The cost of ADHD and autism assessments and support in England is "running out of control", according to the NHS Alliance, which represents NHS trusts and clinical commissioning groups.
Rising demand and spending
The alliance said that demand for diagnostic services and ongoing care for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism has surged in recent years, placing significant financial pressure on local health budgets. It warned that without intervention, the escalating costs could undermine the sustainability of other NHS services.
Call for national action
The organisation is urging NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care to conduct a comprehensive review of how these services are funded and delivered. It argues that a coordinated national strategy is needed to ensure that patients receive timely diagnoses and effective support while controlling expenditure.
No specific figures were provided in the report, but the alliance emphasised that the current trajectory is not viable and that immediate steps are required to address the growing financial burden.
