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UK watchdog warns neurodevelopmental care services face serious strain
Investigation reveals patients face massive waits and confusion
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By Peter Clark (Senior Editor, Autism Info Center) Thursday 24th September 2026 |
A major national watchdog has warned that health services for autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are under immense strain.
A newly published inquiry by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman examined thousands of complaints and found that patient demand is dramatically outstripping system capacity.
Both adult patients and young children face years of waiting, fragmented care pathways, and inconsistent access across different regions.
The ombudsman noted that formal complaints regarding these services have more than tripled over recent years as waiting lists soared.
The investigation revealed recurring systemic failures, including local health bodies refusing to inform people of their legal right to choose an alternative care provider.
Due to prolonged delays, many desperate families feel forced to spend thousands of pounds on private clinics, creating an unjust postcode lottery.
The watchdog called on the government to issue clear national standards, close regulatory loopholes around private assessment providers, and ensure that individuals do not have to fight a broken administrative apparatus to access necessary diagnostic care and clinical support.
Source: The Independent (UK)
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/
Further reading, listening and viewing...
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