NHS Right to Choose autism assessments for children and young people
Right to Choose update May 2026
We are currently accepting Right to Choose autism assessment referrals for children aged 7+ and young people. For children and young people aged 7+, our current autism assessment waiting time is up to 6 months but appointments are currently being offered within a significantly shorter time frame.
Availability is limited, so we encourage families to speak to their GP as soon as possible if they would like to request a referral to Healios.
For parents and carers
Your Right to Choose referral guide
If you would like your child to be referred to Healios, your GP needs to submit the referral. Use this information to explain what you are asking for and help your GP submit the referral correctly.
For GPs
Submit a Right to Choose referral
GPs in England can complete the Healios online referral form using the link below. Once we receive the referral, we will contact the patient and GP to confirm the referral and update on the next steps.
Your right to choose autism assessments
Our assessments are delivered online by qualified clinicians. We guide families through the process and explain what information is needed before the assessment takes place. This means families can access a structured autism assessment pathway from home, with clear communication before, during and after the assessment.
How the referral process works
1. Ask your GP
If you would like your child to be referred to Healios, contact your GP surgery and ask them to make a Right to Choose referral to Healios for an autism assessment. You can use your Right to Choose referral guide to explain what you are asking for and share the referral information with your GP practice.
2. What happens next
- Healios receives the referral.
- We check the information provided and local ICB policies.
- We contact you and your GP to confirm the next steps.
We will keep you informed so you know what to expect.
Why choose Healios?
Healios supports children, young people and families through online assessment and care pathways. Our autism assessments are delivered by qualified clinicians, with clear guidance before, during and after the assessment.
Families choose Healios for:
- Experience working with NHS services
We work with NHS partners to deliver safe, clinically robust online care. - Qualified clinicians
Assessments are carried out by experienced professionals who understand neurodevelopmental needs. - Clear guidance for families
We explain the process, what information is needed and what happens next. - Accessible online assessments
Families can attend appointments from home, reducing travel and making the process easier - Strong safeguarding and governance
Our pathways are designed with safety, quality and clinical oversight at their core. - Support beyond the appointment
We help families understand the outcome and the next steps after assessment.
FAQs
How long is the Right to Choose waiting time
For children and young people aged 7+, our current autism assessment waiting time is up to 6 months but appointments are currently being offered within a significantly shorter timeframe.
Waiting times may change depending on referral volume and local ICB policy.
Is Healios an eligible Right to Choose provider?
Healios accepts eligible referrals for online autism assessments under the NHS Right to Choose framework. Our ability to support referrals is dependent on local Integrated Care Board policies.
How will I know if Healios has received the referral?
Once we receive the referral from your GP, we will contact you and your GP to update you on the next steps.
Will the assessment be online or face to face?
Healios autism assessments are delivered online via our secure clinical platform. We will explain what to expect and what information is needed before the assessment takes place.
What happens after the assessment?
After the assessment, we will explain the outcome and provide the relevant information from the assessment pathway. We will also explain any next steps.
What happens if my child is not suitable for a Right to Choose referral?
GPs or local NHS services can advise on alternative options available.
You may also choose to explore privately funded assessment and care through Melios.
Can an existing NHS waiting list referral be changed to Right to Choose?
You can speak to your GP or local NHS service about whether an existing referral can be changed to a Right to Choose referral. They can advise based on your local pathway and circumstances.
Looking for a private assessment?
If you are looking for privately funded assessment and care without an NHS referral, Melios offers private autism and ADHD assessments for children and young people.
With Melios, families can access:
- shorter waiting times than many NHS routes
- clear next steps and support tailored around the child or young person’s needs
- Core Needs Assessments, therapeutic services, ADHD prescribing and post-assessment support, where appropriate
Melios is part of the Healios family, with private services delivered to the same high standards of safety, safeguarding and clinical governance as our NHS work.
Ready to speak to your GP?
Use our GP referral information to explain what you are asking for and help your GP submit the referral correctly.
Still have questions?
If you have a question about Right to Choose or the referral process, you can email our support team.
This email route is not part of the referral process. To start a Right to Choose referral, your GP must submit the referral to Healios.