How long does it take to get an ADHD diagnosis on the NHS?
- Dr Harry Woodward
- Dec 10, 2025
- 3 min read
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(A friendly guide for parents who have already refreshed the NHS website 47 times this week)
If you’ve recently wondered “How long does it take to get an ADHD diagnosis on the NHS?”, you are far from alone. In fact, you’re in excellent company — usually a company made up of slightly frazzled parents, a half-drunk cup of tea, and a child currently catapulting themselves off the sofa in a way that feels… educational?
Let’s take a gentle walk through what the NHS process looks like, what affects waiting times, and what realistic expectations families can hold — without adding more stress to an already stretched nervous system.
Why is getting an ADHD diagnosis taking so long?
The short answer? Demand has skyrocketed.
The slightly longer, more clinically-inclined answer? NHS services are experiencing a combination of increased awareness, more referrals, and finite specialist capacity.
NHS England reports rising demand for neurodevelopmental assessments across the country, including ADHD and autism. Meanwhile, teams are working within fixed staffing levels and budgets — which naturally affects waiting times. (The NHS offers a helpful overview of ADHD assessment pathways here.
So… how long are NHS ADHD waiting lists right now?
Here's the honest, parent-to-parent truth:
1. It varies wildly by region
Some areas offer assessments within a few months.
Others have waiting lists of 1–3 years, depending on local capacity.
It’s a bit like trying to guess the British weather: technically possible, but you’ll be wrong about 70% of the time.
2. Children’s services are facing particularly long waits
Demand in children’s neurodevelopmental pathways is especially high. According to NHS and NICE guidance, children should ideally be assessed in a timely manner, but many local teams are reporting overwhelming referral numbers. (NICE provides detailed clinical guidelines here.
3. Referral stages add extra time
Before you even get to the diagnostic assessment, there’s often an initial wait for:
GP referral processing
Screening questionnaires
Teacher reports
Preliminary triage
(Optional but common) a polite-but-firm reminder email from a parent checking the current waiting time
What actually happens once you reach the front of the waiting list?
When your child’s name finally surfaces from the depths of the NHS waiting list (possibly accompanied by triumphant music in your head), the diagnostic process typically includes:
A detailed developmental history
Behavioural questionnaires
Teacher/school input
A comprehensive clinical assessment with a specialist team
Consideration of other conditions that might explain symptoms
This is thorough, helpful, and clinically important — but it does take time.
For more on what an ADHD assessment actually involves, the CDC provides a clear overview of core diagnostic principles.
Can parents do anything to help while they wait?
Absolutely — and none of these require turning into a full-time amateur clinician.
✔ Keep school involved
Schools can offer practical support (like predictable routines, movement breaks, and classroom strategies) even without a diagnosis.
✔ Gather information
Keep notes, examples, reports, and anything that helps build a clear picture of your child’s strengths and challenges.
✔ Use supportive parenting strategies
Simple, evidence-informed approaches — visual schedules, clear transitions, positive reinforcement — can make everyday life smoother.
✔ Consider private assessment if appropriate
For some families, long waits prompt them to explore private ADHD assessments. Clinics like ours (NeuroDiverseKids.co.uk) offer NICE-compliant, paediatric specialist assessments that can be faster, fully online, and recognised by schools.
No pressure — just an option many parents appreciate having.
Realistically… what should parents expect?
Think of NHS ADHD diagnosis timelines like a slow cooker: the result is absolutely worthwhile, but nobody can quite tell you exactly when it will be ready.
Most families experience one of the following:
Short wait (a few months): Some areas with strong capacity and efficient triage.
Moderate wait (6–12 months): Very common.
Long wait (1–3 years): Increasingly common in high-demand regions.
While the long waits are challenging, you aren’t powerless — and your child isn’t stuck without support. Schools, parenting strategies, and reasonable adjustments can all be put in place before a diagnosis arrives.
And remember: ADHD isn’t something your child suddenly “develops” during the waiting list. It’s part of who they are — and understanding begins long before the formal letter does.
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