Access Compass guide
Getting an autism assessment in Northamptonshire (child and adult, including Right to Choose)
This guide explains how to get an NHS autism assessment in Northamptonshire. Autism is also called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The guide covers both children and adults, step by step. You will learn the local pathway and who can refer you. It also explains NHS Right to Choose. This is a legal right to an NHS-funded assessment with a different provider when local waits are long.
Published by Access Compass · How we research and check guides
Who it's for: Parents & carers, Adults, Families, Children & young people
Not yet verified Last checked 7 Jul 2026. Always confirm details with the service before relying on them.
Step by step
-
Understand what an autism assessment is and that you do not always need a diagnosis to get support
An autism assessment is a detailed check by NHS specialists to work out whether someone is autistic. Waits can be very long, so it helps to know that schools, social care and many services can put support in place based on a person's needs without waiting for a formal diagnosis. Integrated Care Northamptonshire states support 'should be tailored to an individual and made available based on a person's difficulties and challenges, even without a formal diagnosis'. Start support early while you pursue assessment.
-
For a child or young person: start with a professional, not a self-referral
In Northamptonshire, referrals for children and young people can only be made by a health, social care or education professional (for example your GP, school SENCO, school nurse or health visitor). They refer through the NHFT Children's Referral Management Centre (RMC), the single point of access. Ask the school or your GP to make the referral, and ask them to explain the current process.
-
Know which children's service covers your child
In North Northamptonshire, NHFT assesses all school-aged children. In West Northamptonshire, NHFT assesses secondary school age, and Northampton General Hospital assesses primary school age. If you are unsure which applies, ask your GP or school to confirm the correct route for your child's age and area.
-
For an adult: ask your GP to refer you to the NHFT Adult ADHD, Autism and Tourette's Team
Adults aged 18 and over who are registered with a Northamptonshire GP can ask their GP to refer them to the NHFT Adult ADHD, Autism and Tourette's Team at St Mary's Hospital, Kettering (phone 03000 273666, Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm). This service assesses autism without a co-occurring learning disability; if a learning disability is involved, ask your GP about the correct pathway.
-
Ask about the current waiting time and what support is available while you wait
Waits for autism assessment in Northamptonshire can be very long (the children's service reported an average first-appointment wait of around 114 weeks in June 2026). Ask your GP or the service for the current figure. While you wait, ask about local support such as SENDIASS, the NHFT iDiscover service, Enfold, and (for adults) the NHFT Recovery College.
-
Consider NHS Right to Choose as an alternative provider (mainly for adults)
Right to Choose is your legal right, if you are registered with a GP in England, to ask your GP to refer you to an approved alternative NHS-funded provider for a first assessment, instead of the local service. For autism, providers include ProblemShared (autism from age 7 and adults) and, for adults, Psychiatry-UK. The assessment is free on the NHS. You cannot self-refer: your GP must make the referral, usually using the provider's own form. You can only be on one pathway at a time (either the local NHS service or Right to Choose, not both).
-
Choose a Right to Choose provider and complete the referral with your GP
Check the provider's website for who they assess (age ranges and any exclusions) and download their referral form. Complete any self-report forms, then ask your GP to refer you under Right to Choose. ADHD UK keeps a list of providers that hold an NHS contract at adhduk.co.uk/right-to-choose. Note that some areas can temporarily pause Right to Choose when funding is limited, so check the provider's current status before you start.
-
Understand the limits and keep copies of everything
Right to Choose applies to the initial assessment only, and each provider has its own inclusion and exclusion criteria (for example some will not assess people with a moderate to severe learning disability). Keep copies of your referral and any reports. If you are ever unsure, your GP is the right person to help you weigh up the local NHS route, Right to Choose, or a private assessment (which is self-funded and may not be accepted for NHS follow-up).