Update for families: Autism & ADHD assessments (Right to Choose)

We wanted to share a further update following our recent communications about some providers pausing autism and ADHD assessments through the NHS Right to Choose (RTC) pathway.

We are aware that Clinical Partners, Paloma Health and Autism 360 have communicated with families about pauses to new assessments. It is possible that more providers may also need to pause their assessment service.  

These pauses are due to more children needing assessments than there is funding available right now.

There is no change to the NHS Choices Framework which states that patients have right to choose which provider they receive their first outpatient appointment from (and subsequent treatment).

We know how worrying and frustrating this is. We want to reassure families that:

  • your child remains on the waiting list with the Right to Chose provider unless you choose to withdraw

  • these pauses are made by individual providers, once their funding runs out for the financial year

  • it is likely that families waiting for an assessment will move forward in the new financial year (April 2026)


Support is available while you wait.

Even without a diagnosis, schools, colleges, early years settings and health services can and should:

What you can do:

  • Read your school’s SEND Information Report (on the school’s website)

  • Talk to your child’s class teacher or SENDCO about what support is in place and what else is possible

  • Visit our ICB’s (our local health service) Neurodiversity Hub for information and support

  • Visit the Local Authority’s Local Offer website – a central source of information about services and support for children and young people aged 0–25 with SEND

  • Contact SEND and You, the local SEND Information, Advice and Support Service, who can help you:

    • understand SEND processes and your rights

    • build confidence when talking to schools and services

    • communicate your child’s needs, wishes and aims

We will continue to monitor the situation closely, working with local NHS services and share updates as soon as we receive them. If you are struggling while waiting, or need support navigating what is available locally, please do contact us, attend a peer support session or join our supportive North Somerset Parent Carers facebook group — you are not alone. 

(NSPCWT, in collaboration with Bristol Parent Carers and South Gloucestershire Parent Carers)