The NHS cannot meet the rise in the demand for Autism and ADHD assessments and is at no capacity to meet it anytime soon.
Eight Years to Clear Backlog
According to a BBC investigation, numerous areas in the UK have an extensive backlog of ADHD assessments, and it is estimated that it would take as long as eight years to clear them.
196,000 Adults on Waiting Lists
The investigation focused on adults, who have often been overlooked with these conditions. Across the UK, 196,000 are currently on waiting lists.
Five Fold Increases in Waiting for Autism Specialist
According to the Nuffield Trust, since 2019, there has been a five-time increase in people waiting to see an autism specialist and a 51% increase in prescriptions for ADHD medication.
The ADHD Condition
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a neurodevelopment condition that affects people’s behaviour to concentrate, struggle with time management and act and respond impulsively.
1 in 20 Children Diagnosed With ADHD
At present, around 2-5% (1 in 20) of school-aged children in the UK are diagnosed with ADHD and around 2% of adults are estimated to have ADHD.
ADHD Considered a Childhood Disorder
ADHD is generally considered a childhood disorder but can continue into adulthood, whereby many persons go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to a lack of awareness.
The Spectrum Defined
Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is a developmental disorder that affects communication, behaviour and social interactions.
1 in 100 Children With Autism
Around 2% of the population is diagnosed with Autism, with 1 in 100 school-aged children and a lot of on-the-rise adults who have either not been diagnosed or misdiagnosed due to milder forms.
Money Can’t Fix the Problem
The Nuffield Trust chief executive, Thea Stein, has said even a financial injection into the system wouldn’t suffice at this stage and that it was “frankly impossible to imagine how the system can grow fast enough to fulfil this demand.”
One to Two Years for the Initial Assessment
The Nuffield Trust stated that 24% of patients referred for ADHD in England had to wait between one and two years for an initial assessment.
Shortage of Prescribed Medication Another Factor
With 2,6 million people in the UK having ADHD, there is also a shortage of prescribed medication due to “manufacturing issues and increased global demand.”
Highest Waiting List to Date
At present, 172,000 adults and children are on the waiting list for an autism assessment, which is the highest recorded number to date.
Waits Cause Issues at Schools for Undiagnosed Children
Stein has warned that the long waiting lists would have “serious effects,” particularly on children, as schools usually only provide support once the diagnosis is made.
Waiting Time: From Four Months to Nine Months
In 2019, the period between October and December had a waiting list after an autism referral of four months, but this same time frame in 2023 has risen dramatically to nine months.
Greater Awareness and Attitude Change Prompts Rise
Demand has been increased due to greater awareness and the changing societal attitudes towards the conditions.
ADHD Is the Second Most Viewed Condition
According to the NHS, ADHD was the second most viewed condition on their website in 2023, behind COVID-19.
“Broken NHS” System to Blame for Delays
People are generally only diagnosed if their conditions have a moderate impact on their lives. The government has said that the growing delays to diagnosis are part of the “broken NHS,” which it is working to fix.
Backlogs Causing Negative Impact on People’s Lives
Growing backlogs and waiting lists negatively affect people’s lives; the sooner they are diagnosed, the sooner they can get the help they require.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Cryptographer.