Reduce NHS waiting times for Autism and ADHD assessments for children
Reduce NHS waiting times for Autism and ADHD assessments for children
The Issue
I know firsthand how important an autism and ADHD assessment can be. ❤️
Across the UK, children can face years of waiting for autism and ADHD assessments through the NHS. Meanwhile, they are struggling at school, struggling at home, and trying to cope without anyone fully understanding why.
A child shouldn’t have to spend years on a waiting list before their needs are properly understood.
I received my own adult diagnosis in 2025 after waiting around a year.
Even that wait felt incredibly long when you’re searching for answers and trying to understand yourself.
So when I see children waiting two years or more, I honestly struggle to understand how this can be acceptable.
My child has been waiting almost three years for her assessment. During that time, she has continued to face struggles in different settings, while we wait for answers and the right support.
These aren’t just numbers on a waiting list. They are children.
Children who are growing, learning and trying to navigate a world that may already feel overwhelming — while their families are left waiting and wondering what they can do to help.
An assessment can be an important step towards understanding a child’s needs, considering other possibilities and working out what support may help them move forward.
Children don’t stop struggling because they’re on a waiting list.
Their childhood doesn’t pause.
Three years is a huge amount of time in a child’s life, and I truly believe children deserve better than being left waiting years for answers. 💔
Our children need understanding. They need support. And they need it while they’re growing up — not years down the line.
#AutismAssessment #ADHDAssessment #NHSWaitingLists #AutismAwareness #ADHDAwareness #SEND #Neurodiversity #ChildrenCantWait #SupportOurChildren #EarlySupport
Please sign this petition to demand an urgent review and change in policy regarding NHS assessments for autism and ADHD. Let's stand together to ensure our children receive the diagnosis and support they need, without undue delay.
25
The Issue
I know firsthand how important an autism and ADHD assessment can be. ❤️
Across the UK, children can face years of waiting for autism and ADHD assessments through the NHS. Meanwhile, they are struggling at school, struggling at home, and trying to cope without anyone fully understanding why.
A child shouldn’t have to spend years on a waiting list before their needs are properly understood.
I received my own adult diagnosis in 2025 after waiting around a year.
Even that wait felt incredibly long when you’re searching for answers and trying to understand yourself.
So when I see children waiting two years or more, I honestly struggle to understand how this can be acceptable.
My child has been waiting almost three years for her assessment. During that time, she has continued to face struggles in different settings, while we wait for answers and the right support.
These aren’t just numbers on a waiting list. They are children.
Children who are growing, learning and trying to navigate a world that may already feel overwhelming — while their families are left waiting and wondering what they can do to help.
An assessment can be an important step towards understanding a child’s needs, considering other possibilities and working out what support may help them move forward.
Children don’t stop struggling because they’re on a waiting list.
Their childhood doesn’t pause.
Three years is a huge amount of time in a child’s life, and I truly believe children deserve better than being left waiting years for answers. 💔
Our children need understanding. They need support. And they need it while they’re growing up — not years down the line.
#AutismAssessment #ADHDAssessment #NHSWaitingLists #AutismAwareness #ADHDAwareness #SEND #Neurodiversity #ChildrenCantWait #SupportOurChildren #EarlySupport
Please sign this petition to demand an urgent review and change in policy regarding NHS assessments for autism and ADHD. Let's stand together to ensure our children receive the diagnosis and support they need, without undue delay.
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Petition created on 1 October 2026