to Choose:
- Is a national NHS right
- Allows eligible patients to choose an approved provider anywhere in England
- Can only be offered by providers with a live, qualifying NHS contract
You can learn more here: Understanding NHS Right to Choose
What this means for families
In practice, this can mean:
- A service is available in one area but not another
- You may be offered a local NHS pathway rather than Right to Choose
- Waiting times and service elements can differ by ICB
We understand that these rules can feel complicated. Our team is here to help you navigate this; we work closely with lCB’s and local GP practices to ensure the referral process is as smooth as possible for you.
What to do if you’re unsure
If you’re not sure which routes apply to you or your child/young person, it may help to:
- Start Here: How to Access Our Services
- View Our Assessment Pathways
- Speak to your GP about local referral options
These steps can help you understand what’s available now, and what may become available later.
TALK TO US TODAY ABOUT
Neurodevelopmental Services
Call 0300 303 9966, email
provide.wellbeing@nhs.net
or complete the form below…
Testimonials
Parent / Guardian of RO, Autism Assessment Customer
The practitioners on the day were clearly very experienced and cleverly managed to get my daughter away from me for the assessment, which I’d not expected. Getting the result so quickly on the day was great and the whole experience was nowhere near as stressful as I feared it would be.
Parent / Guardian of CA, Autism Assessment Customer
Really lovely friendly place with a calm environment for everyone.
Parent / Guardian of HB, Autism Assessment Customer
Very efficient service and really lovely staff members. Hannah made my daughter feel very comfortable.
Parent / Guardian of EA, Autism Assessment Customer
Fantastic service from start to finish! The support over the phone was excellent, and I was kept updated throughout the entire process. During the assessment, both my son and I were made to feel completely at ease. The consultation afterwards was kind, compassionate, and very professional.
Parent / Guardian of CR, Autism Assessment Customer
I don’t think it could have gone any better, all of the team were fantastic, super welcoming and reassuring. Loads of support, cannot recommend enough.
RR, ASD and ADHD Assessment Customer
From booking to getting the assessment completed everything was easy, the service was great and we are very happy with the outcome.
Parent / Guardian of CW, Autism Assessment Customer
Once again, we were treated as a family with respect and care. Provide Wellbeing we are so grateful that you are able to offer neuro-developmental services, and always recommend you to others. Thank you so much!
Parent / Guardian of LT, Autism Assessment Customer
Everyone was so lovely, from the initial telephone consultation several months ago, right through to the day of the appointment.
Parent / Guardian of AV, Autism Assessment Customer
It’s taken us 10 years to get a diagnosis for our daughter after no one listening to us. We can now get the help and support our daughter well deserves! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
NT, Autism Assessment Customer
I was made to feel like an equal, an adult, even a friend. The assessment was a casual conversation where we chatted back and forth. Thank you for making me feel less alone and confused in the way I think and feel.
Parent / Guardian of AR, Autism Assessment Customer
To the special lady who in depth and sensitively took the time to tell us about what she found in the assessment and delivered our son’s diagnosis to us. I’ll be forever grateful.
Parent / Guardian of IE, Autism Assessment Customer
Really simple quick and easy process from start to finish. Absolutely wonderful and caring staff who were so good with my child and were so patient and kind when explaining everything. Couldn’t be more grateful for the team.
Parent / Guardian of EM, Autism Assessment Customer
From day one the service we have received has been exceptional.
Parent / Guardian of AM, Autism Assessment Customer
All of the staff at Provide Wellbeing were welcoming and thorough in their assessment. I highly recommend this professional service.
Parent / Guardian of ER, Autism Assessment Customer
All the team were really nice and kind and put me and my daughter at ease. They explained everything very well and made sure my daughter understood as best she could.
Parent/Guardian of GF, Autism Assessment Customer
The staff were very welcoming, they made the experience very playful for my son. As parents we felt listen to and not rushed.
Parent/Guardian of EK, Autism Assessment Customer
An excellent experience, everything was explained in great detail and we felt like we had the time to discuss anything else we needed to. My son was able to ask any questions he had too.
Parent/Guardian of MC, Autism Assessment Customer
Quiet and bright clinic, perfect for my daughter, and the team are lovely and very informative.
Parent/Guardian of DS, Autism Assessment Customer
Overwhelmingly positive. All staff were so professional, and talked about and to my Son in a positive, kind way. It was so refreshing.
Parent / Guardian of BR, Autism Assessment Customer
The team were incredibly approachable and friendly, which made us feel comfortable and heard throughout the entire process. We truly appreciated the clear communication and the care with which they explained the findings. It was evident that they took the time to ensure both my son and I fully understood the diagnosis, which meant a […]
Support you can trust
Our team provides actionable insights, no matter where you are on your journey, and offers expert advice to help you or a family member on your road to a diagnosis. Our ASD and ADHD services are suitable for children and young people seeking a diagnosis.
