Waiting Too Long for an ADHD or Autism Assessment? You Can Switch Provider
Your Child's Assessment Shouldn't Be Limited by the Postcode Lottery
If your child has been waiting months for an NHS autism or ADHD assessment, you're not alone. Assessment backlogs across England remain significant, some regions reporting waits of 18 months or longer. But here's what many families don't realise: you don't have to wait indefinitely with your current provider. You have the legal right to switch.
Under the Right to Choose scheme, families with children registered at an NHS GP in England can request a referral to a different NHS provider, including Paloma Health, regardless of which ICB (Integrated Care Board) region they live in.
This blog explains how switching works, why it matters, and how Paloma can help your child get assessed sooner.
What Is Right to Choose? And Why Does It Matter?
Right to Choose is an NHS patient right that gives you control over where your child receives routine specialist care. If your GP is referring your child for an NHS autism assessment, ADHD assessment, or joint assessment, you can ask your GP to redirect that referral to any eligible NHS provider, not just the local one.
The key benefit? Choice. Shorter waits. Better fit for your family.
Before Right to Choose, families were often stuck with their local provider, regardless of waiting times or capability. Now, if your local service is overwhelmed, you can switch, at no cost, and without changing your GP.
How Long Is "Too Long" to Wait? When Switching Makes Sense
There's no official threshold for when you should switch, but here's what we typically hear from families:
- 6–12 months in: Most families start exploring options. Initial waits are often normal across England, but it's worth knowing alternatives exist.
- 12–18 months in: This is when switching becomes more compelling. Your child's development continues; prolonged waiting can mean missing critical windows for early intervention.
- 18+ months in: At this point, most families find the wait unacceptable. A switch often feels urgent.
Your feelings matter too. If you're anxious about the wait, concerned about your child's wellbeing, or frustrated with communication from your current provider, those are legitimate reasons to explore switching.
How to Switch Providers in 4 Steps
Switching is straightforward. Here's exactly what to do:
Step 1: Have the Conversation with Your GP
Schedule a routine appointment or call your GP practice. Tell them: "I'd like to ask for my child's referral to be switched to a different provider. We're interested in Paloma Health."
GPs are familiar with Right to Choose requests. You don't need a formal letter or extensive justification, most practices process switches within days.
Step 2: Confirm Paloma Can Accept Your Referral
Let your GP know that Paloma Health provides NHS assessments for:
- ADHD assessments
- Autism assessments
- Joint autism + ADHD assessments
And crucially: Paloma accepts Right to Choose referrals from any ICB region across England. You don't need to live within a specific boundary.
Step 3: Your GP Submits the Switch
Your GP surgery will submit a new referral to Paloma using the standard NHS referral process. The referral is marked as a switch from your previous provider, which speeds up processing.
Step 4: Paloma Contacts You to Arrange Assessment
Once we receive your referral, our team will contact you to:
- Confirm your child's details and appointment preferences
- Discuss the assessment pathway that's right for your child
- Schedule an appointment with a typical shorter wait. You can check our waiting times here.
Why Choose Paloma for Your Child's Assessment?
Switching to Paloma offers real advantages:
Shorter Waiting Times
We specialise in efficient, high-quality assessments. With Paloma, autism assessments are typically scheduled within 6 weeks of referral, not months.
Specialist Clinicians
Our clinical team is experienced in supporting children and young people. We understand the nuances of autism, ADHD, and presentations that might have been missed.
Flexible Access
Because we work across all ICB regions via Right to Choose, geography isn't a barrier. Assessments can be conducted face-to-face or remotely, depending on your preference and your child's needs.
Clear Communication
We keep families informed at every stage. You'll know what to expect, when to expect it, and what happens next.
Comprehensive Pathways
Whether your child needs assessment, diagnosis, or ongoing support, we offer joined-up care across ADHD, autism, and co-occurring conditions.
Switching Between Right to Choose Providers: Can You Do It?
Yes. If your child is already being assessed by one Right to Choose provider but the wait is still long, or you're unhappy with the service, you can ask your GP to switch to a different provider. Including Paloma.
This is an important distinction many families don't realise: Right to Choose isn't a one-time choice. It's an ongoing right. If you've already made one switch and it hasn't solved the wait problem, you can make another.
How it works:
- Same conversation with your GP. Tell them: "We originally switched to [Provider X], but the wait is still quite long. We'd like to ask for a switch to Paloma Health instead."
- Your previous provider will be notified. When your GP requests a switch from your current Right to Choose provider to Paloma, your existing referral with that provider is cancelled. Don't worry, this is standard and expected. You won't be penalised or questioned.
- You start fresh with Paloma. The referral comes to us as a new case, not a transfer. This means you could be assessed within 6 weeks, rather than continuing to wait with your current provider.
Why would you switch between Right to Choose providers?
- Shorter waits. If your current provider's wait hasn't improved, Paloma's typical 2-week timeframe offers real progress.
- Better fit. You might want a provider with different assessment approaches, communication style, or expertise.
- Frustration with service. Poor communication, cancelled appointments, or lack of progress are all valid reasons to explore other options.
- Changing circumstances. Your child's needs might have evolved, or your family situation might mean a different provider is better suited.
The key principle: You've already exercised your Right to Choose once. You can do it again. The NHS recognises that sometimes the first switch doesn't meet your needs, and you deserve better.
Common Questions About Switching
Will switching affect my GP's relationship with my child?
No. Switching assessment providers doesn't change your GP relationship. Your GP remains your primary point of contact for overall health.
What if my local provider objects?
They can't. Right to Choose is your legal right as an NHS patient. Your GP is obligated to process your request.
Will I lose my place in my current provider's queue?
Yes, when you switch, your referral moves to Paloma and is no longer with your previous provider. But that's the point: you get a shorter wait elsewhere rather than continuing to wait at the back of a long queue.
Do I have to stay with Paloma once I switch?
No. Right to Choose applies throughout your care. If circumstances change, you can explore other options. But most families find they're happy to stay once they're finally getting assessed.
Does switching cost extra?
Absolutely not. Right to Choose referrals are fully NHS-funded, just like any other NHS referral. There are no hidden costs or private fees.
What if my child has already been waiting a long time?
That's exactly when switching helps most. A long wait shouldn't mean indefinite delay. Switch now, and you could have an assessment scheduled within weeks rather than months or years.
What if I've already switched once to a different Right to Choose provider?
You can switch again. If your current provider's wait is still long, or you're unhappy with the service, ask your GP to switch to Paloma. Your previous referral will be cancelled, and you'll start fresh with us, potentially reducing your wait. This is exactly what Right to Choose is designed for: giving you genuine choice until you find the right fit.
The Reality: Your Child Doesn't Have to Wait Years
The waiting time crisis for autism and ADHD assessment is real. But it doesn't have to define your child's experience. Right to Choose puts power back in your hands. If your current provider's wait is unacceptable, you can switch.
At Paloma Health, we work across all of England. We're not limited by ICB boundaries, and we're committed to getting your child assessed quickly without sacrificing quality.
If your child has been waiting months for assessment, or if you're worried about their development, it's worth exploring your options. A conversation with your GP is all it takes.
Ready to Switch? Here's What to Do Next
- Contact your GP and ask about switching your child's referral to Paloma Health
- Explore our pathways to understand which assessment is right for your child (autism, ADHD, or joint)
- Check your local waiting times using our postcode lookup tool, see exactly where you stand in your ICB region, and compare with Paloma's typical timeframes
- Get in touch with Paloma if you have questions about the process or assessment options
Your child's wellbeing is too important to be determined by the postcode lottery. If you're ready for answers, we're ready to help.
