Important update regarding ADHD and autism providers

We are aware that patients and referrers may have received differing information from some providers regarding commissioning arrangements and the impact of activity plans on access to ADHD and autism services. To support consistency, we would like to clarify the position.

Providers remain required to continue accepting referrals in accordance with patient choice requirements. However, some providers have delivered activity up to, or beyond, the level agreed within their annual activity plans and have therefore utilised their commissioned assessment capacity earlier than anticipated. Where this has occurred, the ICB will not fund assessment activity above the agreed level for the current financial year.

As a result, while referrals can continue to be submitted, patients referred to affected providers may experience longer waits before an assessment can be undertaken. Waiting times will vary between providers depending on available commissioned capacity and demand.

Unfortunately, we are unable to publish waiting times for all providers, as this would require significant administrative resource and would be subject to change depending on future commissioning arrangements. Based on current demand and commissioned capacity, we anticipate that waiting times are likely to exceed 52 weeks for the majority of providers.

We have not placed any restrictions on ongoing care, such as titration and annual reviews, and any indication that ongoing care is being restricted, withdrawn or delayed as a consequence of activity plan arrangements should be brought to the attention of the ICB.

Patients retain their legal right to choose a qualified provider, and referral processes remain unchanged. We are working with providers to ensure patients and referrers receive clear and consistent information regarding service availability and likely waiting times.

We are aware that some patients may consider accessing private assessments, prescriptions or other privately funded elements of ADHD and autism pathways whilst seeking NHS-funded care.

Choosing to use private care does not result in priority access to NHS-funded assessment, treatment or ongoing care. Patients who subsequently seek NHS-funded services will be managed in line with the same commissioning arrangements and pathway requirements that apply to all patients.

GPs should advise patients that privately funded assessments, prescriptions or other elements of care will not provide priority access to NHS-funded treatment or allow them to bypass established NHS pathways. Patients who choose to use private care may do so, but any subsequent NHS-funded care will be considered and managed in accordance with local commissioning arrangements and provider processes.

This approach is intended to ensure equitable access to NHS-funded care and avoid situations where individuals are able to obtain earlier access to NHS treatment solely through purchasing privately funded elements of the pathway.

We recognise that these arrangements may be challenging for some patients. The ICB is currently progressing wider transformation of neurodevelopmental services to improve access, consistency and patient experience across ADHD and autism pathways.

Adults seeking support whilst awaiting ADHD assessment or treatment may also be signposted to the ADHD North West support service. Further information is available here: https://www.lancashireandsouthcumbria.icb.nhs.uk/our-work/adult-adhd/new-adult-adhd-support-service-launching-1-july-2026.

No further action is required from GP practices at this time.