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Threads / ADHD treatment / Timeline
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ADHD treatment

A policy and commissioning regime for the clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in England, sitting on ICB commissioning duties under the NHS Act 2006 and CQC-regulated provider standards under the 2014 Regulated Activities Regulations, and currently being scrutinised through NHS England's ADHD Taskforce and an independent ministerial review.


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2026

11 events
22 May 2026 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what guidance his Department has issued to NHS bodies on the (a) clinical, (b) functional and (c) other criteria to be used when prioritising…

Why linked: Written question on DHSC guidance to NHS bodies on clinical and functional criteria for ADHD assessment; directly relevant to service specification and commissioning standards

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what guidance his Department has issued to NHS bodies on the (a) clinical, (b) functional and (c) other criteria to be used when prioritising patients for (i) Autism and …

8 May 2026 | Statutory Instrument Context · primary home: NHS policy linked direct

The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

Why linked: S.I. 2026/495 amends Schedule 1 of the 2014 Regulated Activities Regulations, evidence that the regulated-activity perimeter under which ADHD providers operate continues to be actively maintained by the Department.

These Regulations amend the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 (“the 2014 Regulations”).

28 Apr 2026 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to (a) improve ADHD diagnosis timeframes, (b) reduce the waiting list for ADHD medication and (c) improve support for patients and their families whilst undergoing the diagn

Why linked: Parliamentary question on ADHD diagnosis timeframes, waiting lists, and medication access; core thread issue on NHS capacity and access standards

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to (a) improve ADHD diagnosis timeframes, (b) reduce the waiting list for ADHD medication and (c) improve support for patients and their families whilst …

31 Mar 2026 | Research linked direct

Independent Review into Mental Health Conditions, ADHD and Autism: Interim Report

Why linked: Independent Review into Mental Health Conditions, ADHD and Autism Interim Report; explicitly listed in scope as taskforce/independent review recommendations

There is substantial pressure on services providing ADHD assessment. The next phase of the Review will examine more closely the quality and consistency of assessments, variation in diagnostic practice, and the extent to which diagnosis is followed by evidence-based treatment.

30 Mar 2026 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that neurodevelopmental assessments for children, including assessments for autism and ADHD, are carried out to an adequate and consistent standard acr

Why linked: Parliamentary question on neurodevelopmental assessments for children including ADHD; directly relevant to NHS provision and assessment pathways

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that neurodevelopmental assessments for children, including assessments for autism and ADHD, are carried out to an adequate and consistent standard acr

19 Mar 2026 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to reduce NHS waiting times for ADHD assessments; and what role he expects the independent sector capacity to have in meeting demand.

Why linked: Question on NHS waiting times for ADHD assessments and independent sector role; core thread issue on NHS capacity and access

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to reduce NHS waiting times for ADHD assessments; and what role he expects the independent sector capacity to have in meeting demand.

12 Mar 2026 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment NHS England has made of the difference in levels of healthcare resource consumed in conducting (a) children’s autism assessments and (b) children’s ADHD assessments; and what accoun

Why linked: Question on NHS England's assessment of healthcare resource consumption for ADHD assessments; relevant to NHS capacity and tariff-setting

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment NHS England has made of the difference in levels of healthcare resource consumed in conducting (a) children’s autism assessments and (b) children’s ADHD assessments; and what accoun

3 Mar 2026 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to provide additional funding and workforce planning support to Integrated Care Boards to reduce waiting times for children with ADHD assessments and treatment.

Why linked: Question on funding and workforce planning for ICBs to reduce ADHD waiting times; directly relevant to NHS capacity and commissioning

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to provide additional funding and workforce planning support to Integrated Care Boards to reduce waiting times for children with ADHD assessments and treatment.

21 Jan 2026 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask His Majesty's Government what consultations they had with service providers in establishing the NHS Payment Scheme guide prices for autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder assessment in 2026–27.

Why linked: Question on NHS Payment Scheme guide prices for ADHD assessment; directly relevant to NHS commissioning and tariff-setting for ADHD services

To ask His Majesty's Government what consultations they had with service providers in establishing the NHS Payment Scheme guide prices for autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder assessment in 2026–27.

2025

24 events
8 Oct 2025 | Analysis linked direct

Autism and ADHD Diagnostic Pathway for Children and Young People – Health and Social Care Committee Report

Why linked: Health and Social Care Committee Report on autism and ADHD diagnostic pathways; substantive parliamentary scrutiny with waiting time data (316,000 children waiting)

NHS England also estimated that as of March 2025 up to 316,000 children were waiting for an ADHD assessment, with up to 85,000 still waiting between 52 and 104 weeks after the referral was made.

18 Jun 2025 | Other Health and Social Care Committee linked direct

Autism and ADHD Diagnostic Pathways for Children and Young People

Why linked: Parliamentary committee examination of autism and ADHD diagnostic pathways for children and young people; directly within interpreted scope on assessment and diagnosis

The Committee will examine the autism and ADHD diagnostic pathway for children and young people. Demand for appointments for both autism and ADHD assessments is high, with many children waiting years for an assessment with little or no support. The …

7 May 2025 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress NHS England’s ADHD Taskforce has made on improving access to (a) services and (b) support.

Why linked: Question on ADHD Taskforce progress on improving access to services and support; tracks taskforce recommendations and implementation

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress NHS England’s ADHD Taskforce has made on improving access to (a) services and (b) support.

7 May 2025 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to reduce waiting times for adult ADHD assessments.

Why linked: Question on reducing waiting times for adult ADHD assessments; within scope on NHS provision and access standards

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to reduce waiting times for adult ADHD assessments.

1 May 2025 | Other linked implements

Petition: Protect ADHD & Autism Right to Choose – Review NHS Caps and Low Tariffs – Parliament

Why linked: This live 2025 petition captures the emerging controversy over ICB caps on Right to Choose referrals and proposed tariff reductions, a current implementation flashpoint.

Review NHS England and Integrated Care Boards using Indicative Activity Plans as hard caps on ADHD and autism Right to Choose referrals, and revise proposed national tariffs so they fund safe, NICE-compliant assessment and titration.

16 Apr 2025 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the average waiting time is (a) for a neurodevelopmental assessment, (b) to access CAMHS services and (c) for speech and language therapy services for special educational needs and disabilitie

Why linked: Question on average waiting times for neurodevelopmental assessment and related services; directly relevant to access standards and NHS capacity

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the average waiting time is (a) for a neurodevelopmental assessment, (b) to access CAMHS services and (c) for speech and language therapy services for special educational needs and …

31 Mar 2025 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of ADHD assessments in identifying that condition in girls.

Why linked: Question on adequacy of ADHD assessment in identifying condition in girls; relevant to diagnostic frameworks and equity in assessment

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of ADHD assessments in identifying that condition in girls.

19 Mar 2025 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of changes to the NHS Payment Scheme on the availability of ADHD assessment services.

Why linked: Question on impact of NHS Payment Scheme changes on ADHD assessment availability; directly relevant to commissioning standards and service provision

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of changes to the NHS Payment Scheme on the availability of ADHD assessment services.

19 Mar 2025 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department is taking steps to (a) prevent Integrated Care Boards from deprioritising ADHD assessments due to funding limits and (b) ensure that patients’ rights are upheld if funding li

Why linked: Question on preventing ICB deprioritisation of ADHD assessments; directly relevant to NHS commissioning and service specification

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department is taking steps to (a) prevent Integrated Care Boards from deprioritising ADHD assessments due to funding limits and (b) ensure that patients’ rights are upheld if …

18 Mar 2025 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposed changes to the NHS Payment Scheme on waiting times for ADHD assessments.

Why linked: Question on impact of NHS Payment Scheme changes on ADHD waiting times; relevant to tariff-setting and its effect on service access

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposed changes to the NHS Payment Scheme on waiting times for ADHD assessments.

18 Mar 2025 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to support people on low incomes to access ADHD treatment that is not available through the NHS.

Why linked: Direct PQ on ADHD treatment access for people on low incomes—directly addresses NHS provision and access standards in scope

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to support people on low incomes to access ADHD treatment that is not available through the NHS.

12 Mar 2025 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to tackle the NHS backlog for ADHD assessments in (a) Sherwood Forest and (b) Nottinghamshire.

Why linked: Regional question on ADHD assessment backlog reduction; illustrative of local implementation of national policy on waiting times

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to tackle the NHS backlog for ADHD assessments in (a) Sherwood Forest and (b) Nottinghamshire.

11 Mar 2025 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of conducting a public consultation on the proposed changes to ADHD assessment procedures.

Why linked: Question on public consultation for proposed ADHD assessment changes; relevant to policy development and service specification

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of conducting a public consultation on the proposed changes to ADHD assessment procedures.

11 Mar 2025 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how long service users in (a) Broxtowe, (b) Nottingham and (c) the East Midlands are waiting for ADHD assessments.

Why linked: Regional question on ADHD assessment waiting times; provides evidence of variation in waiting times across areas

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how long service users in (a) Broxtowe, (b) Nottingham and (c) the East Midlands are waiting for ADHD assessments.

11 Mar 2025 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the 2025/26 NHS Payment Scheme Consultation on existing waiting times for an ADHD diagnosis.

Why linked: Question on NHS Payment Scheme impact on existing waiting times for ADHD; relevant to commissioning and tariff effects on service access

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the 2025/26 NHS Payment Scheme Consultation on existing waiting times for an ADHD diagnosis.

5 Mar 2025 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to reduce waiting times for ADHD assessments in (a) Hexham constituency, (b) Northumberland, (c) Newcastle and (d) the North East.

Why linked: Regional question on ADHD assessment waiting time reduction; illustrative of local service capacity issues

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to reduce waiting times for ADHD assessments in (a) Hexham constituency, (b) Northumberland, (c) Newcastle and (d) the North East.

5 Mar 2025 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps the Department is taking to tackle the NHS backlog for ADHD assessments in (a) Hexham constituency, (b) Northumberland, (c) Newcastle and (d) the North East.

Why linked: Regional question on ADHD assessment backlog reduction; relevant to tracking policy implementation

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps the Department is taking to tackle the NHS backlog for ADHD assessments in (a) Hexham constituency, (b) Northumberland, (c) Newcastle and (d) the North East.

5 Mar 2025 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many children are on the waiting list for ADHD assessments in (a) Hexham constituency, (b) Northumberland, (c) Newcastle and (d) the North East.

Why linked: Question on waiting list numbers for ADHD assessments; provides data on service demand and capacity

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many children are on the waiting list for ADHD assessments in (a) Hexham constituency, (b) Northumberland, (c) Newcastle and (d) the North East.

5 Mar 2025 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many adults are on the waiting list for ADHD assessments in (a) Hexham constituency, (b) Northumberland, (c) Newcastle and (d) the North East.

Why linked: Question on adult ADHD assessment waiting lists; relevant to service capacity across age groups

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many adults are on the waiting list for ADHD assessments in (a) Hexham constituency, (b) Northumberland, (c) Newcastle and (d) the North East.

3 Mar 2025 | Statutory Instrument linked direct

The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Why linked: S.I. 2025/232 removed the expiry date from the 2014 Regulated Activities Regulations — the CQC framework governing ADHD assessment and treatment providers — and reset the statutory review cycle to five-yearly from 13 July 2023.

These Regulations amend the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 (“the 2014 Regulations”).

3 Mar 2025 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he has taken to reduce waiting times for ADHD assessments in Surrey Heath constituency.

Why linked: Regional question on ADHD assessment waiting times; evidence of local service pressures

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he has taken to reduce waiting times for ADHD assessments in Surrey Heath constituency.

3 Mar 2025 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to (a) support people seeking an official diagnosis of ADHD, (b) reduce wait times for an ADHD assessment and (c) continue access to the Right to Choose scheme.

Why linked: Question on DHSC steps to support ADHD diagnosis, reduce wait times, and access treatment; broad policy question on NHS provision

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to (a) support people seeking an official diagnosis of ADHD, (b) reduce wait times for an ADHD assessment and (c) continue access to …

2024

8 events
18 Nov 2024 | Research House of Lords Library Context · primary home: Mental health crisis care linked direct

Mental Health Bill [HL]: HL Bill 47 of 2024–25

Why linked: Matched expansion phrase: Mental Health Act 1983

Type: Lords Library Note (LLN-2024-0069) The Mental Health Bill is a government bill that would amend the Mental Health Act 1983. The 1983 act is the current legislation that regulates the compulsory detention and treatment of those with a mental …

15 Oct 2024 | Other evidence

Waiting times for assessment and support for autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions

Why linked: Filled the "Waiting list and capacity reviews specific to ADHD assessment pathways" gap via web research

A report by the Children's Commissioner for England (October 2024) that specifically examines waiting times and capacity in ADHD and autism assessment pathways for children, using NHS community health and mental health services data to build a national picture of …

29 Apr 2024 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help reduce waiting times for an ADHD diagnosis on the NHS for children.

Why linked: Question on departmental steps to reduce ADHD diagnosis waiting times for children on NHS; core thread issue on NHS provision and access

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help reduce waiting times for an ADHD diagnosis on the NHS for children.

18 Apr 2024 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many women and girls are waiting for (a) autism and (b) ADHD assessments in the London Borough of Lewisham; and what the average waiting time is for such assessments.

Why linked: Question on women and girls awaiting ADHD assessments with waiting time data; relevant to service equity and capacity

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many women and girls are waiting for (a) autism and (b) ADHD assessments in the London Borough of Lewisham; and what the average waiting time is for such …

5 Mar 2024 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many children in the Borough of Halton are waiting for (a) autism and (b) ADHD assessments; and what the average waiting times are for such assessments.

Why linked: Question on ADHD assessment waiting numbers and average wait times; provides local data on service demand

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many children in the Borough of Halton are waiting for (a) autism and (b) ADHD assessments; and what the average waiting times are for such assessments.

1 Mar 2024 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help reduce the backlog of ADHD assessments.

Why linked: Question on departmental steps to reduce ADHD assessment backlog; directly relevant to NHS capacity and access standards

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help reduce the backlog of ADHD assessments.

1 Jan 2024 | Written evidence linked evidence

Written Evidence: ADHD 360 on ADHD Taskforce and NHS Capacity

Why linked: Confirms the NHS England ADHD Taskforce was paused at the 2024 general election and calls for its restart, providing important context on the taskforce timeline.

The ADHD Taskforce, announced by NHS England in March 2024 but paused at the calling of the general election, should offer an appropriate opportunity to identify and share learnings around the condition.

1 Jan 2024 | Written evidence linked evidence

Written Evidence: ADHD 360 to Parliamentary Committee on ADHD Assessments

Why linked: Written evidence to a parliamentary committee from a major private ADHD provider, directly addressing NHS treatment capacity, private sector role, and policy recommendations.

The adult ADHD waiting list has reached up to eight years in some parts of the UK, alluding both to a failure in earlier life intervention and an inability for the public sector to tackle this issue alone.

2023

4 events
6 Feb 2023 | Other linked commitment

Petition: Create an Emergency Fund for ASD (Autism) & ADHD Assessments – Parliament

Why linked: This companion petition was debated alongside the assessment management petition in February 2023, and the government response reveals its funding strategy at that time.

Given the extra funding we are providing this year to address long waiting times, we do not consider that a separate emergency fund for autism and ADHD assessments is needed at this time.

6 Feb 2023 | Other linked commitment

Petition: Review Management of ADHD Assessments and Increase Funding – Parliament

Why linked: This petition (10,574 signatures) directly triggered the February 2023 Commons debate and the subsequent government response on ADHD waiting times, making it a key thread event.

The Government should commission a review of how Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessments are managed by the NHS, including through Shared Care Agreements, and increase funding to reduce waiting times.

2022

5 events
6 Oct 2022 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he (a) is taking and (b) plans to take to reduce waiting times for children's neurodevelopmental assessments.

Why linked: Direct PQ on reducing waiting times for children's neurodevelopmental assessments—core ADHD access and capacity issue explicitly in scope

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he (a) is taking and (b) plans to take to reduce waiting times for children's neurodevelopmental assessments.

30 Jun 2022 | Statutory Instrument Context · primary home: NHS policy linked direct

The National Health Service (Integrated Care Boards: Exceptions to Core Responsibility) Regulations 2022

Why linked: ICB Exceptions to Core Responsibility Regulations 2022—establishes commissioning governance framework relevant to neurodevelopmental service commissioning

Section 14Z31 of the National Health Service Act 2006 (c. 41) (“the NHS Act 2006”) provides that NHS England must, from time to time, publish rules for determining the group of people for whom an integrated care board has core …

9 Jun 2022 | Statutory Instrument linked direct

The National Health Service (Integrated Care Boards: Responsibilities) Regulations 2022

Why linked: ICB Responsibilities Regulations 2022; establishes statutory framework for ICB commissioning of neurodevelopmental services including ADHD assessment

These Regulations prescribe additional persons for whom an Integrated Care Board (“ICB”) has responsibility to arrange for the provision of certain services under the National Health Service Act 2006 (c. 41) (“the NHS Act 2006”). These Regulations also impose the …

27 May 2022 | Statutory Instrument linked direct

The Integrated Care Boards (Nomination of Ordinary Members) Regulations 2022

Why linked: ICB Nomination Regulations 2022—foundational to ICB structure and commissioning powers referenced in scope for neurodevelopmental guidance

The National Health Service Act 2006 (“the NHS Act 2006”), provides for the establishment of integrated care boards (“ICBs”) to take over the commissioning functions of clinical commissioning groups.

2021

4 events
4 Nov 2021 | Consultation (open) Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014: consultation document

Why linked: Consultation document on Health and Social Care Act 2008 Regulated Activities Regulations 2014—statutory basis named in scope

Consultation document on Health and Social Care Act 2008 Regulated Activities Regulations 2014—statutory basis named in scope

4 Nov 2021 | Consultation outcome Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014: consultation response

Why linked: Consultation response on Health and Social Care Act 2008 Regulated Activities Regulations 2014—statutory basis named in scope

Gov.uk Nov 2021 consultation response on the 2014 Regulated Activities Regulations — pairs with candpk 5137.

4 Nov 2021 | Consultation outcome Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014: extension of expiry date

Why linked: Consultation and response on Health and Social Care Act 2008 Regulated Activities Regulations 2014—statutory basis named in scope; maintains regulatory framework for NHS service provision

A consultation to gather views on the extension of the expiry date of the regulated activities regulations 2014.