Four NHS integrated care boards in England have announced that anyone seeking an assessment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism will now face a minimum wait of two years.

Demand outstripping capacity

Boards say the decision reflects "unprecedented" demand for neurodiversity diagnoses, which has risen sharply since 2020 as awareness campaigns and school screening programmes expand. According to NHS England data, referrals for ADHD and autism assessments have more than doubled in the past five years, while the number of specialist clinicians has remained static.

Patient groups call the delays scandalous

Charities representing families, including the National Autistic Society and ADHD UK, described the new waiting times as "scandalous" and "unacceptable". "Children and adults are being denied timely support that can transform lives," a spokesperson for the National Autistic Society told the Guardian. The groups warn that delayed diagnosis can exacerbate mental‑health problems, limit access to education support and increase reliance on emergency services.

NHS assessment clinic waiting room with empty chairs

How the policy works

Integrated care boards – regional bodies created in 2022 to coordinate health and social services – will now triage referrals and place them on a two‑year queue before a specialist assessment can be scheduled. The policy does not affect urgent cases, such as children at risk of self‑harm, but the majority of referrals will be subject to the new minimum.

Government response

Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said the government is "aware of the pressures" and will work with the NHS to recruit more specialists. A Department of Health spokesperson added that funding for neurodiversity services will be reviewed in the upcoming spending review. Opposition MPs have urged immediate action, warning that the waiting list could swell to over 150,000 people by 2028 if the trend continues.

Broader implications

Long waits for diagnosis delay access to education accommodations, behavioural therapy and medication, all of which are linked to better long‑term outcomes. Experts note that delayed intervention can raise public‑health costs, as untreated ADHD and autism are associated with higher rates of anxiety, depression and unemployment. The current situation highlights a wider NHS staffing crisis, with many specialist services reporting vacancies that have persisted for years. If the two‑year minimum is not lifted, patient groups say they will mount legal challenges and organise nationwide protests.

The next review of the policy is scheduled for early 2027, when integrated care boards will report back to the Department of Health on progress.