Assessment Services: Information, Support and Service Updates
Many autistic people, people with ADHD and those exploring whether they may be neurodivergent are currently waiting longer than they should for assessment services across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

We understanding waiting for an assessment can be challenging for individuals and families. For many people, an assessment can help them better understand their experiences and identify support, adjustments or resources that may be helpful. We recognise support does not begin with a diagnosis. Many forms of advice, support and reasonable adjustments can be accessed based on individual need and people's experiences are valid whether they are waiting for an assessment, have received a diagnosis or are exploring whether they may be neurodivergent.

Demand for autism and ADHD assessment services has increased significantly in recent years and reducing waiting times remains a key priority for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight. We are working with providers, partners and people with lived experience to increase capacity, improve access to services and strengthen support available while people wait. This page provides service updates, frequently asked questions and information about available support.

Referrals and Patient Choice
People continue to have the right to be referred to either their local NHS assessment service or an eligible Right to Choose provider, in line with NHS patient choice regulations. However, individuals can only be actively waiting within one assessment pathway at a time and should not hold referrals with multiple providers simultaneously.

We appreciate historically the Right to Choose pathway enabled people to be seen quicker and we are working with local and Right to Choose providers to support fair and consistent access across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Where eligible, people may be able to choose which NHS-funded provider delivers their assessment. Providers may offer different approaches, support and appointment formats and waiting times can vary over time. We encourage individuals and families to consider the factors that matter most to them when making their choice, rather than focusing on waiting times alone. Regardless of the provider chosen, our focus remains on improving access to services and ensuring people can access information, advice and support while they wait.

We will use this page to share updates on service developments, improvement work and available support across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

September 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 from feedback on sevices 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.  Adult Autism and ADHD Information, Advice and Guidance Service

The adult Autism and ADHD Community Hub offer is available across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The hubs are linked to the wider Autism and ADHD Information, Advice and Guidance service, led by Autism Hampshire and delivered with local partners. This partnership also works very closely with the Portsmouth Community Hub, Room One. 

Current Hub locations are:

•  Andover / North Hampshire 

•  Havant / South East Hampshire 

•  Southampton 

•  Isle of Wight 

•  Portsmouth – support is available through Room One 

At the hubs, people can get information, advice and guidance, learn about local support, connect with other and access peer, one-to-one or group support where available. This is an adult support offer. Families looking for support for children and young people can still seek advice and explore local support options. A diagnosis is not needed before asking for help.

• A digital and telephone support service is due to go live soon.

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.