# Two-year NHS waits for autism and ADHD assessments

> New restrictions mean some children face lengthy waits for ADHD and autism assessments. Here's what parents can do in the meantime.
- Title: Two-year NHS waits for autism and ADHD assessments | Shortify
- Summary: New restrictions mean some children face lengthy waits for ADHD and autism assessments. Here's what parents can do in the meantime. While NHS assessment…
- Keywords: nhs, adhd assessment, autism assessment, waiting lists, england, integrated care boards, neurodevelopmental assessment, education support, ehcp, sen support, parents, children
- Source: MadeForMums — https://madeformums.com/news/nhs-adhd-and-autism-waits-mean-for-families
- Read time: 3 min
- Topics: nhs, adhd assessment, autism assessment, waiting lists, england, integrated care boards, neurodevelopmental assessment, education support, ehcp, sen support, parents, children
## Two-year waits now reality for some families
Four NHS integrated care boards have introduced minimum waiting periods for ADHD and autism assessments, with West Yorkshire imposing a two-year minimum wait affecting 2.4 million people.
## Fifteen NHS bodies restricting assessments
Fifteen integrated care boards covering 19 million people have introduced some form of restriction on ADHD and autism assessments, from limiting annual numbers to prioritising the most serious cases.
## Why the NHS introduced minimum waits
Around 960,000 people in England are waiting for ADHD assessments and 295,000 for autism assessments. West Yorkshire's spending on assessments jumped from 7 million pounds in 2023-24 to 21 million pounds last year.
## Different waits across different regions
North East and North Cumbria has a 78-week minimum wait, Somerset 52 weeks, and Devon 14 weeks. Kent and Medway also introduced minimums, while Hampshire restricts assessments to priority cases.
## The cost of long assessment waits
Children can lose years of school while waiting for assessment and further delays for support plans. A diagnosis unlocks educational health and care plans with funding until age 25, plus validation and access to medical and social support.

> For many parents, it can help you feel less alone.
## Signs your child might be autistic
Look for less frequent eye contact, not responding to their name, limited pointing or gestures, distress around certain noises or textures, preference for routines, delayed speech, difficulty with pretend play, or sensory issues around food.
## Who to contact about concerns
Speak to your GP, health visitor for children under five, or your child's school or nursery SENCO about your concerns and the possibility of a referral. You don't need to wait until things become difficult.
## Keep detailed records while you wait
Document your child's behaviours, differences and strengths with specific examples. Collect observations from teachers and carers, note sensory preferences, and record situations your child finds easy or difficult. This builds a fuller picture for assessment.

> Specific examples are incredibly useful during an autism assessment.
## Create a supportive home environment
Use visual schedules, predictable routines, movement breaks, quiet spaces and sensory-friendly tools to help your child while waiting. Talk to your nursery or school about adjustments they can make now without waiting for a formal diagnosis.
## Support available without a diagnosis
Your child can access SEN support at school, speech and language therapy, mental health referrals, social care needs assessments, and Disability Living Allowance based on care and mobility needs rather than diagnosis.
## The Waiting Well Hub offers free support
The National Lottery-funded Waiting Well Hub launched in 2025 offers free practical and emotional support to families on assessment waiting lists. Check your local NHS service for current referral and waiting-time arrangements.
## Speak up if your child is struggling
If your child is struggling while waiting, contact your GP, health visitor, school or SENCO about what support can be put in place now. Assessment rules differ by region, so check what's available locally.
## Key takeaway

While NHS assessment waits stretch to two years in some areas, parents can request school support, keep detailed records, and access help without a formal diagnosis.