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What is Right to Choose for autism assessments, and how do I use it?

How Right to Choose works in England, the 2026 activity caps, and questions to ask before choosing a provider.

By The Autism Kit teamUpdated Sep 27, 2026 · 2 min read
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The short answer

In England, the NHS Choice Framework gives patients a legal right to choose which provider they're referred to for many outpatient services, including some autism assessments. You ask your GP to refer your child to a provider with a suitable NHS contract. In 2026/27, many areas have capped how many Right to Choose assessments providers can do, so waits vary and some providers have paused referrals.

Key takeaways
  • Right to Choose is a legal right in England under the NHS Choice Framework.
  • Your GP refers your child to a provider you choose.
  • In 2026/27, many areas capped Right to Choose activity.
  • Check the provider is accepting referrals before you ask your GP.

What is Right to Choose?

The NHS Choice Framework explains your legal rights to choose in the NHS in England, including choosing which provider you're referred to for many first outpatient appointments.1 Some families use it for autism assessments when local waits are long.

How do I use it?

  1. Find a provider that offers NHS-funded autism assessments for children and holds a suitable NHS contract.
  2. Check they're accepting referrals and ask about current waits.
  3. Ask your GP to refer your child to that provider under Right to Choose.
  4. Share information from school and home when the provider asks.

What changed in 2026?

For 2026/27, many integrated care boards set limits on how much Right to Choose activity they fund. As a result, some providers have paused or limited new referrals, and waits vary a lot by area.

What should I ask a provider?

Try
  • Do you follow NICE guidance for autism assessment?
  • What's the current wait for children in my area?
  • Is any of the assessment done in person?
  • How will you share the report with my GP and school?
Skip
  • Choosing without checking current availability
  • Providers who can't explain their assessment process

NICE describes a multidisciplinary approach to diagnostic assessment for under-19s.2

Free printable: appointment notesPDF · 2 pages · what you've noticed, plus questions to ask
Download Free printable: appointment notes

What can I do this week?

0 of 3 done

Read next: How long is the NHS autism waiting list?

Common questions

No. It's part of the NHS Choice Framework in England.

Sources

  1. GOV.UK: The NHS Choice Framework, what choices are available to me in the NHS. gov.uk
  2. NICE: Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s (CG128). nice.org.uk
  3. NHS: How to get diagnosed with autism. nhs.uk

This guide shares general information and our team's perspective, based on the sources above. Every child is different, so please talk with your child's doctor or care team about what's right for your family. How we write our guides.

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