Update on Autism & ADHD Right to Choose services - January 2026
Under the national NHS Choice Framework, people have the right to choose the provider that will carry out their autism or ADHD assessment and treatment via any provider (including independent providers) where they have an NHS contract and provide equivalent work elsewhere.
In recent years there has been a significant increase in ASD/ ADHD referrals to independent providers, through NHS Right to Choose (RTC). To help manage demand and ensure services are delivered fairly, NHS England asked Integrated Care Boards to work with providers to agree what’s called an Indicative Activity Plan.
This is essentially an agreement of:
- How many assessments a provider can carry out.
- What funding is available to support this work.
In response to the increase in demand we have seen, last year (2025), we invested more in these services. However, despite this additional investment, some providers have already reached, or are close to reaching, the limit of what they can deliver under their plan for this financial year, which runs until 31 March 2026. This means some people will not be seen for a new assessment until after 1 April 2026. In most cases these providers already have a waiting list for their service, and this means people are likely to be waiting slightly longer to be seen for a first assessment.
I have been referred to a Right to Choose provider and I am waiting to be seen, what should I do?
If you have been referred, your referral will be held by the provider and you will already be on their waiting list – so there isn’t anything you need to do. As soon as the provider has capacity within their plan, they will be in touch to arrange an appointment. In many cases people will be contacted from April 2026 onwards.
Can I choose to change to a different provider?
Due to high demands across services, changing to a different provider may not result in a shorter waiting time. However, if you haven’t yet had an assessment, you can ask your GP to refer you to a different provider. If you stay with your current provider, you will already be on their waiting list and be seen as soon as capacity becomes available.
How do I know where I am in the waiting list?
We don’t hold this information so you would need to contact your chosen provider to find out about your place within the waiting list and when you are likely to be seen.
Will I be discharged from my current provider if I’ve already had an assessment and am receiving treatment?
No. You won’t be discharged while you are receiving treatment, and any reviews of medication will continue to be funded. If you have any concerns, please contact the organisation that is providing your care.
Support is available while you wait
We know that waiting for an assessment and potential diagnosis can have a real impact and keeping you safe and supported remains our highest priority.
We understand that you or your child may need help now and we are working hard to make sure support is available, even before an assessment and potential formal diagnosis is made. For further information on support services and information on waiting well, click on the following links:
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