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NHS struggles to meet soaring autism assessment demand
New report demands a radical rethink of services
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By Peter Clark (Senior Editor, Autism Info Center) Friday 21st August 2026 |
A new report reveals that the National Health Service in England is completely overwhelmed by an extraordinary rise in demand for autism and ADHD assessments.
According to the comprehensive data analysis by a leading health think tank, the system currently cannot meet the needs of the population.
The number of people waiting to see an autism specialist has increased fivefold since 2019, with more than one hundred and seventy two thousand adults and children now stuck on official waiting lists.
In some areas, patients are facing severe delays of up to two and a half years before receiving their initial clinical assessment.
The prolonged waiting times are having a seriously detrimental effect on children in particular, as many educational institutions only provide essential support after a formal medical diagnosis is confirmed.
Experts argue that the current approach is entirely unsustainable and call for a radical rethink in how society supports neurodivergent people.
Recommendations include shifting towards needs based support in schools rather than strictly relying on lengthy diagnostic processes.
The rising demand is largely attributed to greater public awareness and changing societal attitudes rather than an actual increase in the prevalence of these neurodevelopmental conditions across the entire country today.
Source: BBC News (UK)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-68725973
Further reading, listening and viewing...
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