Right to Choose Pauses: What Families Need to Know

We know many families are feeling anxious, frustrated, and confused following recent updates about pauses to NHS Right to Choose (RTC) assessments in some areas.

If you’re waiting for answers about autism or ADHD - or you’ve only just started considering an assessment — this uncertainty can feel overwhelming.

You are not alone. And you still have options. 🧠💗

What is Right to Choose?

Right to Choose allows patients in England to ask their GP to refer them to an approved provider for autism or ADHD assessment, rather than waiting for local NHS services.

However:

Some RTC providers are pausing new referrals
Others are reducing capacity
This does not mean assessments are no longer available — but it does mean families need clearer guidance and support navigating next steps

What a Pause Doesn’t Mean

A pause does not mean:

You’ve missed your chance
Your child (or you) won’t be assessed
Your concerns are invalid
You must wait with no support

It reflects system pressure — not the absence of need.

Trusted, Neuro-Affirming Information & Support

For reliable, rights-based guidance:

National Autistic Society (NAS)

Clear explanations of autism
Diagnosis and post-diagnostic guidance
Education and workplace rights
👉 Search: National Autistic Society diagnosis support

ADHD UK

Evidence-based ADHD information
Advice for children, adults, and families
Strong advocacy around waiting lists
👉 Search: ADHD UK assessment waiting times

These are particularly helpful while waiting or preparing for next steps.

What Bold Minds Can Offer Right Now

Bold Minds provides private autism and ADHD assessments and diagnosis for children and adults, alongside supportive exploratory services.

We take a neuro-affirming, strengths-based approach, grounded in clinical expertise and lived experience.

Free Clarity Calls

A gentle, no-pressure conversation to:

Talk through current concerns
Reflect on developmental history
Explore whether autism, ADHD, or both may be relevant
Understand your assessment and support options (NHS, RTC, or private)

💬 These calls are about clarity and empowerment, not pressure.

Screening & Exploratory Consultations

For those wanting a more structured starting point:

In-depth discussion of strengths, needs, and differences
Neuro-affirming language (not deficit-focused)
Honest guidance on whether a full diagnostic assessment is appropriate
Support with deciding next steps

This can be especially helpful if you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed.

Private Autism & ADHD Assessments

Bold Minds offers comprehensive private assessments and diagnosis for:

Autism (children & adults)
ADHD (children & adults)
Co-occurring autism + ADHD (AuDHD)

Our assessments:

Follow recognised clinical guidelines
Are carried out by qualified, experienced clinicians
Use neuro-affirming, respectful language
Focus on understanding the whole person — not just criteria

Support With or Without a Diagnosis

You do not need to be diagnosed to deserve understanding and support.

We also offer guidance around:

Sensory needs and regulation
School-based strategies and reasonable adjustments
Emotional wellbeing during long waits
Advocacy-informed support for families and adults
Language to use with schools, GPs, and employers

Recently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I still ask my GP for a Right to Choose referral?

Yes. Even if some providers are paused, having concerns formally recorded can still be important, and availability can change.

What if my child needs help now?

Support should never be withheld due to lack of diagnosis. Schools have legal duties to meet needs based on observed difficulties, not labels.

Is private assessment my only option?

No. NHS and RTC routes remain valid. Private assessment is one option, and the right choice depends on individual circumstances.

Can Bold Minds diagnose autism and ADHD?

Yes. Bold Minds provides private diagnostic assessments for autism and ADHD for both children and adults, delivered by qualified clinicians.

I’m worried I’m overthinking this.

Most people who seek assessment do so because something meaningful is being experienced. Curiosity about your brain — or your child’s — is not overreacting.

Will my GP accept this diagnosis?

Most GPs will accept a comprehensive, NICE-aligned diagnostic report completed by a regulated healthcare professional. However, shared care decisions are made at GP practice and NHS Trust level and can vary regionally.

Does NICE say diagnosis must be done by a psychiatrist?

No. Guidance from the
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), specifically Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management, states that diagnosis should be made by a healthcare professional with training and expertise in ADHD. It does not restrict diagnosis solely to psychiatrists.

What about Right to Choose?

Even some NHS areas do not accept Right to Choose assessments for shared care agreements. Due to pressures on NHS ADHD and autism services, and pauses within parts of the Right to Choose pathway nationally, local approaches to shared care may vary.

We strongly recommend discussing local shared care policies with your GP before pursuing medication.

Do you prescribe medication?

No. This service provides diagnostic assessment only. If medication is being considered, referral to an appropriately qualified prescriber is required.

What if my GP declines shared care?

Shared care agreements are not automatic following any private or Right to Choose assessment. We can provide clarification regarding our assessment process if required, but prescribing decisions remain with the GP and/or specialist prescriber.

A Final Reassurance 💗

System delays are not a reflection of your worth or needs.
Waiting is hard especially for neurodivergent individuals and families.

You deserve:

Clear, honest information
Compassionate conversations
Support at every stage of your journey

Bold Minds is here to help you understand, advocate, and move forward — at your pace. ✨