Neurodevelopmental Specialist Service (NeSS)

NeSS Statement re Long Waiting Times 

We would like to be totally transparent and acknowledge the extended waiting time for diagnostic assessments with the Neurodevelopmental Specialist Service. The lengthy waiting times for ADHD and Autism assessments is a national concern, with some areas seeing waiting times of over 10 years. Locally, our waiting times have increased due to a combination of factors including a large increase in referrals which has an impact on staff capacity.

We are aware that waiting 4+ years for a diagnostic assessment can be extremely difficult and that this can have an impact on your wellbeing while you wait. To help during this time, we would encourage you to utilise the waiting well resources we have available (insert link). For mental health support, please speak to your GP in the first instance.

We regret that our capacity to see patients for assessment does not match the demand of the referrals we receive. We are working with the Trust and commissioners to identify and address areas where efficiency can be improved, and it is hoped that over time these ongoing conversations will help reduce waiting times.

NeSS is run by a small team of dedicated and passionate professionals who are invested in this specialty, and we are doing everything we can to improve the situation. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

Updated: 30 June 2026