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NHS in England Faces Two-Year Wait for ADHD and Autism Assessments
NHS boards in England are imposing waits of up to two years for ADHD and autism assessments, forcing families to seek private care. Patient groups call these delays dangerous.
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What Happened?
NHS boards in England are imposing waits of up to two years for ADHD and autism assessments, forcing families to seek private care. Patient groups call these delays dangerous.
AI Quick Summary
NHS in England imposes two-year waits for ADHD and autism assessments, prompting families to seek private care.
Key points
- NHS boards in England have set a minimum wait of two years for ADHD and autism assessments.
- Families are increasingly turning to private assessments due to long NHS wait times.
- 960,000 people are currently waiting for ADHD assessments, and 295,000 for autism assessments.
- ADHD UK describes the two-year wait as 'heartless and dangerous.'
- The rise in diagnoses has led to increased pressure on NHS resources.
Key insights
- The two-year wait could lead to worsening mental health for individuals needing timely support.
- Increased reliance on private assessments may widen the healthcare gap for lower-income families.
- The rise in diagnoses indicates a growing awareness but also highlights systemic failures in public health services.
Why it matters
The long wait times could significantly impact the mental health and educational opportunities of affected individuals.
Source
Times Now
