Some NHS services in England are reporting ADHD and autism waits of more than two years.
Why it matters: The backlogs are slowing access to assessment, diagnosis-linked support and disability-related benefits. They also add pressure on NHS capacity, schools, employers and public spending.
- The Guardian reported Sept. 25, 2026 that some NHS bodies in England had waits of up to two years for ADHD and autism assessments.
- NHS England's ADHD taskforce summary says some people wait more than two years for an ADHD assessment.
- NHS England autism statistics for June 2026 showed 294,792 people with an open referral for suspected autism.
- A February 2026 Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust board paper said its longest genuine ADHD wait was 202 weeks and its longest autism wait was 341 weeks.
Some NHS services in England are now reporting ADHD and autism waits of more than two years, according to a Guardian report published Sept. 25, 2026.
The scale of demand is clear in official data. NHS England autism statistics for June 2026 showed 294,792 people with an open referral for suspected autism. An independent review commissioned by the government said NHS England monitoring data showed children and young people waiting for ADHD assessment rose from around 21,000 in April 2019 to around 270,000 by December 2025.
NHS England's plain-English ADHD taskforce summary says some people wait more than two years for an ADHD assessment. A February 2026 board paper from Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust said its longest genuine ADHD wait was 202 weeks and its longest autism wait was 341 weeks.
The Department of Health and Social Care launched an independent review in December 2025 into mental health conditions, ADHD and autism, led by Professor Peter Fonagy. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman has also warned that "when someone finally asks for help, the answer should not be a multi-year wait".
For employers, schools and public services, the issue is how quickly the NHS can assess people so diagnosis-linked support can begin.
By the numbers
- 294,792 - people in England with an open referral for suspected autism in June 2026, according to NHS England statistics
- 202 weeks - the longest genuine ADHD wait reported by Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust in a February 2026 board paper
- 341 weeks - the longest autism wait reported by the same trust in the same paper
Yes, but: The figures reflect a mix of national statistics, local trust reporting and a Guardian summary, so local waiting times and recording methods may differ.
What's next: The government-backed review into mental health conditions, ADHD and autism is ongoing.