NHS regions restrict ADHD and autism assessments as demand rises

NHS bodies across England are introducing minimum waiting periods and other restrictions for ADHD and autism assessments as growing demand places increasing pressure on local budgets.

West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board has imposed a minimum two-year wait for patients referred to independent assessment providers. The policy covers around 2.4 million people across Leeds, Bradford, Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield.

The ICB said its annual spending on assessments had risen from £7 million in 2023/24 to £21 million last year. Patients facing significant risks to their safety, health or education may be considered for an urgent assessment.

North East and North Cumbria has introduced a minimum wait of approximately 78 weeks, while Somerset is operating a 52-week minimum and Devon a 14-week delay. Kent and Medway has also introduced a minimum waiting period.

The restrictions affect people using the NHS Right to Choose scheme, which allows eligible patients to select an independent provider for NHS-funded care. Critics argue that delaying appointments when providers have capacity undermines that right and risks widening inequality between those who can afford private assessments and those who cannot.

Around 960,000 people in England are reportedly waiting for an ADHD assessment, with a further 295,000 awaiting an autism assessment. Patient groups have warned that long delays can affect education, employment, family life and mental health, while NHS representatives say rapidly rising demand and limited funding have made the current system unsustainable.

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