A new report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has identified that services for people with ADHD and autism in England are under severe pressure. The watchdog found that patients are frequently facing long waiting lists, which can delay diagnosis and necessary support for years. Beyond the issue of time, the report highlights a 'fragmented' system where the quality and availability of care vary significantly depending on the patient's location.

The CQC noted that these systemic failures often leave families and individuals struggling to navigate a complex healthcare landscape. While the report acknowledges the dedication of individual staff members, it emphasizes that the current infrastructure is failing to meet the rising demand for neurodevelopmental assessments and ongoing support. The findings suggest that the lack of a cohesive national strategy has led to a 'postcode lottery,' where access to care is determined more by geography than clinical need. The report calls for urgent improvements to coordination between health and social care providers to ensure that patients receive consistent, timely, and effective treatment. As of now, the government has not provided a specific timeline for addressing these systemic gaps, leaving many advocacy groups to demand immediate funding and structural reform.