How to get an autism assessment in England

In short

• In England, you can usually ask your GP to refer you or your child to a local autism team. For school-age children, the school may make the referral.
• NHS Right to Choose lets you pick the provider, but only after your GP agrees that a referral is clinically appropriate. You cannot refer yourself through it.
• A private assessment is an option, but check that your school, council, employer or NHS service will accept the report before you pay.
• You can ask for support while you wait for an NHS assessment.

Who can refer you

Your GP can usually refer you or your child to a local autism team. Adults can ask their GP directly.

If your child is of school age, the school may make the referral. A health visitor can refer a child who is not yet at school. A mental health professional who is supporting you for another reason may also refer you if they notice signs of autism.

It helps to write down your reasons for asking. Include examples from home, school, work or college. You can bring this list to your GP appointment and keep a copy for yourself.

What an NHS assessment involves

The process varies by area, but NHS guidance describes a broad pattern.

For children, there are usually one or more appointments with a team of professionals. They ask about development and medical history, and they watch how the child communicates and plays. They may check for other conditions, speak to family and teachers, and sometimes visit the school.

For adults, there are usually one or more appointments. You may be asked to complete questionnaires. The team will ask about your behaviour, your early life, and your current home, work or college life. They may speak to someone who knew you as a child and someone who knows you now, and they may read records such as GP notes, school reports or work records.

The result is a report. It should say whether you or your child are autistic, list strengths and support needs, and note any other conditions found. A review appointment may follow, and you may be offered information about support.

NHS Right to Choose

Right to Choose applies only in England. It is not available in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Your GP must first agree that a referral is clinically appropriate. Once the referral is agreed, you can usually choose a provider that holds an NHS contract for the service. Some of these providers are independent organisations rather than NHS trusts.

You cannot refer yourself through Right to Choose. Practice varies between areas, and some GPs and local health bodies have their own arrangements. Ask your GP practice how it works locally.

Private assessments

A private assessment is paid for by you and carried out by a professional outside the NHS. You may consider one if you are waiting a long time, or if you disagree with an NHS outcome. Private assessments are not a replacement for NHS rights to support, and they do not always lead to the same services.

Before you book, ask these questions:

• Is the assessor registered? Check that they are registered with a professional regulator, such as the Health and Care Professions Council or the General Medical Council.
• Does the assessment follow NICE guidance? NICE publishes guidance on recognising and diagnosing autism. Ask how the assessor follows it, and ask for the guidance they use.
• What does the assessment include? Ask which tests, questionnaires and interviews are used, and who will be involved.
• Will the report be accepted? Ask the NHS team, school, council or employer whether they accept private reports. Do this before you pay, because acceptance is not automatic.
• What follow-up support is included? Ask whether the provider gives feedback, a written report and advice on next steps.
• What is the total cost? Ask for a full written breakdown.

Support while you wait

Waiting times for NHS assessments can be months or longer. While you wait, you can:

• Ask your GP what support is available now. This may include advice, support for other health needs, or a referral to another service.
• For children, speak to the school's special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) about support in class and any changes that would help.
• For adults, ask your GP about support for anxiety, low mood or stress, if these affect you.
• Keep a record of changes in your or your child's needs, and tell the team if things get harder.
• If you are refused a referral, ask the GP to explain the decision. You can ask to see another GP for a second opinion.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, see the guide on staying safe and getting urgent help.

This guide is general information, not medical advice.