Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism - Right To Choose - NHS South West London Integrated Care Board

ADHD

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a condition where the brain works differently to most people. If you have ADHD, you may have trouble with things like concentrating and sitting still.

Autism

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder or difference that affects how people communicate and interact with others and how people think and process information. Everyone is different, and differences and needs can vary a lot.

Getting an assessment

An ADHD or autism assessment can tell you if you or your child has the condition, or whether symptoms are likely to be caused by something else.

There are three main ways to get an autism or ADHD assessment in South West London:

Option 1: Local provider NHS services

GPs can refer people directly to local NHS services. Professionals working in schools can also refer a child or young person and, as they will often know them well, they are best placed to do so.
Right now, local NHS waiting times are longer than we would want. That is why some people choose other options (see options 2 and 3 below).

Option 2: NHS Right To Choose (RTC) Framework

Right To Choose lets people choose an independent provider through the NHS from anywhere in England. Only a GP can make this type of referral. This route may lead to quicker assessments, but there are some careful considerations to be made about if this is a suitable path for each person. Right To Choose is explained further on this page.

Option 3: Private services

People can pay for private assessments and care from an independent provider. Private services are not linked to local NHS support before, during or after diagnosis. There are some careful considerations to be made about follow-up care, such as ongoing responsibility for the costs of any medication and prescribing (for ADHD).

About Right To Choose – ADHD and autism

If your GP agrees that an ADHD or autism assessment is appropriate for you or your child, with Right To Choose you can access a wider range of provider organisations – NHS and private – paid for by the NHS.

As arrangements and care differ across providers, it is important to work with your GP to understand your options to make the best choice for you or your child.

For example, some providers only offer online assessments. Some also have exclusion criteria. Providers also have different treatment options post-diagnosis.

Because services vary, it’s important to:

Ask your GP what ongoing support you or your child may need
Check if providers offer medication (if ADHD is diagnosed) and follow-up care.

Your GP can explain the options and help you choose the provider that best meets your needs.

Right To Choose applies to initial assessments only, and self-referrals are not accepted.

ADHD and autism providers – Right To Choose

The list of ADHD and autism provider organisations for Right To Choose changes regularly, so available options may differ depending on the timing of your referral.

Please note that this list is kept by charity ADHD UK – including provider organisations offering both ADHD and autism assessments – and is not endorsed by SWL ICB.

Following the assessment

If diagnosed with ADHD and/or autism using Right To Choose, what happens after the initial assessment depends on the provider you chose:

If the provider offers ongoing care (such as follow-up appointments and post-diagnosis support, or medication if diagnosed with ADHD) you will receive that care from them.

If the provider does not offer ongoing care, your GP will discuss next steps with you, which may include joining the NHS waiting list for treatment or support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does choosing a private provider with Right To Choose mean the assessment will happen sooner?

No. While waiting times can differ between NHS and private providers, and being able to choose the provider may mean you can choose one to receive an assessment more quickly, Right To Choose does not guarantee quicker assessment.

It is also important to consider all provider options carefully as not all offer the same level of service.

Do NHS and Private providers offer the same type of assessment and treatment?

No. With Right To Choose, you can select any NHS or private provider as long as they accept Right To Choose referrals for assessment and they are commissioned by the NHS to offer the service you need. However, each has specific criteria.

For example, some offer online/remote assessments only, and not all provide post-diagnostic support or medication (ADHD only) should it be advised after assessment.

Your GP will be able to explain what is provided by each of your provider options.

If I choose a private provider under Right To Choose, can I later decide to switch to the NHS?

For continuity and fairness, if you choose a private provider but later want to join an NHS service for assessment – or to transfer mid-treatment to the NHS – you or your child will generally join at the beginning of the waiting list.

A new assessment may also be required even if one has already been carried out by a private provider.

Can anyone use Right To Choose for an ADHD or autism assessment?

Although anyone registered with a GP in England is legally entitled to access Right To Choose, each provider will have their own inclusion and exclusion criteria.

This may mean that you are not eligible to access an assessment from a particular provider based on certain pre-existing needs, for example having a moderate to severe learning disability or an addiction.

Your GP will be able to tell you which Right To Choose services are appropriate for you or your child and discuss your options.

ADHD: Will Right To Choose cover the cost of ADHD medication?

The cost of any ADHD prescriptions (from both NHS and private organisations) will be covered by Right to Choose. This includes first prescriptions to help stabilise medication. It also covers ongoing prescriptions if a GP does not agree to take over prescribing through a shared care protocol.

However, not all RTC providers can start medicine or prescribe it. Some only offer an assessment or diagnosis. Discuss this with your GP before you choose a provider.

If your provider stops offering annual reviews, you will need a new assessment with a new provider. You can go through the NHS/RTC or pay privately for one. Either way, you will go on a waiting list.

How to use Right To Choose for ADHD or autism assessment

1. Speak to your GP about an assessment if you think you or your child may have ADHD or autism.

2. Your GP will decide whether a referral for an assessment is appropriate.

3. If they agree, your GP will discuss with you options of provider organisations to undertake the assessment. They will have a list of providers available to make a referral to, which will include private providers paid for by the NHS.

4. Your GP will help you choose a provider. Before making your choice, it is important you understand how each provider would carry out the assessment (online/remotely or in person) and if they would provide ongoing support or medication (ADHD only) should you or your child be diagnosed with ADHD or autism.

5. Your GP will send a referral to your chosen provider.

6. The provider will contact you to arrange an assessment.

Support available while waiting for an ADHD or autism assessment

We know that waits for an assessment can be very long. Support is available without a diagnosis of ADHD or autism.

ADHD support

Visit ADHD in adults or ADHD in children and young people for more information on:

Ways to help manage ADHD in addition to support from your doctor, school or workplace
ADHD support groups available locally and online
Organisations and charities that offer information and support.