NHS leaders warn of spiraling ADHD and autism care costs

NHS leaders have warned that the cost of providing ADHD and autism services is becoming unsustainable, with spending in some areas rising up to ten-fold within a single year. The NHS Alliance reports that local health boards are facing extreme financial pressure due to a surge in demand and a lack of internal NHS capacity.

Under the ‘Right to Choose’ policy, patients can opt for care from qualified non-NHS providers to bypass long waiting lists. While this has helped reduce some delays, it has led to a massive influx of new providers. One integrated care board reported its number of providers grew from approximately 14 to 48 in two years.

The lack of a national tariff for these services has resulted in significant price variations; one board reported paying between £300 and £3,000 for similar assessments. Additionally, managers expressed concerns regarding the quality and regulation of small, non-regulated providers that can offer diagnoses but may not be equipped to provide ongoing care. The government has promised an independent review and a ‘new national approach’ to address these mental health services.