Right to Choose vs private autism assessment: an honest comparison
Clinical Director
Right to Choose (RTC) allows people in England to access an NHS-funded autism assessment through an approved independent provider rather than their local NHS service. For many people, it can offer a faster route to assessment at no direct cost.
Private assessment offers different advantages. It allows individuals and families to choose their provider, access a defined assessment timescale and avoid some of the uncertainties that can accompany NHS and Right to Choose pathways.
Both routes have strengths and limitations. Neither is automatically better. The most appropriate option depends on factors such as waiting times, finances, support needs, local availability and individual circumstances.
This guide compares both approaches as honestly as possible, including situations where Right to Choose may be the better option.
What Right to Choose actually is
Right to Choose is a legal right available within NHS England.
When a GP agrees that a referral for autism assessment is clinically appropriate, patients can request referral to an eligible NHS-contracted provider rather than automatically entering their local assessment pathway.
A number of independent organisations hold NHS contracts to provide autism assessments through Right to Choose. In many areas, this has allowed people to access assessment more quickly than through local NHS pathways.
For many individuals and families, Right to Choose provides a useful middle ground between local NHS services and private assessment. It remains NHS-funded, meaning there is no assessment fee, whilst often offering shorter waits than some local services. Used well, it can be an excellent option.
The reality of Right to Choose in 2026
The picture is somewhat more complex than it was a few years ago. As awareness of Right to Choose has increased, many of the most popular providers have developed substantial waiting lists of their own. For some services, waiting times remain considerably shorter than local NHS pathways. For others, the difference is much less pronounced than it once was.
Availability can also vary between areas. Since 2025, some commissioners have introduced restrictions, funding controls or changes to referral arrangements affecting access to certain providers. Because of this, it is important to check current local information rather than relying on national assumptions.
Another challenge is that Right to Choose requires individuals and families to identify a provider themselves. Many people describe spending significant time comparing services, researching waiting times and trying to understand how providers differ from one another before deciding which option feels right for them. This can be difficult. Most families are not clinicians and may be navigating unfamiliar terminology, differing assessment models and rapidly changing information.
Waiting times themselves are not always straightforward to compare. Some providers publish estimated waits openly, while others update information less frequently. As a result, people are often making decisions using information that may change over time.
It is also worth remembering that providers often operate their own referral screening or triage processes. A referral does not always automatically lead to a full assessment, and individual providers may have their own criteria regarding appropriateness and service scope.
Depending on the provider, assessments may be delivered remotely, locally, or require travel to another part of the country. This may be particularly relevant for families with younger children, individuals with sensory needs, or those balancing work and caring responsibilities.
None of these factors make Right to Choose a poor option. They simply mean that the process can be more complex than many people initially expect.
What private assessment can offer
The aim of assessment remains the same whether it is accessed through the NHS, Right to Choose or a private provider.
What private assessment offers is greater control over certain parts of the process.
Individuals and families can explore different providers, consider different assessment models and identify a service that feels consistent with their needs, preferences and values. Appointment times are typically agreed at booking, and there is no requirement for a GP referral before engaging with a service.
For some people, this flexibility is particularly valuable. For others, it may not justify the financial cost.
Private assessment is not necessarily "better" than NHS or Right to Choose assessment. The more helpful question is whether the assessment process feels thorough, appropriate to your circumstances and capable of providing a meaningful understanding of your experiences.
At The Neurodiversity Service, assessments are completed by a multidisciplinary team and informed by current NICE guidance. Information is gathered from multiple sources and considered collectively to develop a thorough understanding of a person's experiences, strengths and support needs.
Assessment includes a comprehensive assessment report, a dedicated feedback appointment and the option of ongoing support for those who would find this helpful.
Our current fees are £2,500 for a child autism assessment and £1,950 for an adult autism assessment. We also offer 0% finance options to help spread the cost where this is useful.
Finance provided by humm. Subject to status. UK residents 18+.
For a more detailed discussion of assessment costs and what is included, see our guide: How Much Does a Private Autism Assessment Cost in the UK?
Side-by-side comparison
| Right to Choose | Private assessment | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to you | NHS funded | Assessment fee applies |
| Availability | England only | Available throughout the UK |
| GP referral required | Yes | No |
| Timescale | Depends on provider and local arrangements | Usually agreed at booking |
| Choice of provider | Limited to eligible RTC providers | Wider choice |
| Waiting time transparency | Variable between providers | Usually clearer at point of enquiry |
| Assessment model | Varies by provider | Varies by provider |
| Report | Varies by provider | Varies by provider |
| Post-diagnostic support | Varies by provider | Varies by provider |
Which route fits which situation?
If cost is the most significant factor, Right to Choose is often worth exploring first. It remains one of the most valuable routes available to individuals and families seeking autism assessment without paying privately.
If obtaining assessment within a defined timescale feels particularly important because of educational transitions, support planning, workplace challenges, wellbeing concerns or other life circumstances, some people decide that private assessment better meets their needs.
Others begin with Right to Choose and later decide to pursue private assessment if circumstances change.
There is no universally correct route.
The best choice depends on individual circumstances, priorities, finances and local availability.
Can you be on a waiting list and pursue a private assessment?
People often ask whether they can seek a private assessment whilst remaining on an NHS or Right to Choose waiting list.
In many circumstances, this is possible.
Some individuals choose to maintain existing referrals while pursuing private assessment. Others decide to withdraw from waiting lists once they have obtained an assessment outcome privately.
Decisions about ongoing referrals are personal and may be influenced by local pathways, future support needs and individual circumstances.
If a private assessment has answered the questions you were seeking answers to and you no longer intend to use the NHS assessment pathway, it is worth informing the service so that appointments can be offered to others who are waiting.
Common misconceptions
"If I pay privately, am I more likely to receive a diagnosis?"
A common concern is that paying for assessment somehow makes a diagnosis more likely. A thorough assessment should remain open to multiple possible outcomes and explanations. Conclusions should be based on the information gathered, clinical reasoning and available evidence, regardless of who funds the assessment.
"Private providers can't access important information"
Private services do not automatically have access to NHS records. However, individuals and families can usually choose to share relevant medical records, reports and professional information if they feel these would be useful to the assessment process.
"Right to Choose is always faster"
Sometimes it is. Sometimes it is not. Waiting times vary considerably between providers and change over time. Checking directly with providers for current information is usually the best approach.
"Private assessment stops me using NHS services"
In most circumstances it does not. People who have received a private autism assessment can continue to access NHS healthcare and other services where appropriate. Local pathways and eligibility criteria may vary, which is one reason assessment quality and report content remain important considerations. We cover how schools, local authorities and NHS services treat private reports in a separate guide.
Our team can answer questions about routes, timescales and what is included.
Frequently asked questions
Is Right to Choose free?
Yes. The assessment itself is NHS-funded. Practical costs such as travel, childcare or time away from work may still apply depending on the provider and your circumstances.
How long are Right to Choose waits for autism assessment?
This varies significantly between providers and can change over time. Check directly with providers for their most up-to-date estimates and review information from your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) where relevant.
Can my GP refuse a Right to Choose referral?
A GP can decide that a referral is not clinically appropriate. If a referral is considered appropriate, patients are generally entitled to request referral to an eligible Right to Choose provider.
Can I start with Right to Choose and switch to private later?
Yes. Some people choose to move to private assessment later if circumstances change or if timescales become more important to them.
Correct at July 2026. Right to Choose availability, waiting times and commissioning arrangements can change by provider and region. Always check current local information before making decisions based on national guidance. This article is intended as general information and should not be considered advice for your individual circumstances.
Dr Charlie Bamford, DClinPsy — Clinical Director
BSc Psychology · MRes Clinical Research Psychology · Doctorate in Clinical Psychology · PgDip Paediatric Neuropsychology · PgCert CBT Supervision · HCPC registered (PYL37547)
Dr Charlie Bamford is a Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Director at The Neurodiversity Service. She works with children, young people, adults and families seeking to better understand neurodevelopmental differences. Charlie has a particular interest in neuroaffirmative assessment, identity, self-understanding and helping people make sense of their experiences beyond diagnostic labels alone.