(UK) Demand for ADHD/ASD services "severely outstripping capacity"
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Services for individuals with autism and ADHD are "under significant pressure", with patients "falling through the gaps", a watchdog has warned.
A new review published by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) shows that demand is severely outstripping capacity.
Consequently, both children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism endure "long waiting times, variations in access and fragmented care". . . .
The PHSO review highlights a "growing tension" between the national ambitions and local delivery of services for ADHD and autism.
The review warned that a "postcode lottery of care" has developed and highlighted how complaints to the Ombudsman have risen from 410 in 2021/22 to 1,257 in 2025/26.
It comes ahead of a Government-commissioned review into ADHD, autism and mental health services, which is expected to be published imminently.
The PHSO review saw experts analyse 3,000 complaints about ADHD and autism over the last six years.
The common themes identified by the review team include:
Patients not being given clear, accessible information about their right to choose – a legal right to pick an alternative provider.
Long assessment waits.
"Significant" delays when accessing ongoing care and support.
"Inconsistent" recognition of diagnoses by the NHS following assessments from other providers.
Difficulties accessing medication.
Poor communication and "disjointed co-ordination" across service providers.
The PHSO review highlights a "growing tension" between the national ambitions and local delivery of services for ADHD and autism (Alamy/PA)
The PHSO has called on the Government to publish national guidance to improve access to care and clarify patients' right to choose a provider.
It also called for a "regulatory gap" to be closed, highlighting how providers offering NHS-funded assessments may not be inspected or monitored by the Care Quality Commission.
Comments