Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with (a) the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, (b) the Children’s Commissioner, (c) the Local Government Association and (d) Adoption UK, on the waiting times faced by (i) looked-after children and (ii) previously looked-after children for neurodevelopmental assessment.

My Rt. Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has regular discussions on a wide range of matters including with stakeholders.

The Government has recognised that, nationally, demand for assessments for neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has grown significantly in recent years and that people are experiencing severe delays for accessing such assessments. The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan will make the National Health Service fit for the future and recognises the need for early intervention and support.

It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including children and their access to neurodevelopmental assessments.

NHS England issued advice to systems on ADHD service delivery and prioritisation on 7 October 2025. This advice includes guidance on managing service provision, reviewing waiting lists and providing support to patients waiting. The advice is available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/adhd-service-delivery-and-prioritisation-advice-to-systems/

Through the Medium-Term Planning Framework, published 24 October, NHS England has set clear expectations for local ICBs and trusts to improve access, experience, and outcomes for autism and ADHD services over the next three years, focusing on improving quality and productivity.

NHS England established an ADHD taskforce which brought together those with lived experience with experts from the NHS, education, charity, and justice sector to get a better understanding of the challenges affecting those with ADHD, including timely and equitable access to services and support. The final report was published on 6 November 2025 and we are carefully considering its recommendations.

Building on the work of the Independent ADHD Taskforce, my Rt. Hon. Friend announced on 4 December 2025 the launch of an Independent Review into Prevalence and Support for Mental Health Conditions, ADHD and Autism. The review will inform our approach so that people with ADHD and autistic people have the right support in place to enable them to live well in their communities.