NHS bosses warn of chaos in ADHD and autism care
NHS leaders warn that autism and ADHD care in England is becoming chaotic due to spiraling costs and a lack of regulation for private providers. The government has promised an independent review and a new national approach to address these service gaps.
Why it matters
The crisis highlights the challenges of integrating private healthcare providers into public systems and the rising demand for neurodivergent support.
Image source, Getty Images By Nick Triggle Health correspondent Published 28 August 2026, 02:23 BST Autism and ADHD care is at risk of descending into chaos, NHS bosses are warning, as costs spiral out of control and unregulated private providers capitalise on the huge demand for help.
The NHS Alliance, which represents health managers, says the current system in England represents a "bad deal" for patients and taxpayers alike.
It points to big variations in what the NHS is being charged for assessments and care - in one case, a local health board was paying £300 to £3,000 for similar services.
The group says there has been a rapid expansion in new providers – both private firms and charities are involved - and NHS managers are struggling to ensure the quality and safety of care being provided.
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