Below are some of the questions that people ask about autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) services in Kent and Medway.
Over the last few years, demand for autism and ADHD and autism assessments in England has risen at such speed that services are unable to keep up.
This increase in demand is partly due to more widespread awareness of autism and ADHD, as well as the impact of Covid-19 on people’s mental health and wellbeing.
As with all services, the NHS has a finite amount of money to support neurodivergent people. There are not enough providers of assessments to carry out the number that is now needed.
We are looking at putting more money into supporting people’s needs, while ensuring those with the greatest clinical need who are waiting for an assessment are seen as quickly as possible.
Some people are seeking a diagnosis to help understand themselves better. There is a lot of support available that will help with this without a diagnosis.
As a health service, we will prioritise those people with the greatest clinical need for assessments.
In the past two years, Kent and Medway has seen a rapid 600 per cent increase in demand for adult ADHD services.
There are nearly 14,000 adults waiting for an ADHD assessment. Waits for medication reviews and post-diagnostic support are up to two years.
More than 4,000 children and young people are waiting for an ADHD assessment with a wait time of around a year.
NHS Kent and Medway is working with NHS providers, Kent County Council, Medway Council, families, carers, voluntary and community sector organisations and people with lived experience to change the way health, social care and education professionals support people who may be neurodivergent.
We are testing new ways of supporting adults who are on the waiting list for an assessment. This means they get support that meets their needs, rather than waiting for a diagnosis. It includes online workshops and facilitated peer support sessions, as well as app-based. Feedback has been positive about this support offer which we are working to make available to more people over the coming months.
Yes. A diagnosis from a private provider is equally as valid as a diagnosis confirmed by an NHS employee, providing:
- Evidence is available that the assessment undertaken by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional follows NICE guidelines.
- The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders (DSM-5) criteria is used to confirm a diagnosis.