NHS leaders in England are warning that spending on ADHD and autism services is rising sharply, with new figures showing a surge in demand for assessments and support. The warning comes as clinicians, managers and charities continue to debate how the health service can cope with what they describe as growing pressure on already stretched pathways.
Rising demand is putting pressure on services
The BMJ reported on September 1, 2026, that NHS leaders said ADHD and autism costs are “out of control,” highlighting widening concern over the scale of referrals and the cost of meeting need across the system. The report appeared alongside other news items showing that ADHD and autism remain at the centre of current health debate in the UK.
That broader context is reflected in BMJ coverage from late August, which noted a 207% rise in complaints to NHS services related to ADHD and autism, with some patients spending up to £4,000 for private treatment. Separate BMJ analysis has also described underdiagnosis, misdiagnosis and overdiagnosis as happening simultaneously in mental health, ADHD and autism care.
Private costs and delayed access remain a concern
For patients, long waits for assessment can push families toward private care, creating a financial burden that many cannot absorb. The BMJ’s reporting suggests the issue is no longer limited to clinical capacity but is also affecting affordability, access and confidence in the system.
Health leaders have repeatedly warned that demand is outpacing the NHS’s ability to respond quickly. While the latest BMJ item does not set out a single solution, it adds to growing pressure for a clearer national strategy on diagnosis, treatment and support.
What happens next
The challenge now is whether the NHS can expand capacity without making waiting times and costs even worse. With demand still rising and services under strain, ADHD and autism are likely to remain a major policy issue in UK health care through the autumn.
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