Letter to Heath Secretary: Pause of ADHD and Autism Assessments

A group of Surrey MPs have written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to raise serious concerns about the decision by NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board and Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board to pause all new ADHD and autism assessments.

The letter highlights the growing crisis in neurodevelopmental services, with demand continuing to far exceed capacity and families now facing the prospect of being left without access to diagnostic pathways for many months. Children already on waiting lists are unable to access appointments, while schools are being asked to provide support despite being under significant strain themselves.

The MPs have asked the Government to clarify whether these pauses comply with statutory duties and national guidance, what immediate steps will be taken to ensure timely access to assessments for children and adults in Surrey Heath, and whether further national funding or guidance will be provided to prevent similar suspensions elsewhere.

They also warn that even where assessments are due to resume, capacity is unlikely to be sufficient to meet demand, risking further backlogs and prolonged delays into future years.

You can read the full letter below.