Desperate for help - Right to Choose?

Hello,

My fiancé, 32m, and I, 32f, have long suspected he is autistic. His parents, who are both teachers by profession, admit that they were told by his school teachers that he was likely on the spectrum, but did not follow up on getting a diagnosis or support.

My fiancé is finding life as an autistic adult increasingly difficult, and his mental health is not great as a result. 

We recently saw the GP who referred my fiancé for an autism assessment. After completing the initial questions, he received an email saying that he is now on the waiting list to be properly assessed. The wait time is 2 years. I know this is standard, but we desperately need support for him and I believe a formal diagnosis will help us to access this. 

We mentioned Right to Choose to the GP, which he said ‘might work’, but gave us no further information on how to pursue this. We cannot afford a private assessment at this time. 

Can anyone advise on how to start the Right to Choose process? Who do we speak to? Where do we apply?

I would be so grateful for any advice.

Parents
  • My GP offers the AQ-50 when you request it initially. I handed my back and stated in the email, 'if I score over the threshold, I would like RTC and I wish to be sent to Clinical Partners (at the time a 6-8k month wait) it took 9 months for my assessment, which I was happy enough with. I think Clinical Partners have a longer wait now. The point is, RTC is your obligation, and if speed is your goal, go this way. Have a look at current RTC waits and pick one and effectively demand it from the GP. He has no choice but to accept. Good luck.

  • There is RTC in England yes but not in Wales. Just saying for these finding this in the future.

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