Four NHS integrated care boards covering large parts of England have imposed a minimum two-year wait for people seeking ADHD and autism assessments, citing surging demand and unaffordable costs.
Key facts
- Four NHS integrated care boards (ICBs) in England have adopted a minimum two-year wait for ADHD and autism assessments.
- The boards say they cannot afford the number of assessments people are seeking.
- Demand for diagnoses of neurodiversity has surged.
- Patient groups have described the delays as 'scandalous', according to the Guardian.
NHS bodies in England are forcing people with suspected attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism to wait at least two years before they can be assessed, as they struggle to meet surging demand for diagnoses of neurodiversity, according to the Guardian.
Four NHS integrated care boards (ICBs), which cover large regions of England, have adopted the two-year minimum wait approach. The Guardian reports that they have taken the step because they cannot afford the cost of the number of assessments that people are seeking.
The move comes amid soaring demand for assessments related to neurodiversity. The boards face a gap between the volume of assessments being sought and the resources available to deliver them.
Patient groups have reacted strongly to the decision. According to the Guardian, they have described the delays as ‘scandalous’.
The changes affect people awaiting diagnosis in the regions covered by the four ICBs, which are the NHS bodies responsible for planning and funding health services in their areas.
Why it matters
A diagnosis of ADHD or autism can be a gateway to support at school, work and in healthcare, so lengthy delays can leave people without help for years. The decision highlights the growing pressure on NHS services as demand for neurodiversity assessments continues to rise faster than available funding.
Frequently asked questions
How long will people now wait for an ADHD or autism assessment?
According to the Guardian, four NHS integrated care boards in England have imposed a minimum wait of at least two years before people can be assessed.
Why are the NHS bodies introducing these delays?
The Guardian reports that the four integrated care boards adopted the approach because they cannot afford the cost of the number of assessments people are seeking, amid surging demand.
How have patient groups responded?
Patient groups have decried the delays as 'scandalous', according to the Guardian.