Four English NHS boards introduce two-year minimum wait for ADHD and autism assessments
Four integrated care boards in England have adopted a policy requiring people suspected of having ADHD or autism to wait at least two years for assessment. The NHS bodies cite soaring demand and affordability pressures, while patient groups have condemned the delays.
People in parts of England suspected of having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or autism are being required to wait at least two years for an assessment, according to The Guardian UK. The policy has been adopted by four NHS integrated care boards covering large regions of England. The boards are struggling to meet a rising demand for neurodiversity diagnoses and say they cannot afford the cost of providing all the assessments being sought.
The minimum waiting period applies before an assessment takes place. The report does not identify the four boards or state how many patients are affected. It also does not say whether the policy covers all referrals or particular services within the regions.
Patient groups have condemned the delays, describing them as “scandalous”, according to the report. The criticism reflects concern about the impact on people seeking confirmation of suspected ADHD or autism. The available material does not provide details of the NHS boards’ budgets, staffing levels or alternative arrangements for urgent cases.
It also does not include a response from the Department of Health and Social Care or information about plans to reduce the waiting time. The policy has been attributed to financial constraints alongside a sharp increase in demand for diagnostic assessments.
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