Autism assessment waiting times in England

Autism assessment waiting times refer to how long people typically wait for an NHS autism assessment after being referred by a healthcare or education professional. Waiting times vary widely across England and depend on local NHS services, referral pathways and available capacity.

This page provides independent, factual information about NHS autism assessment waiting times in England. It explains how autism assessment pathways work, typical waiting time ranges, and why waiting times differ between areas.

What is an autism assessment?

An autism assessment is a specialist clinical process used to determine whether an individual meets the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Assessments are carried out by multidisciplinary teams and may include interviews, observation, questionnaires and developmental history.

Autism assessments are available through the NHS for both children and adults. Access to assessment usually begins with a referral from a GP, school, health visitor or another qualified professional.

This website does not provide medical advice or diagnostic guidance. If you have concerns about autism, you should speak to a qualified healthcare professional.

How NHS autism referral pathways work

NHS autism assessment services in England are commissioned and delivered locally. This means referral routes and service structures vary between areas.

In general, the process includes:

• Referral to a local autism assessment service
• Assessment by a multidisciplinary specialist team
• Feedback and support following diagnosis, where appropriate

Separate NHS pathways typically exist for:

• Children and young people's autism services
• Adult autism services

Because services are commissioned locally by Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), access arrangements and waiting times differ significantly across England.

Typical NHS autism assessment waiting times

Published NHS reports indicate that autism assessment waiting times in England are often lengthy, particularly for adult services.

In many areas:

• Children and young people's autism assessment waiting times may exceed one year
• Adult autism assessment waiting times can extend for several years

Waiting times vary depending on referral demand, local service capacity and workforce availability. The figures referenced on this site are based on published NHS data and reports, and actual waiting times for individuals may differ.

Why autism waiting times vary by area

Autism assessment waiting times differ across England due to several factors, including:

• Local commissioning arrangements
• Availability of specialist clinicians
• Demand for autism assessments
• Historical backlogs within services

Because autism services are organised locally, waiting times can vary substantially between towns, regions and NHS trusts.

Autism waiting times by town and area

Autism assessment waiting times are not the same everywhere. Local NHS services may have very different waiting lists depending on demand and capacity.

This website provides town-specific pages showing estimated autism assessment waiting times based on published NHS data, helping users understand how waiting times vary across England.

Browse autism assessment waiting times by county and town

Select a county to view available towns. Town pages include published diagnostics data and service guidance.

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