Current situation
Due to extremely high demand, the Oxfordshire Adult Autism Diagnostic Support Service (OAADSS) is currently closed to new referrals.
However, you may still access an assessment through the Right to Choose (RTC) pathway. This allows you to be referred to an approved private provider, with the assessment funded by the NHS.
About Right to Choose
Right to Choose providers are private organisations approved for NHS-funded ASD assessments.
You will need to research and choose a provider yourself.
While we cannot guarantee the quality or processes of any provider, the following services have been reviewed and approved by our local Integrated Care Board (ICB) for ADHD assessments, and they also offer autism (ASD) assessments:
Before choosing a provider
When selecting a provider, please ensure:
- You meet their referral criteria
- You are aware of their current waiting times
Please avoid selecting a provider based solely on a shorter wait. Choose one that best meets your needs.
How to request a referral
To proceed, please ensure you submit all four of the following:
- A completed Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) questionnaire
- A written statement describing:
– Your symptoms and concerns
– The impact on your daily life (e.g. home, work, relationships)
– What strategies you’ve tried
– What you hope to gain from a diagnosis - The name of your selected Right to Choose provider
- A completed referral proforma, downloaded from your chosen provider’s website and/or any other forms the provider requires
Please send the above documents via email to: admin.deddington@nhs.net – these must be as PDF or Word documents and not photographs/images of individual pages. Alternatively, you may hand in paper copies in a labelled envelope at Reception.
After submission
Once all documents are received:
– A GP will review your referral request
– If appropriate, our administrative team will send your documents to your chosen provider, along with:
- A GP referral letter
- A summary of your medical history and current medication
Please note: GPs will not complete referral forms for you. If your provider requires a referral proforma, you must complete as much of the form as possible before submission.
If your submission is incomplete
- We will send you a reminder
- We will hold your referral request for 21 days
- If you do not respond, we will assume you no longer wish to proceed, and your referral request will be closed
Do I need a GP appointment first?
No, you don’t need a GP appointment to request a referral via Right to Choose. A GP will review your documents and contact you if needed. If you’d like to speak to a GP first or need support, contact us.
What happens next?
If your referral is accepted:
– Your chosen provider will contact you directly
– From that point, all communication should be with the provider, not the practice
If your referral is not accepted, you will be informed and signposted to general support.
Thank you
We appreciate that this process can feel complex. Providing complete and accurate documentation from the outset allows us to process your request efficiently.
Adapted with permission from the template by Ivy Grove Surgery