Neurodevelopmental assessment service pressures in UK and IE

Healthcare systems in Ireland and England are experiencing significant strain on neurodevelopmental assessment services due to surging demand for ADHD and autism diagnoses.

In Ireland, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has paused referrals to its tertiary-level specialist adult ADHD team in the north-east, covering Louth, Meath, Cavan, and Monaghan. Dr. Nora Ibrahim, Clinical Lead for the North East Adult ADHD Services, noted the measure was required to prevent waiting lists from expanding in a way that would pose “clinical and operational risks.” The service reported receiving over 375 referrals in the first half of 2026, while staffing only allows for 14 new assessments per month.

In England, local NHS leaders are implementing similar restrictions. Analysis indicates that 15 of England’s 36 Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) are currently capping, pausing, or slowing diagnostic services. In regions like West Yorkshire and Somerset, patients face waits of up to two years. Some areas, such as Greater Manchester, have moved away from first-come, first-served processing to focus on urgent clinical needs. Advocacy groups have raised concerns regarding “gatekeeping” and the potential risks to mental health and education, noting that hundreds of thousands of individuals remain on waiting lists for ADHD and autism assessments.