NICE says Autism assessments should start within 3 months. Recent data shows c294,792 people in England are waiting, 86.8% of whom have done so for longer than 13 weeks. For ADHD there is no standard time period at all. We want the Government to make 3 months a legal right for both.
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The Government's own review into mental health, ADHD and autism says the system is not working well. NICE says an autism assessment should start within 3 months of referral. In June 2026, c294,792 people in England were waiting, 86.8% of them already past 13 weeks. For ADHD there is no NICE waiting-time standard at all, and up to 959,662 referrals are open. Since 2010 there has been a legal right to start treatment within 18 weeks. Assessment has no similar legal status. Make 3 months a legal right for both.