# 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.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/right-to-choose-autism
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**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.

**Rules are changing.** Arrangements for ADHD and autism assessments are under review nationally. Check the latest with your GP and the
  provider before deciding.

## 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]

**Stay on your local list.** Ask whether you can stay on your local NHS waiting list while you explore Right to Choose, in case plans change.

Free printable: [Free printable: appointment notes](https://theautismkit.com/printables/appointment-notes.pdf)

## What can I do this week?

- [ ] Check two or three providers' current availability
- [ ] Book a GP appointment to discuss a referral
- [ ] Ask school for a short summary of what they see

Read next: [How long is the NHS autism waiting list?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/nhs-autism-waiting-list)

## Common questions

### Does Right to Choose apply in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?

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

### Will my child's school accept a Right to Choose diagnosis?

An NHS-funded assessment from a qualified provider is an NHS diagnosis. Ask the provider how they share reports with your GP and school.

### Why has my provider stopped taking referrals?

Many integrated care boards set activity limits for 2026/27, so some providers have paused or limited new Right to Choose referrals. Check with the provider before asking your GP to refer.

## Sources

1. GOV.UK: The NHS Choice Framework, what choices are available to me in the NHS. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs-choice-framework/the-nhs-choice-framework-what-choices-are-available-to-me-in-the-nhs
2. NICE: Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s (CG128). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg128
3. NHS: How to get diagnosed with autism. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/getting-diagnosed/how-to-get-diagnosed/

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.