March 2026 – Current information on the ADHD and autism assessments through the Right to Choose (RTC) pathway
We want to update you on the current position regarding ADHD and autism assessments through the Right to Choose (RTC) pathway across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and to explain what this means for children, young people and adults who are waiting for an assessment.
While you are waiting for your Right to Choose ADHD or Autism assessment there are a range of services you can access for support. Click here to view.
The Autism and ADHD services will continue to focus on providing safe, high‑quality care. This includes:
- Ongoing medication and reviews for people who already have an ADHD diagnosis and are receiving treatment
- Starting medication titration for those who already have a diagnosis
- Autism and ADHD assessments and treatment for a small number of new referrals who meet clear clinical prioritisation criteria
What this means for people waiting for an assessment
To manage demand, we will need to prioritise those with the highest level of need. As a result:
- People currently waiting for an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway will only be offered an assessment in 2027 if they meet prioritisation criteria
- The same approach will apply to new referrals received in 2026/27
Our review shows that the Right to Choose pathway represents around 27% of all people currently waiting for an assessment, and that individuals on this pathway have typically waited considerably less time than those waiting for local services. Aligning our approach helps ensure that everyone is treated consistently and equitably.
We understand that waiting for an assessment can be difficult for individuals and families, and we are committed to improving access to meaningful support while people wait.
New support available from 2026/27
As part of our wider transformation programme, we are introducing new services designed to offer earlier help, even when a formal diagnosis has not yet been made.
1. Children’s Neurodiversity Multi‑disciplinary Teams
From 2026/27, every area in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will have a place‑based Children’s Neurodiversity Team. These teams will:
- Bring together professionals across education and healthcare
- Offer practical advice, support and guidance for families
- Support children based on their needs, without requiring a diagnosis
Right to Choose providers will have information about these teams so they can direct families to this support.
2. Expanded Adult Autism and ADHD Information, Advice and Guidance Service
For adults, we are expanding:
- Four Autism and ADHD Community Hubs
- A digital and telephone support service
These services will provide timely information, advice and peer support, regardless of whether someone has received a formal diagnosis. Right to Choose providers will be able to signpost adults to these services throughout 2026/27.
We recognise the impact that long waits can have, and we are taking active steps to strengthen support, improve pathways and ensure that people can access help when they need it. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to develop services for our communities.
When you were referred, you had the right to choose which provider would carry out your assessment and treatment. In some cases, this could mean a shorter wait, but this is not always guaranteed.
To help manage demand and ensure services are delivered fairly, NHS England asked Integrated Care Boards to work with providers to agree on what’s called an Indicative Activity Plan.
This is essentially a shared understanding of:
- How many assessments a provider can carry out
- The maximum amount of time people should be waiting for an assessment in their location
- What funding is available to support this work.
In 2025, we have increased the capacity of our Right to Choose provision by 167% compared to last year. However, many providers have already reached the limit of what they can deliver under this plan. As a result, some patients will not be seen for a new assessment this financial year (1 April 2025 - 31 March 2026).
You can ask to be referred to a different NHS provider if your assessment hasn't started yet. However, due to high demand across all services, this may not result in a shorter wait. If you stay with your current provider, you will remain on their waiting list and be seen according to their process. If a clinician believes you need to be seen urgently, there are plans in place to make sure this happens.
You will not be discharged from your provider while you are receiving treatment, and any reviews of medication will continue.
Private Assessments
We know some patients have chosen to seek private assessments. It’s important to be aware that NHS services, including GPs, are not required to prescribe medication recommended by private providers. This decision will always be based on clinical judgement and NHS prescribing guidelines.
Development of Autism and ADHD pathways
We know that long waits for assessment and diagnosis can have a real impact and keeping you safe and supported remains our highest priority. We understand that you or your child may need help now and we are working hard to make sure support is available, even before a formal diagnosis is made.
Here’s what we’re doing to improve services and make support easier to access:
- Support before diagnosis: We are expanding services that offer advice and guidance around Autism and ADHD, including new ways to access help sooner. This includes using digital tools and improving how you receive support from services, as well as making it easier to get advice on medication. We will shortly publish details on our website of how and when people can access these services.
- Strengths and Needs Assessments: By March 2026, every child in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will have access to a joined-up team of professionals who can offer tailored advice and support. These teams will work across education and healthcare and will be available to anyone with concerns – helping to meet needs while waiting for a diagnosis.
- Redesigning the diagnostic pathway: We are working to improve how assessments are carried out, including using new technology and making the process of prescribing and reviewing medication more efficient. We will talk with local groups and people who have real-life experience to help shape the design. A new assessment pathway will be designed by March 2026.
While we make these improvements, we are not yet able to give a specific timeframe for when you, your child, or the person you care for will be seen. We know many of you have already been waiting a long time, and we are truly sorry for the delay.
Reducing waiting times is a top priority, and we will continue to keep you updated as progress is made. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to improve these essential services.
Please note that we are unable to respond to individual cases or receive personal details. If you have questions about your place on the waiting list, please contact your chosen provider directly.
If you are worried about your health or wellbeing while you wait, please speak to your GP. Further information on what support you can access in the meantime can be found below.
Support while you wait
Support for adults:
- Text ‘HANTS’ to 85258 for free, confidential text support (24/7)
- Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans, available 24/7
Support for children and young people:
- Childline – call 0800 1111 or use online chat
- Shout – text YM to 85258 (24/7)
- Papyrus HOPELINE247 – call 0800 068 4141 or text 88247
If anyone feels in crisis:
- Call 111 for urgent NHS advice
- Call 999 in an emergency
You may also find exploring the following helpful:
- Visit the Autism Hampshire hub
- Visit Waiting Well for advice and support for individuals on neurodiversity waiting lists across the UK
- Find out more on the NHS webpages for ADHD in adults and ADHD in children, and Autism
- The National Autistic Society have an online community and a helpful advice and guidance page
- ADHD UK is a charity run for people with ADHD by people with ADHD
- The Health for Teens website has a broad range of useful health information, including about ADHD and autism. All articles and videos have been developed by trusted NHS school nurses and health and wellbeing experts
- Explore local support groups or charities
- Talk to your GP about self-management strategies, or if you are worried about your or your child’s wellbeing.
More information on urgent mental health support can be found here.
