Concerns over quality of 'Right to Choose' autism assessments

'SUBSTANDARD' EVALUATIONS COULD LEAD TO DELAYS IN GETTING CORRECT MEDICATION

- By JOE LOCKER

INCONSISTENCIES in the quality of autism and ADHD assessments undertaken by some providers outside the NHS are adding to the burden, health leaders and councillors have said.

Almost three quarters of children and young people in Nottingham schools are currently waiting longer than 18 months for an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessment, according to Nottingham City Council.

There are 7,000 adults on the local waiting list, with average wait times of around three-and-a-half years, for the service the council currently commissions.

However, in England those waiting for an assessment can use 'Right to Choose,' under which people can seek faster alternatives. It was introduced in 2018 and allows people to choose a mental health care provider, including for autism and ADHD assessments, anywhere in the country. The service is paid for by the NHS.

Several clinics across the UK currently offer Right to Choose ADHD and autism assessments, but local NHS leaders and councillors say the quality of these assessments have been inadvertently causing more problems.