Right to Choose – Patient Guidance
To help patients access ADHD and Autism (ASD) assessments as efficiently as possible, please follow the steps below before requesting a referral.
This process helps ensure referrals are appropriate, reduces delays, and directs patients to the correct provider first time.
Quick Guide – 4 Simple Steps
- Complete an online screening questionnaire
- Choose an assessment provider (NHS or Right to Choose)
- Check the provider’s website for referral requirements
- Book a GP appointment if required
Step 1: Complete an Online Screening Questionnaire
Before requesting a referral, please complete an online screening tool relevant to your concerns. These tools provide an immediate outcome or score indicating whether a full assessment may be beneficial.
There are many online screening tools available for ADHD and Autism (ASD). We recommend using:
Assessing Neurodivergence UK – https://assessingneurodivergenceuk.co.uk/
This website provides screening questionnaires for both ADHD and Autism across all age groups and gives an immediate score or outcome indicating whether a formal assessment may be beneficial.
Important
These questionnaires do not provide a diagnosis.
A result suggesting ADHD or autistic traits indicates that a formal clinical assessment may be appropriate, but it does not confirm a diagnosis.
Step 2: Choose an Assessment Provider
If your screening results suggest that further assessment may be beneficial, you can choose either:
- An NHS referral, or
- Right to Choose (RTC) provider
The current list of Right to Choose providers approved by Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) Integrated Care Board (ICB) to provide ADHD and Autism (ASD) assessment and management services can be downloaded using a link at the bottom of this page.
Please note:
- Providers must hold an NHS contract.
- Providers set their own acceptance criteria.
- Waiting times vary significantly between providers.
- Not all providers offer the same assessment, treatment, and follow-up services.
Step 3: Check the Provider’s Website
If choosing a Right to Choose provider, before requesting a referral, please review your chosen provider’s website carefully to confirm:
- Whether they are currently accepting new referrals.
- Whether self-referral is available.
- Whether a GP referral is required.
Some providers require:
- Specific referral forms.
- Copies of screening results.
- Additional questionnaires or supporting information.
- Checking these requirements in advance can help avoid delays.
Step 4: Arrange the Next Steps
Depending on your chosen provider’s referral process, you may need to:
- Complete the provider’s self-referral process, or
- Book an appointment with a GP to discuss:
- Your symptoms and concerns.
- Your screening results.
- Your preferred provider.
Your GP will review the information provided and confirm whether a referral is clinically appropriate before submitting it.
If You’re Unsure
If you are unsure about:
- Which screening tool to complete.
- Which provider to choose.
- Whether you need a GP appointment.
Please contact the practice and a member of our team will be happy to help.
Important Information About Treatment and Shared Care
Some providers may recommend medication following diagnosis.
Shared Care Agreements are not automatic.
Any request for shared care will be considered in line with local prescribing policies, available clinical information, and individual clinical judgement.
Managing Expectations
While the Right to Choose pathway can reduce waiting times for some patients:
- Demand for ADHD and Autism assessments remains high nationally.
- Assessment waiting times vary between providers.
- The availability of treatment and follow-up support differs between providers.
- We appreciate that waiting for assessment can be frustrating and will do our best to support patients throughout the process.
Further Information
Further information about ADHD, Autism, NHS services, and the Right to Choose pathway is available through NHS England.
