The significant and rising demand for autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessments and treatment has placed significant additional pressure on the NHS budget and its commissioned services.

NHS Kent and Medway is working with the providers of its ADHD and autism assessment services to develop an improved offer to people from Kent and Medway who have significant needs or difficulties that may indicate a need for an assessment and treatment for ADHD. This improved offer will include:

  • A screening assessment or triage assessment to determine if individuals meet the clinical threshold for a full diagnostic assessment.
  • A clearer and more streamlined pathway that aligns all parts of the healthcare system from GPs through to diagnostic services to specialist mental health services (for people with additional mental health needs).
  • Clearer information for people who are referred about waiting times and updates on the progress of their referral.
  • A move toward services that provide support to anyone who suspects they have difficulties that may indicate ADHD or other neurodevelopmental conditions (reserving diagnostic services for those with the greatest clinical need).

In the meantime, to help manage current demand and to ensure the ICB meets its statutory obligation to operate within its allocated budget, NHS England has asked all ICBs to work with providers offering assessments to agree: 

  • The number of assessments/appointments they can offer during 2026/27.
  • The budget within which they must deliver the assessments/appointments.

We are applying priority criteria to make sure those on the waiting list with a more urgent need are seen soonest.

These requirements for all providers will be set out in what are called indicative activity plans (IAP). These will apply to all adult and children's autism and ADHD services. The ICB wishes to ensure that those with the greatest clinical need are seen first and that the funding available is spent on supporting those who need it most.

Update on ADHD and autism diagnostic services 2026/27 further information

Why are these changes needed?

Since the Covid pandemic, demand for autism and ADHD services has continued to rise in Kent and Medway, as well as the rest of the country. Waiting lists have therefore grown. 

There are unequal patient experiences and waiting times at present, inconsistent clinical outcomes, and substantial financial pressure on the NHS.

Despite  significant additional NHS spend on these services, the waiting lists for referrals continue to grow. The ICB has a legal duty to stay in financial balance. 

It is therefore crucial to explore ways of helping people that are both affordable and still offer high quality services for those who need them most.

What is changing?

From April 2026, IAPs are being introduced for every provider of autism and ADHD services for adults and children in Kent and Medway.

We will ask providers to focus on: 

  • those who have the greatest clinical need.
  • those who have already commenced on the assessment/treatment pathway.
  • those who have waited the longest for an assessment.

Regrettably, these measures will contribute to waiting times for routine referrals remaining higher than would be desirable but it is necessary to enable us to address a system that is clearly not working for everyone, particularly those most in need. If your referral is for a routine assessment it is unlikely that you will be seen in 2026/27.

Are referrals for assessment and treatment being stopped?

No. Referrals are not being stopped, but once the provider has reached the maximum level of activity under the IAP, the patient will be placed on a waiting list.

Do patients need to take any action?

No. These changes are being directly managed between the ICB, which commissions autism and ADHD services, and providers of those services. Patients do not need to contact their GP practice, as they will not be able influence how patient care is managed once a referral has been made.

Patients will be contacted in due course by the provider supporting their care with any relevant information. 

What support is available to help people with autism and ADHD?

Advice and information is available to support both adults and children and young people, whether they have a diagnosis or not.

What can I do if I'm worried about my mental health?

There are resources to help manage your mental health on the Mental Health and Wellbeing information hub. Please visit your GP if you need additional support.