Over 236,000 face waits for autism assessment 

As of June 2025, 236,225  people were waiting for an autism assessment in England, latest NHS data has revealed. 

This is a 15% increase in the number of people waiting in just one year, and a 53% increase from this point two years ago.  

Nearly nine in 10 (211,104 or 89%) have been waiting longer than the 13 weeks recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

This data shows that while the number of people waiting is levelling out, the time people are waiting for an assessment is rocketing with the average waiting time now over 17 months and exactly 200 days higher than 1 year  ago.

We are calling on the Government to urgently address the growing autism diagnosis crisis and to immediately provide dedicated funding for diagnosis services.  

Too many waiting too long 

An autism diagnosis is vital to getting the right help and support. An autism assessment can be the first step to understanding people’s needs and although they shouldn’t be, people are often told they can’t get support without a diagnosis. 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 diagnosis process for autism in a modernised NHS that is fit for the future must be timely and use a standardised process for assessments that meet NICE guidelines. NHSE published the Autism Assessment Framework and Operational Guidance two years ago to reinforce standards for assessment. However, ICBs are not able to follow the framework due to a lack of funding in the workforce and in recruitment. Deadicated funding is needed to establish this standardised process and bring down waiting times. 

Our Response

Tim Nicholls, Assistant Director of Policy, Research and Strategy at the National Autistic Society, said: “The average waiting time for an autism assessment in England is now a staggering 17 months, with over 236,000 people waiting for an assessment. We are seeing the number of people waiting for an assessment levelling out, but the average waiting time is rocketing. The problem isn’t that more people are seeking an assessment, but rather the efficiency and capacity a local level. The case for more direction and funding from central Government is crystal clear. 

“Getting an assessment shouldn’t be this hard. Too often, people can’t get support without a diagnosis, although this shouldn’t be the case. Autism assessments can be the first step to understanding people’s needs and a diagnosis can be life changing and, in some cases, lifesaving.

“Autistic people and their families face a constant fight for support and this often starts with long waits for a diagnosis. The Government must provide urgent funding for diagnosis services to end this worsening crisis, and make sure autistic people and families get the support they need when they need it.”