Neurodiversity: Hampshire and Isle of Wight
(asked on 16th April 2026) - View Source
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the reasons for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board’s decision to pause routine ADHD and autism assessments until April 2027.
The Government has recognised that, nationally, demand for assessments for 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 reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities focus will improve early intervention and support.
The Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB) understands that waiting for an assessment can be difficult for individuals and families, and is committed to improving access to meaningful support while people wait.
NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight launched a redesigned clinically optimal diagnostic model on 31 March 2026. As part of their wider transformation programme, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight ICB is introducing new services designed to offer earlier help, even when a formal diagnosis has not yet been made.
From 1 April 2026, every area in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will have a place-based Children’s Neurodiversity Team. These teams will:
- bring together professionals across education and healthcare;
- offer practical advice, support, and guidance for families; and
- support children based on their needs, without requiring a diagnosis.
While patients are waiting for a Right to Choose ADHD or Autism assessment there are a range of services to access for support, which are available at the following link: