Your Choices for Treatment and Referrals

When you and your GP decide that you may need treatment or specialist support, you have several options for how to receive your care. This page explains these options so you can choose the pathway that works best for you.

Your First Step: GP Consultation

Before any referral can be made, you will need a consultation with a GP or Advanced Nurse Practitioner.
This helps us understand your condition and make sure a referral is appropriate and safe.

Option 1: Right to Choose (RTC)

Right to Choose is an NHS option that allows you to choose an NHS‑funded provider for your care.

  • All RTC providers are fully funded by the NHS.
  • You can choose any provider that has an NHS contract and is appropriate for your condition.  
  • Some patients find that RTC services may offer shorter waiting times, but we cannot advise or recommend.
  • We will signpost you to the RTC website so you can review available providers. 

More information on the right to choose providers & wait times

What you need to do:

Once you have chosen a provider, tell us the name of the service so we can complete your referral.

Option 2: Standard NHS Referral

You may prefer to be seen by your local NHS service.

  • We will complete the referral and send the required forms.
  • Your care will follow local NHS waiting lists and pathways.

Option 3: Private Healthcare

You can choose to access private treatment at any time.

  • You contact the private provider directly.
  • You are responsible for arranging appointments and paying any costs.
  • We can provide a referral letter if the provider requires it.
  • We cannot advise on which private provider to choose.

How We Support You

Our role is to:

  • Explain your options clearly
  • Remain neutral and avoid recommending specific providers
  • Complete referral paperwork once you have made your choice
  • Document your decision in your medical record

How You Can Help

Your role is to:

  • Review your options
  • Decide which pathway you prefer
  • Provide any information we need to process your referral
  • Keep appointments arranged by your chosen provider

Useful Resources

You will be signposted to:

  • NHS information on patient choice
  • Right to Choose provider websites relevant to your condition

We cannot choose or advise on providers for you.

National Support

National Autistic Society

Founded in 1962, they are the UK’s leading charity for autistic people and their families. Their goal is to help transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.

Visit the National Autistic Society website

Autism Independent UK

Autism Independent UK helps to increase awareness of autism to the notice of all, together with well established and newly developed approaches in the diagnosis, assessment, education and treatment.

Visit the Autism Independent UK website

Dimensions

They support people with learning disabilities and autism to have a louder voice, choice and control in their lives.

Visit the Dimensions website

ASD Helping Hands

ASD Helping Hands will support all service users affected by an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) regardless of age or what stage of life they are at. We aim to offer guidance, practical advice and support whether you are personally affected or you are an associated family member, carer, friend or professional. We will actively champion the rights of all people affected by an ASD and aim to make a positive difference to their lives while delivering a service that is accessible, reliable and trust

Visit the ASD Helping Hands website