🧩 Autism and ADHD Assessments – Important Update for Patients

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Across Greater Manchester, the number of people waiting for Autism and ADHD assessments has increased significantly over the past few years. More than 25,000 adults are currently on waiting lists, and waiting times can range from 18 months to over seven years.

NHS Greater Manchester is developing a new, fairer system to make sure that people with the highest clinical need are seen as quickly as possible, and that everyone can access support while they wait.

What’s Changing

  • A new model of care will be introduced from January 2026.
  • This model will focus on getting people the right support for their individual needs, rather than relying on a diagnosis alone.
  • For children and young people, services will work together through a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring early and community-based support.
  • For adults, there will be clearer pathways, improved access for those with urgent needs, and more support options such as self-help tools, coaching, and peer groups while waiting.

Right to Choose and Waiting Times

Due to high demand and costs, NHS Greater Manchester has temporarily paused new non-urgent assessment appointments across all providers, including Right to Choose services.

  • Urgent referrals will continue to be prioritised.
  • Non-urgent assessments are expected to restart from April 2026, and anyone already referred will keep their original referral date.
  • Patients already in the middle of an assessment, waiting for treatment, or receiving medication will continue to be supported as normal.

What This Means for You

If you have already been referred for an Autism or ADHD assessment, you do not need to contact your GP. Your place on the waiting list will be kept. GPs and local services will continue to provide support where needed.

NHS Greater Manchester is also developing new “Waiting Well” resources to help people find information and support while they wait for assessment.

You can read the full update and access helpful links and self-help resources here:
👉 ADHD and Autism Assessments – NHS Greater Manchester