(UK) Lanks, S. Cumbria: Referrals for ASD/ADHD assessments paused over "high demand"

Feb 14, 2026, BB C News: Autism and ADHD referrals paused over high demand

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New referrals for autism and ADHD diagnoses for some children and young people have been paused over "unprecedented high levels of demand", a health trust has said.

Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) confirmed the measure had been in place in parts of the region since 2 February.

The trust said it was "working hard" to minimise disruption.

SEND Alliance Cumbria (SENDAC) called it a "major and unexpected change" which would be "significantly worrying for many families", while Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron said the decision would "cause misery". . .

The parent carer forum warned the pause could result in a cohort of children and young people whose needs "remain unidentified and unmet for a prolonged period".

"This decision will create distress, worry and uncertainty for families in relation to what this means for their children's future," it added.

Farron said the measure was "an appalling decision". . . .

The Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB's chief commissioning officer Prof Craig Harris said a three-year programme to redesign the neurodevelopmental pathway for children and young people was under way.

He said the plan would help people based on "what they need, with or without a diagnosis".