Right to Choose

In England, when a GP GP Your family doctor. For many families the GP is the first person to talk to, and the person who refers your child on to a specialist. Read the full definition of GP refers you for a physical or mental health condition, you usually have a legal right to choose which provider you go to, as long as the NHS commissions that provider for the service. Some families use this to reach an autism Autism Autism is a difference in how the brain develops. It shapes how an autistic child sees and experiences the world, how they communicate, and how they respond to things like noise, light and touch. Read the full definition of Autism or ADHD assessment with a shorter wait. The same NHS criteria still apply, so it is a different queue, not a shortcut past the assessment itself.

Raise it at the point of referral referral When a professional passes your child on to a specialist team for assessment or treatment. A GP, school or health visitor can usually make one. Read the full definition of referral , or ask whether a referral already made can be moved. There are exceptions, for example urgent and emergency care, and how the right applies to children's mental health services can vary, so ask the GP practice what is available for your child's referral.

This right exists in England only. It does not exist in this form in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, so outside England ask the GP what local options there are instead.