It’s cruel to delay ADHD and autism assessments for children
The Disabled Children’s Partnership is criticizing NHS integrated care boards for imposing two-year minimum wait times for ADHD and autism assessments. The organization argues that these delays are harmful to children's development and place an undue burden on families.
Why it matters
The issue highlights a systemic failure in healthcare accessibility, impacting the long-term well-being and educational outcomes of neurodivergent children.
‘Delays in diagnosis prevent young people receiving the medical and practical assistance they need.’ ‘Delays in diagnosis prevent young people receiving the medical and practical assistance they need.’ NHS Letters It’s cruel to delay ADHD and autism assessments for children Anna Bird says the decision by some NHS integrated care boards to impose a two-year minimum wait is harmful to young people and their families
Blocking assessments of children with neurodivergent conditions for over two years is cruel to children, deeply damaging to families and ultimately more costly to taxpayers ( NHS bodies in England impose two-year minimum wait for ADHD and autism assessments, 25 September ).
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