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Home Resources Right to Choose Factsheets

Right to Choose

These factsheets from the Society for Neurodiversity (CIO) offer essential guidance for adults navigating the NHS system for autism assessment, particularly under the Right to Choose framework. They provide clear explanations of screening tools like the AQ-10, detail the criteria for autism based on your lived experience, and clarify your legal rights regarding “clinically appropriate” referrals and the critical need for explicit consent when your medical information is shared for purposes beyond direct care. Our aim is to empower you to understand your rights, challenge unfair practices, and access the specialist assessment you need.

Information:

Click on the title of a Factsheet to open it in a new tab, where you can read it online or download it (PDF) to read later.  Visit our Resources and Downloads page to browse, read or download more Right to Choose resources.

  • 1. Understanding the Criteria – Autism:

    If you are wondering… Do my difficulties “count”? Should I ask for an autism assessment? then this factsheet is for you. It explains — in plain English, with real-life examples — what experiences meet the NHS/autism criteria, so you can decide if you want to take the next step.

  • 2. What Does "Clinically Appropriate" Mean in NHS Law?

    This factsheet explains the legal meaning of "clinically appropriate" under NHS law and what it means for patients and GPs, especially during referrals from your GP (primary care) to hospital or specialist services (secondary care).

  • 3. What Does "Consent" Mean in NHS Law and Why Must It Be Explicit?

    This factsheet explains what consent means under NHS law, why your permission must be clear and specific (explicit) if your health information is used for anything other than your own care, and the laws and guidelines that protect you.

  • 4. Understanding the AQ-10:

    The AQ-10 is a brief and accessible screening questionnaire developed by Professor Simon Baron-Cohen and the Cambridge Autism Research Centre. It helps professionals in primary care (such as GPs), hospitals, education, policing, and probation quickly spot autistic traits and decide whether a referral for a full assessment is clinically appropriate.

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