NHS ADHD Assessment Waiting Times for Children (2026)

If you have been told the NHS wait for your child’s ADHD assessment is measured in years rather than months, you are not alone. Demand has risen faster than any other neurodevelopmental service, and in many areas the queue now stretches well beyond two years. Here is what the figures show, why the wait is so long, and the routes that can move things faster.

How long is the NHS wait for a child ADHD assessment?

There is no single national figure, but the picture is consistent. As of December 2025, 65.8% of children on NHS CAMHS waiting lists for an ADHD assessment had been waiting more than a year, and roughly a third had waited more than two years. Over 75,000 children are on waiting lists for neurodevelopmental reviews, and some areas report waits approaching three years. A realistic national range is 12 to 36 months, with many families at the longer end.

You can see this alongside other services on our NHS waiting times estimator.

Why are ADHD waits so long?

Awareness of ADHD has grown quickly, referrals have surged, and there are not enough specialist clinicians to keep pace. Child assessments are also more involved than adult ones — they need teacher input and more evidence-gathering — so they take longer to process. The result is a backlog that services cannot clear at current capacity. For the fuller picture, see why NHS SEND waiting lists are so long.

How can I get an ADHD assessment faster?

In England, the NHS Right to Choose scheme can let you choose an approved provider for an NHS-funded ADHD assessment, often with a shorter wait than local CAMHS. Importantly, some NHS areas paused new Right to Choose bookings in early 2026, so check what applies in your area before relying on it. Speak to your GP and ask specifically about Right to Choose. Our guide to getting an ADHD assessment faster walks through every route.

Some families choose a private assessment. Our cost calculator shows realistic UK price ranges, and our private ADHD assessment guide explains what to expect. You can also browse verified specialists.

What can I do while I wait?

You do not need a diagnosis to start getting help. Ask your child’s school about SEN Support, speak to your GP about managing symptoms, and contact your local SENDIASS service for free, independent advice. See what to do while waiting for an NHS SEND assessment.

Sources

• House of Commons Library — ADHD statistics (England)
• NHS England — ADHD Taskforce report (plain English summary)
• Nuffield Trust — rapidly growing waiting lists for autism and ADHD assessments

These figures are estimates and vary by Integrated Care Board and local service. Always contact your local NHS service for the most accurate information. For planning only; not clinical advice. Data reviewed: June 2026.