If you think you might be autistic, working out how to get assessed can feel like a puzzle in itself. Who do you ask? What do you say? And what actually happens when you get there?

This guide walks through the usual steps. It's UK-specific general information, not medical or legal advice. Processes vary across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and between local areas, so check what applies where you live.

Why the process varies

The National Autistic Society explains that each UK nation organises things a bit differently. Services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland follow NICE guidance, while Scotland follows its own guideline (SIGN 145). Referrals go through different local bodies in each nation (National Autistic Society).

Step 1: Talk to your GP

The NHS suggests speaking to a GP to find out how to get an autism assessment in your local area. Some teams accept self-referrals, but the National Autistic Society says that in most areas you'll need a GP referral. You can also ask another health professional you already see, such as a psychologist (National Autistic Society).

What to say

Imagine you've booked a short appointment and your mind tends to go blank under pressure. Bringing written notes, or handing them to the GP, can take the pressure off.

If you're finding it hard to get a referral, the NHS says you can ask to speak to someone else, such as another GP, for a second opinion.

Step 2: Waiting

The NHS says that if your referral is accepted, it "can take a few months or longer" to get an assessment (NHS). Waits differ between areas, so it's worth asking your GP or the service what the current wait looks like. Your GP can also advise on support while you're waiting.

Right to Choose (England only)

In England, the NHS says you can choose which NHS service carries out your assessment, and you may be able to find a clinic with shorter waiting times. This is called Right to Choose (NHS). It doesn't apply in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

How it works in practice is changing. In 2026, some local NHS areas in England have limited new assessments through Right to Choose. For example, Hampshire and Isle of Wight now only offer new adult assessments through this route to people who meet prioritisation criteria (NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight). If you're interested, ask your GP what's currently available in your area, and check with any provider before you're referred.

Step 3: The assessment

You may have one appointment or several, with a team of professionals. According to the NHS, the team may:

  • ask you to fill in questionnaires about yourself
  • ask about your early life, how you get on with other people, and your life at home, work or college
  • speak to someone who knew you as a child, and someone who knows you now
  • read GP reports about other health conditions
  • ask for documents such as school reports or work assessments

If you don't have anyone who knew you as a child, or you'd rather not involve family, it's worth telling the service early. Ask what alternatives they accept.

Step 4: After the assessment

The NHS says you'll get a report on what the team found, including whether you're autistic, your strengths and what you might need help with. If you're diagnosed, you may be offered a follow-up appointment (NHS). NICE recommends offering this to every adult who gets a diagnosis.

If you disagree with the outcome, you can ask the team why they reached their decision, and ask about a second opinion.

Private assessments

The NHS notes that you can pay for an assessment by a professional outside the NHS. If you're considering this, it's worth comparing a few providers and asking for the full cost up front.

Things you might want to check first:

  • whether the assessor has experience assessing adults
  • whether their approach follows NICE guidance
  • what's included, such as a written report and a follow-up
  • whether your GP or local services will recognise the result

The National Autistic Society warns that some local services, such as social services, may not accept a private diagnosis and may ask for an NHS one too (National Autistic Society).

References

  1. NHS. Autism assessments. nhs.uk/conditions/autism/assessments
  2. National Autistic Society. Pre-diagnosis support: a guide for adults who think they might be autistic. autism.org.uk
  3. NICE. Autism spectrum disorder in adults: diagnosis and management (CG142). Recommendations, section 1.2. nice.org.uk/guidance/cg142
  4. NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight. Key updates: autism and ADHD assessment services. hantsiow.icb.nhs.uk