Published on 12, July, 2020
I been on list for an assessment for nearly 3 years and was told by my cmht that they had asked the autism service how much longer wait will be and was told around September this year which was brilliant news as I'm really struggling. I emailed the service to ask what the date will be and the reply has broken me, they said Nov to Dec 2025 or longer. I finally thought I would get my assessment done and if diagnosed would get some help.
Depending on where you're located within the UK, you could opt for a shorter waiting time by using Right to Choose.
This allows you to have your referral changed (or made originally) to an NHS-approved external provider of your choice (eg Psychiatry UK, Clinical Partners and others) rather than typically waiting for much longer by staying on the NHS waiting list. A description of the option as it applies in England is provided here, for example:
https://www.calderdaleccg.nhs.uk/patient-choice/your-right-to-choose-a-clinically-appropriate-provider-of-neurodevelopmental-services/
More info from the NAS here:
What is 'Right to Choose'?