UK Ombudsman calls for national guidance to fix autism and ADHD services

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) has called on the UK government to introduce national guidance for health commissioners to address critical failures in autism and ADHD services. A review of 3,000 complaints over the last six years reveals that demand is severely outstripping capacity, leading to long waiting times, fragmented care, and a “postcode lottery” of service access.

Key issues identified in the report include a lack of clear information regarding the legal ‘Right to Choose’ an assessment provider, significant delays in accessing ongoing support, and the inconsistent recognition of diagnoses by the NHS when obtained through alternative providers. Ombudsman Paula Sussex noted that many patients feel forced to pay for private treatment due to these systemic pressures.

Complaints to the PHSO regarding these services have risen sharply, increasing from 410 in 2021/22 to 1,257 in 2025/26. The watchdog emphasized that patients should not have to navigate a confusing system to secure necessary care.