NHS Waiting Lists for ADHD and Autism Assessments
Why More UK Parents Are Turning to Private Alternatives
Why More UK Parents Are Turning to Private Alternatives
In this article, we’ll explore the current state of NHS wait times for neurodevelopmental assessments, the impact on families, and why an increasing number of parents are choosing private assessments to get the help their children need—without the wait.
A National Crisis in Access
Across the UK, the demand for neurodevelopmental assessments has surged in recent years. According to NHS data and various health trusts, waiting times for autism and ADHD assessments can exceed 24 months—and in some areas, families report waiting even longer.
A Freedom of Information request submitted in 2023 revealed that some children in parts of England were waiting up to 3 years for an initial autism or ADHD assessment. In Wales and Scotland, wait times also remain high despite targeted efforts to improve services.
Why the Backlog Exists
Several factors contribute to this backlog:
Increased Awareness: More parents, educators, and GPs are recognising neurodiverse traits earlier, which has led to a spike in referrals.
Workforce Shortages: There is a chronic shortage of paediatricians, clinical psychologists, and CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) professionals trained in neurodevelopmental diagnosis.
Underfunded Services: NHS child mental health services have historically been underfunded, with little capacity to handle a rapid rise in demand.
The result? Thousands of families waiting months—or years—for clarity, diagnosis, and support.
Missed Opportunities for Early Intervention
Early intervention is key in supporting children with ADHD and Autism. Whether it’s help at school, speech and language therapy, or behaviour support, the earlier a child is assessed, the sooner they can access strategies that significantly improve quality of life.
Without a diagnosis, however, many schools and local authorities are limited in the help they can offer. Children may be misunderstood as disruptive or underachieving, and parents may feel judged or dismissed.
Mental Health Toll on Parents and Children
Uncertainty and waiting can take a real emotional toll. Parents often describe the period as "limbo", filled with anxiety, frustration, and powerlessness. Meanwhile, children may internalise feelings of failure or difference, which can lead to low self-esteem, school refusal, or even mental health challenges like depression and anxiety.
Given these realities, it’s no surprise that more UK parents are now exploring private assessments as a viable alternative.
What Is a Private Assessment?
A private assessment involves working with an independent clinician—often a paediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist—outside of the NHS. These assessments follow recognised diagnostic criteria (such as DSM-5 or ICD-11) and are typically conducted by highly qualified professionals with experience in neurodevelopmental conditions.
Assessments can include:
- Parent and teacher questionnaires
- Clinical interviews
- Observational sessions
- Cognitive testing (in some cases)
Reports generated from private assessments are widely accepted by schools, local authorities, and even NHS services, though policies can vary.
How Quickly Can You Be Seen?
One of the biggest benefits of going private is the speed. While NHS waits can stretch over two years, private assessments can often be arranged within 2–8 weeks, depending on the provider.
This faster turnaround means:
- Quicker diagnosis (or peace of mind)
- Immediate access to strategies, support, and referrals
- A more empowered role for parents in navigating school support systems
Private assessments do carry a cost—typically ranging from £1000 to £2,500 depending on the provider and complexity. At Atypically, we will try to find the most cost effective option for you, normally in the region of £1000 to £1200. While this is a significant investment, many parents see it as a way to reduce long-term educational, emotional, and financial strain by accessing timely support.
In most cases, yes. Reputable private assessments follow the same clinical standards as the NHS. Schools and local councils generally accept these diagnoses, though you may still need to advocate for support such as EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans).
Tip: Always check that the clinician is registered with the GMC, HCPC, or another relevant professional body. All the clinics that Atypically work with meet this criteria.
If you’re a parent feeling lost in the NHS waiting system, Atypically is here to help.
We’re not a clinic—we’re your guide. Atypically connects families across the UK with vetted private clinicians who specialise in ADHD and Autism assessments for children and young people. Our mission is simple: to make timely, high-quality support accessible and stress-free.
The NHS is a lifeline for millions, and the professionals working within it are doing their best with limited resources. But when it comes to something as critical as your child’s development, waiting years for an assessment is not always an option.
Private ADHD and Autism assessments offer a faster, more proactive path to clarity—and ultimately, to support that can change lives. Whether you’re just starting to suspect signs of neurodiversity or have already been referred and are facing a long wait, exploring private options can give you back a sense of control.
If you're looking for a compassionate, knowledgeable partner in this process, Atypically is here to walk the journey with you—every step of the way.
Written by Ben Friedman, Founder of Atypically.
Ben has years of first hand experience as a father of an autistic son and a SEND advocate. All content is thoroughly researched to help parents to be as informed as possible when navigating private assessments and meaningful interventions for their neurodiverse children. Ben also holds a CPD Accredited Certification in the Treatment and Management of Additional Needs Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
With NHS waiting lists now taking up to 2 years in some areas for a final diagnosis, now is the time to get your child the help they need. By going private, you can cut the waiting time down to a few weeks instead and it it doesn't cost as much as you might think!
Private autism or ADHD assessments typically take 2 to 12 weeks from initial enquiry to diagnosis. These assessments are conducted by qualified professionals and follow the same diagnostic criteria used by the NHS.
Let us now what you need and we will put you in touch with the right team for your child's needs.
Atypically connects parents with top neurodiversity assessors, tailored to their child's needs. Bypass NHS waits with expert private evaluations.
