NHS vs Private Autism Assessment in Kent
The NHS wait in Kent is 36-42 months. Here's what your options are — including how to get a free assessment through Right to Choose.
The Reality: NHS Wait Times in Kent
Current Kent NHS Wait
36-42 months (3-3.5 years) for a full autism assessment through Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust.
Source: Kent CHFT website, October 2024
This is why many Kent parents explore alternatives. You are not "jumping the queue" — you are making a practical decision for your child.
Your Options Compared
| Option | Cost | Wait | Accepted? |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS (Kent CHFT) | Free | 36-42 months | ✅ Yes |
| Right to Choose | Free | 2-6 months | ✅ Yes |
| Fully Private | £800-£2,000 | 2-8 weeks | ✅ Yes* |
*If conducted by qualified professional using NICE guidelines
Option 1: Right to Choose (Recommended)
You can ask your GP to refer you to any NHS-commissioned private provider. This is free and often much faster.
How it works:
- Ask your GP for a referral under "Right to Choose"
- They'll ask which provider you want — have 2-3 ready
- GP sends referral to the provider
- Assessment is NHS-funded (free to you)
Providers accepting NHS referrals in Kent (2026):
- Clinical Partners — 01227 781400 — clinical-partners.co.uk
- Problem Shared — problemshared.net
- Psicon — psicon.co.uk
- Kent Autism Service — kentautismservice.com
💡 Pro tip
When you call providers, ask: "What's your current wait time for NHS-funded (Right to Choose) referrals?" Some have 2 months, others 6+ months.
Option 2: Fully Private Assessment
If you can afford it, private assessments are fastest (2-8 weeks) and often more thorough.
Kent private providers:
- Kent Autism Service — £800-£1,500 — kentautismservice.com
- Lycali (Thanet) — £800-£2,000 — lycali.co.uk
- Psicon — £800-£2,000 — psicon.co.uk
- Autism Kent — £800-£1,500 — autismkent.co.uk
Financing options:
- Some providers offer payment plans (monthly instalments)
- 0% credit cards — if you can get one
- Family Fund — may help with costs for low-income families
- Grants — see our grants guide
What to Do While Waiting
Whether you're on the NHS waitlist or saving for private, here's how to support your child now:
1. Request School Support
Schools must support children with SEN regardless of diagnosis. Request a meeting with the SENCO and ask for:
- SEN Support plan
- One-page profile for staff
- TA support if available
2. Build Your Evidence
Keep a diary of:
- Behaviours at home
- Sensory needs
- Social communication difficulties
- Any interventions you've tried
This helps any future assessment and DLA/EHCP applications.
3. Access Free Support
- Kent Local Offer — kent.gov.uk
- Autism Kent — support groups, workshops
- SENDIASS Kent — impartial advice — 0300 123 6728
4. Private SALT/OT While Waiting
NHS therapy waits are long too. See our therapist directory for private options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a private diagnosis be accepted by school?
Yes. If the assessment meets NICE guidelines and is conducted by a qualified professional, schools must accept it. It also counts for EHCP applications.
Can I use Right to Choose if I've already been referred to NHS?
Yes. You can ask to be referred to a different provider at any point. Your GP can make a new referral.
What's included in a private assessment?
Most include: developmental history, ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview), ADOS-2 observation, sensory profile, school observation, and a full report. The more comprehensive, the better.
Can I get my private assessment funded?
Only through Right to Choose (free) or grants. NHS doesn't usually fund retrospective private assessments, but some IEAs (Individual Education Budgets) may help.