ASD and Autism self-assessment (AQ-10)

Due to high demand, the Oxfordshire Autism service is currently closed to new referrals, so you’ll need to exercise your right to be referred under the "NHS Right to Choose legislation."

There are a number of providers under Right to Choose. The policies and processes vary slightly between providers. You are likely to be asked to complete the provider’s own questionnaires.  The provider will also ask the GP to either provide a covering letter or complete a form. When we have collected all the paperwork, the surgery will send the referral to your chosen provider. 

Please be aware that you cannot use Right to Choose if you are:

• already receiving mental health care following an elective referral for the same condition
• referred to a service that is commissioned by a local authority, for example a drug and alcohol service (unless commissioned under a Section 75 agreement)
• accessing urgent or emergency (crisis) care
• accessing services delivered through a primary care contract
• detained in a secure setting. This includes people in or on temporary release from prisons, courts, secure children’s homes, certain secure training centres, immigration removal centres or young offender institutions
• serving as a member of the armed forces (family members in England have the same rights as other residents of England).

There are also restrictions on who a patient can direct their care to. The provider must:

• a commissioning contract with any Integrated Care Board (ICB) or NHS England for the required service
• have the service and team led by a consultant or a mental healthcare professional

Whilst primarily about ADHD, the ADHD UK website also has information about Right to Choose Providers offering ASD and Autism assessments.

Learn about the right to choose process

There is a wide range of Right To Choose providers. We strongly encourage you to choose one that has been assisted by our local ICB (Integrated Care Board), as meeting their quality criteria.

Find local and national support for Autism and ASD