Over 170,000 face waits for autism assessment 

As of December 2023, 172,022 people were waiting for an autism assessment in England, new latest NHS data has revealed. This is a 47% increase in the number of people waiting in just one year.  

NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidance states that no-one should wait longer than 13 weeks. But this data shows that of those waiting for an assessment, 86% (147,042) have been waiting longer than the recommended 13 weeks.

The NAS is calling on the Government to urgently address the growing autism diagnosis crisis and to immediately invest in rolling out diagnosis services.  

Too many waiting too long 

An autism diagnosis is vital to getting the right help and support. Without a diagnosis many people struggle at school, work or home, develop mental health problems like anxiety or depression - and in some cases end up in crisis or even in hospital.  

Government must act 

The Government committed to “making demonstrable progress on reducing diagnosis waiting times” in its National Autism Strategy for England. These commitments however, only account for the first year (2021/22) of the strategy. NAS is calling on the Government to provide immediate funding for diagnosis because without this the number of people waiting for an autism assessment will continue to increase and more people will be pushed to crisis point. 

If waiting lists continue to grow at this rate, by the end of 2024 there would be over 250,000 people waiting for an autism assessment. Government must act now.

Our Response

Mel Merritt, Head of Policy and Campaigns at the National Autistic Society, said: “It’s extremely worrying that waiting lists for an autism assessment in England have increased by 47% in the last year. There are now more than 172,000 people potentially struggling without the right help and support in their daily lives – nearly twice the capacity of Wembley Stadium.

“The Government promised to make significant progress in reducing diagnosis waiting times in its autism strategy, but these figures make clear how in fact the complete opposite is happening. 

“Autistic people shouldn’t miss out on vital support, or even develop mental health problems and end up in crisis, because they haven’t received the timely assessment that they’re entitled to.

“Without urgent long-term funding for diagnosis services, waiting lists will continue to rise. The Government must keep its promise and invest in the support and services that autistic people and their families need.”