NHS faces ‘avalanche’ of demand for autism and ADHD services, thinktank warns

Nuffield Trust says system for treatment is ‘obsolete’ as number of patients in England awaiting assessment hits record high

The NHS is experiencing an “avalanche of need” over autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but the system in place to cope with surging demand for assessments and treatments is “obsolete”, a health thinktank has warned.

There must be a “radical rethink” of how people with the conditions are cared for in England if the health service is to meet the rapidly expanding need for services, according to the Nuffield Trust.