Why we're not on Right to Choose
We want to be open and honest about this. Our decision is rooted in delivering the kind of care that truly makes a difference — and we'd love to explain why.
At SNAPS, we're committed to gold-standard, neuroaffirming assessments delivered with clinical precision and genuine care. We know many families explore the NHS Right to Choose pathway, and we want to be clear and honest about why we don't operate within it — and how our independence ultimately benefits the people we support.
Right to Choose
vs. our independent approach
✗ NHS Right to Choose
Waiting times of 6–18+ months
Strict eligibility & GP approval required
Fixed processes and timelines
Often remote-only assessments
Limited flexibility and clinical depth
✓ SNAPS Independent
Appointments typically within weeks
No strict criteria — we listen to your journey
Flexible, individually tailored pathways
In-person and flexible appointment options
Deep, NICE-aligned clinical assessment
WHY IT MATTERS
Faster access, without compromiseRight to Choose can involve waiting times of many months, often without clarity on when an assessment might actually take place. By remaining independent, we keep our waiting lists short — typically within weeks to your first appointment.
✓ Flexible scheduling that works around your family's life
✓ No need to gather extensive evidence before you approach us
✓ Quicker answers, and quicker access to the right support
Gold-standard, NICE-compliant assessmentsEvery assessment at SNAPS follows NICE guidelines and uses validated, up-to-date tools. We take the time needed for a comprehensive assessment — without the time pressures that can compromise the quality of care.
✓ ADOS-2, ADI-R, DIVA-5 and other validated tools
✓ HCPC/CQC/NMC-registered clinicians with specialist neurodevelopmental experience
✓ Reports accepted by NHS services, schools, GPs, and local authorities
Catching what others might missSome presentations — particularly in women and girls, those who camouflage well, or individuals with complex co-occurring profiles — can be missed in remote or time-pressured settings. Our approach gives us the space and flexibility to look carefully at the full picture.
✓ In-person options available for those who prefer them
✓ Specialist attention to masked and complex presentations
✓ Neuroaffirming, strengths-based approach throughout
Support that doesn't stop at diagnosisMany Right to Choose providers deliver a report and then discharge individuals back to NHS waiting lists. At SNAPS, we see an assessment as the beginning of a journey, not the end of one.
✓ Psychological therapy and emotional wellbeing support
✓ ADHD treatment options including coaching and medication pathways
✓ Ongoing guidance for individuals, parents, and families
FAQs
Can you provide assessments under the NHS Right to Choose system?
1
No — we are not able to offer assessments under Right to Choose.
At SNAPS we are committed to providing gold-standard, neuroaffirming assessments delivered with clinical precision, transparency, and genuine care. We recognise that many families explore the NHS Right to Choose pathway, and it is important to be clear about why we do not operate under this system.
Right to Choose pathways involve specific processes and timelines that do not always align with the level of flexibility, depth, and clinical responsiveness required for a high-quality neurodevelopmental assessment. By remaining independent, we are able to maintain rapid turnaround times, uphold strict clinical governance, and ensure that every assessment is conducted by highly trained specialists using validated, NICE-aligned tools — prioritising the individual needs of each person we work with.
Will my GP need to refer me to SNAPS?
2
No — you can contact us directly without a GP referral. We welcome self-referrals from individuals and families, and we also accept referrals from GPs, schools, and other professionals. Whatever route brings you to us, we're here to help.
If you are a GP submitting a referral, please be aware that SNAPS operates as an independent provider and does not accept referrals under the Right to Choose (R2C) pathway.
Are your reports recognised by the NHS and schools?
3
Yes. Because our assessments follow NICE guidelines and are conducted by fully HCPC/CQC/NMC-registered clinicians, our reports are recognised by NHS services, GPs, schools and SENCO teams, local authorities (including EHCP pathways), and employers for workplace adjustments.
Your assessment is clinically robust and will travel with you, wherever you access support next.
How long will I wait for an appointment?
4
We work hard to keep our waiting times short. In most cases, we can offer a first appointment within a matter of weeks — a significant difference from NHS pathways, where waits of 6 to 18 months or more are common.
If you'd like to understand current availability, feel free to get in touch and we'll be happy to talk you through the next steps.
What if I can't afford a private assessment?
5
We understand that cost can be a real barrier, and we never want it to stand in the way of someone getting the clarity or support they deserve. We offer flexible payment plans that allow you to spread the cost in a way that works for you — please ask us about this when you get in touch, and we'll do our best to find an approach that fits.