Over 227,000 face waits for autism assessment 

As of September 2025, there were 227,813 patients with an open referral for suspected autism, latest NHS data has revealed.   

Nine in Ten (205,182/90.1%) have been waiting, longer than the 13 weeks for an assessment recommend 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 16 months and 6 months higher than the time of the general election last June.

To note: The Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust failed to submit data between June and September 2025, this means based on previous submissions, it is likely around 20,000 people who may be waiting for an autism assessment have not been recorded in the latest data. This has also impacted the data on average waiting times.

The NAS is 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 unacceptably long – over 16 months – with more than 227,000 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, increasing by 6 months since the election last year. The problem isn’t that more people are seeking an assessment, but rather the efficiency and capacity at a local level. The case for more direction and funding from central Government is crystal clear.
 
“Getting an assessment shouldn’t be this hard. People often 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 far too often this 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.”