(UK) Parliament interested in "rising demand for ADHD, autism assessments"

July 28, 2026, Approved work: Rising demand for ADHD and autism assessment and support services - POST

What is the evidence for rising rates, what factors could be increasing diagnosis and what are the implications for service users and care provision?

Recent years have seen substantial increases in demand for ADHD and autism assessment, diagnosis and support services. These trends present implications for health services, education settings and local authority budgets, particularly through pressures on the SEND system. In February 2026, the government published proposals in a public consultation relating to SEND provision which may result in legislative changes.  

The reasons and evidence for rising demand remain limited, contested and mixed.

Explanations proposed in the literature include increased awareness and recognition, changes in diagnostic criteria and practice, improved identification of previously underserved groups, changing help-seeking behaviour, and potential changes in underlying prevalence.

There is ongoing debate regarding the relative contribution of these factors and the extent to which increases reflect unmet need, changing diagnostic practice or other influences. 

Demand for assessment has contributed to growing waiting lists and increasing use of private providers. These issues have attracted parliamentary interest and are also being considered through the government’s independent review (2026) of demand for mental health, ADHD and autism services. The full review is expected to be published in September 2026. 

This POSTnote would provide Parliament with an impartial assessment and collation of the evidence on why ADHD and autism diagnoses and service demand are increasing, the extent of scientific consensus and uncertainty, and outline the implications for service users as well as health, education and SEND policy. It could also examine international evidence and trends in data.