NHS • RIGHT TO CHOOSE • AUTISM ASSESSMENT
Adult autism assessment, funded by the NHS
Right to Choose is your legal right, under the NHS Choice Framework, to choose your provider. If you are registered with a GP in England, your GP can refer you to Atrom Mindcare, a CQC-regulated provider, for an adult autism (ASD) assessment, free of charge, and led and supervised by a Consultant Psychiatrist. We are an accredited Right to Choose provider, holding an NHS contract with NHS Essex Integrated Care Board.
SERVICE NOTICE
Atrom Mindcare currently has no waiting time for your assessment in eligible ICBs. You can see ICB waiting times here. ​
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Due to high demand, we can currently only accept referrals from GPs who take part in shared care. This does not apply to Essex ICB, covered by our GP federation agreement.
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Assessment Letter Processing Update​: We are currently experiencing a higher than usual volume of assessment letters, which has resulted in a temporary backlog. Our team is working diligently to process all outstanding assessments as quickly as possible while maintaining the quality and accuracy of our reviews.We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period.​
IS THIS PATHWAY FOR YOU?
Registered with a GP in England
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Only your GP can refer you - self-referral isn't possible under Right to Choose.
Aged 18 or over
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Adult ASD assessment only. We're unable to see patients with an established learning disability, or patients in crisis.
Online or face to face
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Flexible appointments, including late evenings and weekends. Suitability for online assessment is decided case by case.
THE JOURNEY
1​
Take the online screening quiz
Complete the AQ-10 screening quiz online and download your results - it'll only take about 5 to 10 minutes. Link below.
2
See your GP with your results
Ask to be referred to Atrom Mindcare under your Right to Choose. Only a GP can refer you.
3
Your GP sends us the referral
Online referral form (preferred), or the Word form emailed from an NHS email address with your ICB details.
4
We confirm and send your forms
We contact you when the referral arrives, confirm we can assess you, and send the assessment forms to complete. Once we receive them back, we book your appointments.
5
Two-part assessment
An initial 60-minute appointment with a Psychologist, then a 90-minute appointment with a Consultant Psychiatrist - plus a third telephone appointment if needed.
6
Report and support plan
Your diagnostic report and support plan reach you and your GP within four to six weeks of completing the assessment.
YOUR AUTISM ASSESSMENT
What actually happens on the day
Two appointments - a Psychologist, then a Consultant Psychiatrist - spent talking through your whole life rather than testing you. Here's what to expect, so nothing about it is a surprise.
How long it takes
Two appointments: around 60 minutes with a Psychologist, then around 90 minutes with a Consultant Psychiatrist. A short follow-up call if anything needs revisiting.
Forms come first
We send you forms about your history and daily experience before we book you in - your appointments are arranged once they're returned.
What we talk about
Social communication, routine and change, sensory experience and masking - across your whole life, not just now.
Bring someone who knows you
Optional but helpful, particularly for early childhood. A parent, sibling or partner can fill in what you can't remember.
Adjustments if you need them
Tell us in advance - lighting, breaks, questions written down, being seen online rather than in person. Just ask.
Afterwards
A written report and support plan within 4-6 weeks, with recommendations and signposting. This is a diagnostic service; treatment stays with your GP or community team.
Your report and support plan follow within 4-6 weeks, whatever the outcome.
0 weeks
current wait for assessment in eligible ICBs
4-6 weeks
to your detailed report and care plan
£0
to you - the NHS funds your assessment.
"Within 3 days I had a phone call and an appointment – seen within 6 days. Dr Gupta listened with kindness, understanding and empathy."
"From referral to appointment and diagnosed was 8 days in total. A pleasant, seamless and well organised process."
CHLOE R.
SHEREE C.
For patients: start with the screening quiz
About 5 to 10 minutes • Take the results to your GP
Contact Us • 01926 803804 • Epping, Essex
FOR GPs ONLY
Refer via our online form (preferred), or email the Word form from an NHS email address with the patient's results and ICB details.
Questions? Contact Us • 01926 803804