Update on progress to provide additional neurodiversity assessment services – for professionals

Update on 2 May 2025

Options to commission additional neurodiversity assessment services are being considered by NHS Derby and Derbyshire.

Waiting times for assessment of autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Derby and Derbyshire are a challenge across England.

This situation has been made more difficult because the assessment service for people in the north of Derbyshire stopped in October 2024.

The people who were on that waiting list have been asked to wait until NHS Derby and Derbyshire is able to commission a new service.

Actions taken in recent months include:

• We have defined the specification of our new autism assessment service.
• We have a clear picture of our waiting list and the number of autism assessments we need to commission to manage demand and to reduce the waiting list.
• We have costed potential options to provide the service.

A different service will be required for ADHD diagnosis. This is because the waiting list is much bigger and because assessment and treatment services require additional steps to be considered.

These include making sure the service is able to meet the level of referrals and provide the help and support needed after diagnosis. For example, some people with ADHD are prescribed medication to manage their symptoms.

NHS Derby and Derbyshire will seek the views of local GPs and pharmacists as part of the work to develop a set of proposals.

Advice and support is available on our website.