Proudly providing NHS servicesUnder Right to Choose, parents in England can pick which NHS-funded provider assesses their child for autism or ADHD. The best choice is the provider that sees children your child's age, offers the assessment they need, and has a wait and format that suit your family. Check those four things before you ask your GP to refer.
Most of the providers families hear about first are large services built for adults. Some only assess adults. Others run a children's service with a minimum age, often 5 or 6, or close their children's lists to new referrals when demand is high.
Before anything else, confirm three things with the provider directly: the youngest age they assess, whether their children's list is open today, and what happens if your child turns 18 while waiting.
Ask every provider on your shortlist the same questions, so you are comparing like with like.
Confirm the youngest and oldest age the provider sees, and whether the children's list is open to new referrals today.
Some providers assess ADHD only. If you suspect autism, ADHD or both, check they offer each one, and whether they can be done together.
Ask for the wait from referral to first appointment, and from first appointment to diagnosis. Both matter.
Online, in person or a mix. Think about what your child will find easiest, and whether school will be asked for information.
Ask whether the clinicians specialise in children, and which professionals are involved: paediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists or speech and language therapists.
Check whether you get a written report, a feedback session and support with next steps, and whether medication is offered for ADHD through shared care with your GP.
Listed alphabetically. We've included Paloma Health alongside other providers families commonly ask us about. Waiting times change month to month, so we haven't listed them: ask each provider for their current wait.
| Provider | Assessments | Children's ages | Main focus | Format | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paloma Health | Autism, ADHD | From ages 2-18 | Children and young people | Online and in person | Focused on children and young people. Offers ADHD medication and support even after your child turns 18. |
| ADHD 360 | ADHD | From 6 | Adults and children | Online | ADHD only. Autism needs a separate referral elsewhere. |
| Clinical Partners | Autism, ADHD | Varies by service | Mainly adults | Online and in person | Check which Right to Choose services cover children before referral. |
| Healios | Autism, ADHD | Under 18 | Children and young people | Online | Children-only, so no adult service after 18. |
| Problem Shared | Autism, ADHD | Children and teenagers | Children and adults | Online | Publishes its own guide to choosing a provider. |
| Psicon | Autism, ADHD | Children and teenagers | Children and adults | Online and in person | In-person availability depends on location. |
| Psychiatry-UK | Autism, ADHD | Minimum age applies | Mainly adults | Online | Children's lists have closed to new referrals at times. Check before referral. |
Information taken from each provider's public website, October 2026. Providers change their age ranges and open or close lists without notice. If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll correct it.
No provider is best for every child. Families searching for the best Right to Choose provider usually mean one of these questions, and the table above answers each of them.
Look at the "Children's ages" column first. Many providers start at 5 or 6, and some adult-focused services will not accept young children at all.
Check the Assessments column for both conditions. A provider that assesses both can save a second referral if your child needs it.
Check whether the provider also sees adults. A children-only service may need to transfer or discharge your child at 18.
Waits change month to month, so ask each provider directly and get the answer in writing before your GP refers.
Use our eligibility checker to confirm you can be referred to us under Right to Choose.
Tell your GP you would like to use your Right to Choose and name the provider. You do not need a second opinion from anyone else first.
Bring notes on what you have noticed at home and school. A letter from your child's school can help.
Ask the provider to confirm they have received it. If your GP declines, ask them to explain why in writing.
There is no single best provider. The right one for your child is the one that assesses their age, offers the assessment they need, has a current wait you can live with and works in a format that suits them. Use the comparison table to narrow it down.
No. Several of the largest Right to Choose providers are mainly adult services, and others only see children above a minimum age or have paused new child referrals. Check the age range before asking your GP to refer.
Yes. If you live in England and your child is registered with an NHS GP, you can name the provider you want. Your GP makes the referral.
Yes you can ask your GP to refer to a different provider if you have been waiting longer than 18 weeks for your appointment.
No. Right to Choose assessments are funded by the NHS, so there is nothing to pay.
