NHS minimum waits for ADHD assessments: what they mean for you

Four NHS areas in England have reportedly set minimum waits before ADHD and autism assessment, and ADHD UK is considering legal action. Here is what has been reported, what is disputed, and what you can do.

In late September 2026, a Guardian investigation reported that some NHS integrated care boards (ICBs) in England had set minimum waiting times before people can be assessed for ADHD and autism. On 1 October, ADHD UK said it was considering legal action over one of them. This is what has been reported, what is still disputed, and what it could mean for you.

What has been reported

• ✓The Guardian found that four ICBs had set minimum waits: West Yorkshire, Devon, Somerset, and North East and North Cumbria.
• ✓West Yorkshire has a two-year minimum wait from referral for people seeking an assessment from an independent provider. It covers Leeds, Bradford, Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield.
• ✓North East and North Cumbria has been reported to have a minimum of around 78 weeks before an initial assessment.
• ✓A further 11 ICBs, making 15 in total, were found to have introduced other ways of limiting the number of assessments.
• ✓The reasons given are budget pressure and rapidly rising demand for assessments.

For the national picture behind this, see our guide to ADHD assessment waiting times in the UK.

What ADHD UK is alleging

ADHD UK has sent a formal legal letter to the West Yorkshire ICB, saying it could seek a judicial review unless the policy is withdrawn or suspended. It alleges that the ICB did not follow the correct procedures, that patients are being denied their legal right to choose a provider, and that there have been breaches of equality legislation and NHS contract regulations. It also says patients, carers and the public were not adequately involved.

These are allegations, and nothing has been decided. West Yorkshire ICB's response was that it had received correspondence from ADHD UK and, because the matter may be subject to legal proceedings, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.

What it could mean for you

• ✓These rules concern what the NHS will fund. As reported, they apply to NHS-funded assessments with independent providers, the route Right to Choose uses. They are not rules about paying for a private assessment yourself.
• ✓Check what applies to you. Ask your GP or your ICB, ideally in writing, which rules apply in your area and how the wait is counted. It is worth knowing whether the clock starts from the date of referral. Our Right to Choose explainer covers how the route normally works.
• ✓Don't assume the position is fixed. The policy is being challenged and ICB approaches differ, so what applies today may change.
• ✓Use support that doesn't need a diagnosis. Workplace adjustments, Access to Work and free peer groups are open to you while you wait. Here is what is available.
• ✓Consider the self-funded route if it's realistic for you. Waits vary by clinic and you can filter by maximum wait in our directory. Costs are covered here.

What we don't know yet

It isn't clear whether the policy will be withdrawn, changed or upheld, whether other ICBs will follow, or how the law will treat it. We'll update this page if that changes.

If you're weighing up your options, our free 3-minute screener is a starting point, and our directory lists accredited private ADHD clinics across the UK.