What is Right to Choose for autism assessment?
Right to Choose is a legal framework in England that gives patients the right to select any qualified provider for their NHS funded autism assessment. Established under the NHS Constitution, it allows individuals who need an assessment under the NICE autism diagnostic pathway to bypass local waiting lists and choose a registered provider that meets CQC standards and accepts NHS tariffs.
For commissioners and service leads, Right to Choose represents both an opportunity and a challenge. Patients can now access assessments more quickly, but demand has surged, placing pressure on existing diagnostic teams. Understanding how the pathway works is essential for planning workforce capacity and ensuring timely, high quality autism diagnostics.
The key requirement is that the chosen provider must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and willing to accept the NHS national tariff for autism assessments. Providers must also demonstrate competence in the NICE autism diagnostic pathway, which typically involves a multidisciplinary team and the use of standardised tools such as ADOS-2.
How does Right to Choose differ for autism versus ADHD?
Both autism and ADHD assessments fall under the same Right to Choose legal framework, but the clinical requirements differ significantly. For an autism assessment, the NICE guideline (CG128) recommends a multidisciplinary team approach. This team often includes a clinical psychologist, speech and language therapist, and sometimes an occupational therapist. The assessment process typically involves the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS 2), a semi structured observation tool that requires specific training and certification.
ADHD assessments, by contrast, are usually conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse using diagnostic interviews and rating scales. While both conditions may be assessed together in some services, the workforce needed for autism diagnostics is broader and more specialised.
Waiting times also differ. ADHD Right to Choose providers have grown rapidly in recent years, partly due to the Right to Choose framework and the NHS long term plan. Autism assessment waiting lists remain long, often stretching to several years in some areas. The number of providers offering autism assessments under Right to Choose has increased, but capacity still lags behind demand.
For commissioners, this means that recruiting autism assessors requires a different approach to ADHD staffing. You need practitioners who are ADOS 2 trained, experienced in multidisciplinary working, and familiar with the full autism diagnostic pathway, including differential diagnosis and comorbidity.
Eligibility criteria for Right to Choose autism assessments
To use Right to Choose for an autism assessment, a patient must meet several criteria:
- They must be registered with an NHS GP in England.
- A referral for an autism assessment must have been made, or the patient must already be on a waiting list.
- The chosen provider must be registered with the CQC and willing to accept the NHS tariff.
- The patient cannot choose a provider if their local NHS commissioning body has a specific contract that overrides Right to Choose for that service. This is rare but can apply where an integrated care board (ICB) has commissioned a dedicated autism assessment service and has excluded Right to Choose for that pathway.
Children and adults both qualify for Right to Choose, but pathways differ. For children, the referral usually comes from a paediatrician or school health service, and assessments may involve educational psychologists and SENCOs. Adult referrals typically come from GPs or mental health services.
Some exclusions apply. Patients who are already under the care of a specialist autism service or who have had a previous autism assessment that did not result in a diagnosis may not be eligible. In practice, most patients on waiting lists for a first assessment can exercise their right to choose.
How to choose a Right to Choose provider for autism
When selecting a provider for autism assessments under Right to Choose, commissioners and service leads should evaluate several factors:
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CQC registration and specialism, The provider must be registered for the regulated activity of diagnostic and screening procedures. Look for evidence of specific expertise in autism diagnostics, not just general mental health.
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Staff qualifications and training, Ensure the clinical team includes practitioners who are ADOS 2 trained. The NICE pathway recommends a multidisciplinary team; check that psychologists, speech and language therapists, and other relevant professionals are involved.
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Assessment format, Some providers offer remote assessments, which can reduce waiting times. However, NICE guidance notes that face to face assessment may be necessary for some patients, particularly where observation of social interaction is required.
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Waiting times and patient feedback, Request current waiting list data. Patient satisfaction ratings and testimonials can indicate the quality of the diagnostic experience.
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Experience with your local population, Providers who understand the demographic and cultural context of your area may deliver more appropriate assessments.
Many providers now advertise their Right to Choose services online. The NHS website also lists some approved providers, though the list is not exhaustive. Commissioners should maintain their own directory of vetted providers to help patients make informed choices.
How Vantis can help you staff autism diagnostic services
Expanding your autism diagnostic capacity requires access to skilled professionals who understand the NICE pathway and are trained in the specific tools used in autism assessment. Vantis Workforce Solutions specialises in recruiting for neurodevelopmental services, including autism diagnostics.
We recruit:
- Clinical psychologists with experience in autism assessment
- ADOS 2 trained practitioners
- Speech and language therapists who contribute to the diagnostic process
- Psychiatrists with a specialism in autism
- Autism assessors at all levels, from support workers to senior clinicians
Our specialist consultants know the autism landscape. They understand the difference between a general mental health professional and someone who is truly experienced in autism diagnostics. We do not send CV spam. Every candidate we put forward is a considered match for your specific service needs.
Whether you need temporary cover to tackle a backlog, a permanent clinical lead, or contract staff for a fixed term project, we can help. We work with NHS trusts, ICBs, and private providers across England.
If you are planning your autism assessment workforce for 2026 and beyond, visit our neurodevelopmental recruitment page to learn how we can support you.
Frequently asked questions
What is Right to Choose for autism assessment in the UK?
Right to Choose allows patients in England who need an NHS funded autism assessment to select their own qualified provider. The provider must be CQC registered and accept the NHS tariff. This pathway helps reduce waiting lists by giving patients access to alternative diagnostic services, rather than waiting for their local NHS trust.
How does Right to Choose autism differ from Right to Choose ADHD?
Both pathways fall under the same legal framework, but autism assessments require a multidisciplinary team approach, using standardised tools like ADOS 2. ADHD assessments are typically conducted by a single clinician, such as a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The workforce needed for each condition is different, and providers specialise in one or both.
Who is eligible for Right to Choose autism assessments?
Patients must be registered with an NHS GP in England and have a referral for an autism assessment or be on a waiting list. The chosen provider must be CQC registered and accept NHS tariffs. Children and adults both qualify, though pathways differ. Some local ICB contracts may override the right, but this is uncommon.
How do I choose a Right to Choose autism assessment provider?
Look for a provider with CQC registration specifically for diagnostic services, staff who are ADOS 2 trained, and a multidisciplinary team. Check waiting times and patient feedback. Consider whether the assessment is remote or face to face. Commissioners should maintain a vetted list to help patients navigate their options.
Can Vantis help me recruit autism assessors for my service?
Yes. Vantis recruits clinical psychologists, ADOS 2 trained practitioners, speech and language therapists, and psychiatrists with autism specialism. We work with NHS trusts and private providers to fill temporary, permanent, and contract roles quickly, reducing assessment backlogs. Contact us through our neurodevelopmental page.