Right to Choose Autism Assessment in Kent — How to Skip the 3-Year NHS Wait
Written by a Kent SEND parent. Last updated: March 2026.
What Is Right to Choose?
Right to Choose is an NHS England legal right under the NHS Constitution that allows patients to choose their healthcare provider for a first outpatient appointment. For autism and ADHD, this means you can ask your GP to refer you (or your child) to an approved alternative provider instead of the standard local pathway.
This is not going private. The provider is contracted by and paid by the NHS. You pay nothing.
Why Does This Matter in Kent?
Kent and Medway's standard autism assessment pathway has some of the longest waits in England:
- Children (via NELFT/KCHFT): 36–42 months (3–3.5 years)
- Adults (via KCHFT): 18–24+ months
Right to Choose providers typically assess within 2–6 months. Some can offer initial appointments within weeks.
How to Use Right to Choose: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Choose Your Provider
Kent and Medway ICB has contracted and accredited the following Right to Choose providers:
For Children and Young People (Autism)
- NELFT — ages 11+, Kent-wide
- KCHFT — ages 0–11, West Kent and North Kent
- East Kent Hospitals — ages 0–8, East Kent
- Psicon — Canterbury-based, face-to-face assessments
- ProblemShared — online assessments
For Children and Young People (ADHD)
- NELFT — ages 11+, Kent and Medway
- KCHFT — ages 6–11, West Kent and North Kent
- Medway Community Healthcare — ages 6–11, Medway
For Adults (Autism and ADHD)
From April 2025, accredited adult RTC providers in Kent include:
- Berkeley Psychiatrists
- College Health
- Innovate ADHD
- Insight Diagnostics
- Mentalwell
- Modality LLP
- RNT Mental Health Solutions
- The Owl Centre (also autism)
- Psicon (also autism)
- Sinclair-Strong (also autism)
Source: Kent and Medway ICB — Right to Choose, updated 2025.
Step 2: Ask Your GP for a Referral
Book a GP appointment and explain that you want to exercise your Right to Choose. Here's what to say:
"I'd like to request a referral for [autism/ADHD] assessment for [myself/my child]. I'd like to use my Right to Choose and be referred to [provider name] instead of the standard local pathway. I understand this is my legal right under the NHS Constitution and that the assessment will be funded by the NHS."
Step 3: What Happens If Your GP Says No?
Your GP cannot refuse Right to Choose if they agree a referral is clinically appropriate. The choice of where you're referred is yours, not theirs.
If your GP is reluctant or unfamiliar:
- Show them the Kent and Medway ICB Right to Choose page
- Reference NHS England's Right to Choose guidance
- Ask to see a different GP at the practice
- Contact Kent and Medway Neurodevelopmental Service for support
- If still refused, make a formal complaint to the practice manager and contact NHS England
Step 4: After Referral
Once referred, the RTC provider will contact you to arrange the assessment. Typical timelines:
- Initial contact: 1–4 weeks after referral
- Assessment appointment: 2–6 months from referral
- Report: 2–4 weeks after assessment
The assessment and diagnosis carry the same legal weight as a standard NHS assessment. You can use the diagnosis for EHCP applications, DLA claims, school support, and any other purpose.
Right to Choose vs Private Assessment
| Right to Choose | Private | Standard NHS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (NHS-funded) | £1,200–£2,500 | Free |
| Wait | 2–6 months | 2–6 weeks | 36–42 months |
| GP referral needed? | Yes | Usually no | Yes |
| Diagnosis accepted by? | NHS, schools, DWP, EHCP | NHS may not accept* | All bodies |
*Some NHS services may request re-assessment after a private diagnosis. RTC diagnoses are fully NHS-recognised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Right to Choose if I've already been referred to the standard pathway?
Yes. You can request a transfer to a Right to Choose provider at any point during your wait. You don't need to start from scratch — ask your GP to redirect the referral.
Does Right to Choose work for ADHD as well as autism?
Yes. Right to Choose covers both autism and ADHD assessments, diagnosis, and (for adults) medication titration. The accredited providers list includes both autism and ADHD specialists.
What if my child needs both autism and ADHD assessment?
Some providers (Psicon, The Owl Centre, Sinclair-Strong) assess for both. Ask at the point of referral whether the provider can do a combined assessment.
Will the diagnosis help with an EHCP?
Yes. A Right to Choose diagnosis carries the same weight as any NHS diagnosis. You can use it to support an EHCP application in Kent.
Is there an age limit?
No. Right to Choose applies to children, young people, and adults. Provider availability varies by age — see the provider lists above.