Content overview: “NHS Two-Year Wait for Child ADHD and Autism Assessments Called Cruel and Costly”. The Guardian Health Oct 1, 2026 • 4:38 PM 1 views Anna Bird, a leading voice on neurodivergence, has condemned the decision by some NHS integrated care boards in England to impose a two-year minimum wait for children's ADHD and autism assessments. Writing in a letter, Bird argues that blocking assessments for over two years is cruel to children, deeply damaging to families, and ultimately more costly to taxpayers.
She highlights that for a six-year-old, a two-year wait represents a quarter of their life, putting their potential on hold and preventing access to vital medical and practical support needed to learn, make friends, and achieve everyday milestones. The decision, reported on 25 September, has sparked concern among families and advocates who stress that early diagnosis is crucial for positive outcomes. For the complete material, the listing points back to the source inside the network.