No funding for my diagnosis on the NHS UK

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I received a letter today saying that funding had been declined for me to be assessed at the NHS assessment centre. Apparently Adult autism services are being reviewed in December and the report will be out in at least April so there will be no funding before then-but I can try again after April.
I have already gone through a referral from GP to a psychiatrist and she said there should be no problem with funding and she would refer me to the second stage.
As you can understand I am upset. I have been discharged from CBT as it has not been working - probably due to Asperger's traits. We spent 2 sessions preparing a written lists of traits for me to take with me as I may not get it across verbally. I've spent hours reading info thinking of all the possible traits I could have.
I've had depression and anxiety from being a teenager due to social issues. I've had antidepressants and therapy for about 10 years, some private as the NHS let me down-being told I was not suitable for treatment but not offering an alternative. I have found one private centre where assessment costs about £1000 for 2 sessions and a report with a leading professor (who works at the NHS centre ). My partner has health insurance so need to find out if there is any chance it would cover it or even if it would cause problems for him if he claimed for me for autism/mental health issues.

I'm sorry you've been turned down for funding. I've been referred for assessment and I assume that means the funding has been approved. But as far I'm aware they can always change their mind and withdraw the funding which is making me anxious. And the waiting list is very long.
I think you have a right to appeal. I have never heard of this happening in the case of aspergers but It definitely has happened in the case of other medical procedures I think just because they have sent you a letter saying It isn't possible to fund your assesment doesn't mean it is legally the case.
I think it would be a good Idea to get some legal advice as to what your legal rights actually are. I believe there are solicitors who sometimes give free legal advice at law centres etc.
worth trying before paying privately anyway.