Set to take effect nationally on April 1, these changes threaten to push ADHD diagnosis wait times from months to years—exacerbating an already critical mental health crisis.
Under the new policy, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) will be allowed to block patient access to private ADHD and ASD service providers through Right to Choose.
This will force thousands back onto overstretched NHS waiting lists, where delays of up to a decade have already been reported in some areas. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, individuals with ADHD and ASD face increased risks of anxiety, depression, unemployment, and even suicide.
The group’s founder Lorna Pennington (51), speaking on behalf of Cheshire Neurodivergent Community, expressed deep concern over the devastating consequences of these changes: “This is a betrayal of the neurodivergent community.
"Access to ADHD and ASD diagnosis and treatment isn’t just a medical issue—it’s the foundation for success in education, employment, and mental well-being. Without proper support, children and adults alike are left struggling in a system that already fails to meet their needs.”
She went on to say:“The NHS is attempting to force through this harmful policy without any public consultation, denying the people most affected a voice in decisions that will shape their future.”
Pennington, who received her formal diagnosis when she was 48 years of age, believes delays in ADHD and ASD diagnosis have far-reaching consequences, affecting education, employment, and mental health. Without timely assessment and support, children with ADHD and ASD struggle with concentration, impulse control, and learning, often leading to academic failure, exclusion, and low self-esteem.
A January 2025 update from the Cheshire & Merseyside Neurodiversity Recovery Programme highlights significant delays and systemic issues in ADHD and ASD assessments, including missing data, referral bottlenecks, and long waiting lists (Cheshire CCG, 2025).
The report reveals that referral rates average 3.76 per 1,000 children per month, but poor data quality obscures the true demand. Families stress the need for earlier access, better communication, and ongoing support, regardless of diagnosis.
These findings underscore concerns that NHS England’s proposed restrictions on the Right to Choose scheme—set to take effect on April 1, 2025—will worsen access to vital services. The Cheshire Neurodivergent Community group has formally written to MPs, urging them to intervene and prevent these harmful changes.
The group is calling for a full debate in Parliament on the proposed policy changes, accountability from NHS England for failing to consult the public, and continued access to Right to Choose providers.
The group highlighted the case of Diane Davis (50), a member who was told she faced an eight-year wait for an ADHD diagnosis on the NHS. Through Right to Choose, she was able to find a provider who reduced this wait to two years—still an unacceptable delay but a vast improvement. Under the new policy, people like Diane will lose this option, forcing them back into an already overwhelmed system.
“This is not just an ADHD and ASD issue,” adds Pennington. “This is a fundamental healthcare rights issue. We refuse to be ignored, and we will not stand by while lives are put at risk.”
The Cheshire Neurodivergent Community group, with over 100 members, serves as a lifeline for those struggling to navigate the diagnostic process. With these changes looming, the group urges MPs, healthcare professionals, and the wider public to join the fight against this policy.