Over 270,000 face waits for autism assessment  

As of March 2026, there were 270,701 patients with an open referral for suspected autism,latest NHS data has revealed.

Nine in Ten have been waiting, longer than the 13 weeks for an assessment recommend by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). 

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 three 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. Dedicated funding is needed to establish this standardised process and bring down waiting times.  

The Government must act now to increase the capacity and efficiency of autism assessments to cut unacceptably long waiting times, as well as investing in a more effective assessment model for the future that guarantees pre- and post-diagnosis support. 

Our Response 

Mel Merritt, Head of Policy and Influencing at the National Autistic Society, said:  
“More than 270,000 people are currently waiting for an autism assessment – a number that could fill Wembley Stadium three times over - and 90% have waited longer than the NHS’s recommended three-month timeframe for an initial assessment.’’ 

“These shocking figures help to demonstrate that harmful claims of an ‘overdiagnosis’ of autism are a distraction from the serious issues that autistic people face. In reality, even securing an initial assessment is an uphill battle and lengthy process, and for many people, support is inaccessible without a diagnosis. Excessive wait times are just one aspect of the constant fight that autistic people and their families are forced to endure.’’ 

“It’s clear that the system is failing autistic people at every stage. The Government must act now to increase the capacity and efficiency of autism assessments to cut unacceptably long waiting times, as well as investing in a more effective assessment model for the future that guarantees pre- and post-diagnosis support.’’