(England) Complaints about ASD/ADHD services "more than tripled in 5 yrs"
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Complaints about autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder services in England have more than tripled in five years, official figures show, with the NHS ombudsman warning of years-long waits and patients paying thousands of pounds for private care. . . .
Complaints rose from 410 in 2021-22 to 1,257 in 2025-26, an increase of more than 200%, as referrals and the number of people waiting for assessment, treatment and support also increased.
Demand for ADHD and autism assessment and support services has surged dramatically across England, with open NHS referrals reaching roughly 562,000. More than 60% of adults and children face waiting lists exceeding a year, while prescribing data shows historic multi-year increases.
The parliamentary and health service ombudsman, Paula Sussex, said ADHD and autism services were “under significant pressure, with demand outstripping capacity”, adding: “While commissioning cannot solve these supply constraints, the way services are designed, commissioned and delivered can compound the pressure people experience and make it harder to make the best use of available resources.”
She said: “Right now, the system is too complex and inconsistent, leaving too many patients falling through the gaps.”
A report, called Improving ADHD and Autism Services: Commissioning With Confidence, shares the ombudsman’s findings based on 3,000 complaints. It found recurring issues, including uncertainty around patients’ right to choose a provider. . . .
A spokesperson for NHS South East London said referrals for ADHD assessment were first reviewed through a triage system and once they were deemed “clinically appropriate, patients can choose which provider they wish to access for their assessment and care”. It said the board was “currently working … to develop a sustainable model of care that supports timely access to high quality ADHD assessment and treatment”. .. . .
The ombudsman’s office itself has a six-month waiting time because of the rise in complaints it is receiving.
A government spokesperson said: “Last December, we asked clinical psychologist Professor Peter Fonagy to lead an independent review, examining the prevalence of - and support for - ADHD, autism, and mental health conditions. Professor Fonagy’s final report will be published later this summer, and will inform our new national approach in this area.”
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