NHS bodies in England impose two-year minimum wait for ADHD and autism assessments

NHS integrated care boards in England are imposing minimum two-year waits for suspected ADHD and autism assessments, citing overwhelming demand and budget constraints. Patient advocacy groups have condemned the move as a "scandalous" delay, highlighting the strain on services as neurodiversity diagnoses surge. The decision reflects a broader struggle within the healthcare system to balance limited resources against rising demand for specialist evaluations. Critics warn the delays could worsen long-term support for individuals awaiting critical diagnoses.

Patient groups decry ‘scandalous’ delays as four integrated care boards take step due to soaring demand for diagnosesNHS bodies are forcing people with suspected attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism to wait at least two years before they can be assessed as they struggle to meet surging demand for diagnoses of neurodiversity.Four NHS integrated care boards (ICBs) covering large regions of England have adopted the approach because they cannot afford the cost of the number of assessments that people are seeking. Continue reading...