ADHD and Autism Assessments
ADHD awareness is rising and demand for diagnosis and support services continues to grow. To meet this demand, it’s essential that local services adapt to ensure they are accessible and meet the needs of the community.
Current challenges
- Long waiting times: Demand for ADHD assessments has grown beyond service capacity. Waiting lists are expected to exceed 25,000 people across Greater Manchester without changes
- Unequal access: The current model works on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis. This makes it harder to get urgent help to the people who need it most. The level of support also depends on where you live, so not everyone gets the same access to care across Greater Manchester
- Concerns about long-term service quality: Rising costs and an outdated service model highlight the need for change to ensure resources can continue to meet growing demand
Getting your views
Between April and June 2025, we ran a public consultation to provide an opportunity for adults living with ADHD to have their say on what’s working, what isn’t and where improvements could be made.
We engaged with over 2,500 people. This feedback is now being considered and will be used to develop proposals for future services and support. Read our consultation feedback report.
Our vision
The vision for our new adult ADHD service in Greater Manchester will be:
- Faster access to services: ensuring that those at highest clinical risk are seen sooner
- Fairer access across Greater Manchester helping everyone get the care they need based on their specific needs, not when they requested help
- A wider range of support options: including self-help tools, peer support, and non-medical interventions alongside medication
- A better ADHD service: to manage growing demand so people get the care and support they need, within the financial resources available to the NHS in Greater Manchester
Changes to ADHD and Autism (ASD) Assessments in Greater Manchester
From 1 September 2025, there are changes to how ADHD and autism (ASD) assessments are managed in Greater Manchester.
New ADHD and autism (ASD) assessment bookings are being prioritised. This means patients will have to wait longer and this applies to all referrals. Should additional funding become available, appointments will resume, and patients will be scheduled in order of their original referral date. This is not expected to happen before the start of the new financial year (April 2026).
Demand for Autism and ADHD services across England is higher than the NHS financial resources available. Under new NHS guidance, Integrated Care Boards – such as NHS Greater Manchester – are required to use contractual levers to manage demand and keep services within locally available budgets.
Integrated Care Boards – such as NHS Greater Manchester – are responsible for planning NHS services and making sure they stay within their local budgets. NHS Greater Manchester needs to operate within our agreed budgets, and spending on ADHD and Autism has risen sharply – from £5 million three years ago to £31 million this year (2025-26).
No, you will not lose your place on the waiting list. You will remain on the list and retain your original referral date.
Appointments that have already been booked will go ahead as planned.
NHS Greater Manchester has requested that services continue for:
- patients who already have an assessment date booked in the next 4 weeks
- patients who are part-way through their assessment
- patients who have been diagnosed and are awaiting treatment
- patients currently receiving ADHD medication who require ongoing management and reviews.
Patients under other Integrated Care Boards may be in a different position. This is the position for NHS Greater Manchester.
- You still have the right to choose your provider
- Waiting times may be longer than before, as many providers have already reached their yearly limits
- You’ll have a clearer idea of how long you may need to wait
- People with urgent needs will be prioritised
If you or your child are feeling anxious, stressed or overwhelmed there’s a range of support available. NHS Greater Manchester support for mental health and wellbeing.
If you feel you need more urgent help, options are available without needing to contact your GP practice first. Visit our Get to Know Where to Go for mental health support page.
Schools, workplaces, and community services can often provide support and adjustments without a formal diagnosis. Please speak with your GP practice, school, or employer about what may be available.
While you wait
We know waiting can be tough. In the meantime, you can:
- Visit the NHS web pages ADHD in adults – NHS and Autism – NHS
- Explore local support groups or charities
- Talk to your GP about self-management strategies
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
