Complaints regarding autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder services across England have surged dramatically, rising from 410 in 2021-22 to 1,257 in 2025-26, according to figures released by the parliamentary and health service ombudsman. The increase of more than 200% reflects broader pressures on the healthcare system, with referrals and waiting lists expanding significantly during the same period.
Demand for assessment and support services has reached unprecedented levels, with approximately 562,000 open NHS referrals currently on file. More than 60% of adults and children awaiting services face waiting periods exceeding one year. The ombudsman’s investigation, which analyzed 3,000 complaints, identified systemic issues including inconsistent service design, unclear patient rights regarding provider selection, and gaps in care coordination. In documented cases, patients were removed from treatment lists without explanation, given assessments that failed to meet national guidance standards, and forced to pursue expensive private alternatives when NHS services proved inaccessible.
The ombudsman emphasized that the current system’s complexity creates barriers for patients seeking care. Key problems include confusion around the “right to choose” policy, which permits patients to select from eligible NHS-funded providers but is applied inconsistently across integrated care boards. Additionally, diagnoses made through independent providers are not uniformly recognized by the NHS, complicating continuity of care. The ombudsman’s office itself is experiencing capacity strain, with a six-month waiting time for complaint investigations.
A government spokesperson indicated that an independent review led by clinical psychologist Professor Peter Fonagy was commissioned in December to examine prevalence and support for ADHD, autism, and mental health conditions. The final report was expected to be published later in the summer and will guide development of a new national approach to these services.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI