England sets two-year minimum wait for ADHD and autism assessments — The Guardian

In England, some National Health Service bodies have introduced a minimum two-year waiting period for clinical assessments of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism. According to The Guardian, this reflects the NHS's difficulties amid a sharp rise in referrals, changes in the understanding of these conditions and public attitudes towards them.

Assessment waiting lists

Over the past six years, the number of referrals for clinical assessment has risen significantly. Nearly 1 million people in England are waiting for ADHD assessments, while the average waiting time has already exceeded one year and stands at 64 weeks. Another approximately 295,000 people are waiting for autism assessments.

The number of officially diagnosed cases had been rising gradually since the early 2000s, and much faster after 2020. In 2020–2022, the annual rate of autism diagnoses among males aged three to 25 rose from 185 to 580 cases per 100,000. Among females in this age group, the figure increased from 45 to 320 per 100,000.

More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.

Impact on access to support

Long waiting times affect more than just the timeliness of medical care. Clinical assessment is important for access to specialised support in schools, as well as financial assistance through disability benefits. The publication notes that the NHS operates under financial pressure and with a shortage of key specialists.

An interim report of a government review led by Peter Fonagy states that unmet patient needs, misdiagnoses and concerns about over-medicalisation can coexist within one system. The report also concludes that more people, particularly young people, are experiencing distress and seeking help, while thresholds for referral for assessment have been lowered.

The rise in referrals is linked to improved clinical understanding and the identification of needs in groups that were previously underdiagnosed, including girls and young women. Other factors cited include the consequences of the pandemic, economic instability, increased awareness and reduced stigma surrounding ADHD and autism.