Understanding waiting times

Why waiting times differ so widely

Waiting times for ADHD and autism assessments vary considerably depending on where you live, whether you go through the NHS, Right to Choose, or a private provider, and how much demand a particular service is experiencing at any given time. Because these factors shift over time and differ from area to area, it's not possible to state a reliable figure here - the only way to get an accurate, current picture is to ask the specific service you're considering.

Factors that influence how long you might wait

Several things typically affect waiting times, including:

• Local demand - some areas have higher numbers of people seeking assessment relative to available clinicians
• Service capacity - the number of qualified assessors a service has available
• Assessment pathway - NHS, Right to Choose and private routes are often structured differently, with different capacity
• Complexity of the referral - some cases may need more information gathering before an appointment can be offered
• Age and condition - waiting times can differ between children's and adults' services, and between ADHD and autism pathways

NHS and Right to Choose pathways

NHS pathways typically involve a referral, often from a GP, followed by a wait for an assessment appointment. Right to Choose is a policy that may allow you to ask to be referred to a different qualified provider than your default local NHS service, which can sometimes affect how long you wait, though this depends on the provider and your circumstances. Ask your GP surgery about current local waiting times and whether Right to Choose is available to you, since this can change over time.

Private pathways

Private assessments are sometimes chosen partly because they may offer more flexibility around timing, but this isn't guaranteed and demand for private services fluctuates too. Always ask a private provider directly what their current availability looks like before assuming an appointment can be arranged quickly.

Questions to ask any provider about timing

Whichever route you're considering, it can help to ask:

• What is your current typical wait from referral or booking to first appointment?
• Does that wait vary depending on the type of assessment (for example, ADHD versus autism, adult versus child)?
• Is there a waiting list, and if so, how are people prioritised on it?
• Will I be kept updated while I wait, and how?
• Is there anything I can do while waiting, such as gathering information or history, that might help once my appointment comes?

Coping with uncertainty while you wait

Waiting for an assessment, of any length, can understandably feel difficult, especially if you or your child are struggling day to day. While waiting, it can help to:

• Keep a note of specific examples of difficulties you're experiencing, which can be useful during an assessment
• Ask your GP about interim support that might be available regardless of assessment status
• Look into general guidance from reputable organisations while you wait, without trying to self-diagnose
• Stay in touch with the service so you have a realistic sense of your position, rather than guessing

If your circumstances change

If your situation changes while you're waiting - for example, if things become significantly harder to manage - contact your GP or the service you're waiting with to explain this. Services may have processes for reviewing urgent situations, though this varies, so it's worth raising any serious concerns rather than waiting silently.

A note on planning

Because waiting times are genuinely variable and can change with little notice, avoid making firm plans (such as time off work, school arrangements or financial commitments) based on an assumed date until a provider has confirmed a specific appointment. For a realistic, current picture, always speak directly to your GP, your local NHS service, or the private provider you're considering.