Spending in two years
Kent NHS ADHD and autism spending has risen sharply. According to figures presented to NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB) in September, spending on autism and ADHD assessment and treatment went from £640,000 in 2023-24 to £28.91m in 2025-26. The board heard that £20m had been allocated for this financial year, but the most likely forecast for 2026-27 is £32.1m, with a worst case of about £46m, BBC News reported on 26 October.
Why demand has grown
The ICB says the increase has been driven by "a significant and sustained rise in demand". Dr John Ribchester, of Whitstable Medical Practice, told the BBC that demand for assessments had increased substantially, particularly as awareness of how autism and ADHD affect women and girls has grown. "It is a very hot topic nationally at the moment," he said. Medway GP Dr Julian Spinks said the rise reflects "greater awareness and people coming forward for themselves or their children".
Right to Choose
Demand is growing across both NHS services and Right to Choose, the scheme that lets eligible patients access NHS-funded assessments from other providers, including private companies. There are currently 46 providers delivering autism and ADHD services in Kent and Medway, and 19 of them hold contracts with the ICB, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
What needs-led means
The ICB says it is moving towards a system where children and families can get support based on their needs, rather than having to wait for a formal diagnosis. A spokesperson said: "In Kent and Medway, we are moving towards a needs-led system, rather than focusing on diagnosis which is not always necessary to access support." Board papers say diagnosis "will no longer be viewed as the sole gateway to support", with practical support, advice and help offered while people wait for assessment.
When it could change
The BBC reports that the ICB plans a new approach to commissioning services in 2027. An earlier Local Democracy Reporting Service report by Daniel Esson, published by The Isle of Thanet News on 25 October, says the new approach is planned from April 2027. Neither report sets out yet what it will mean for people already on a waiting list.
The national picture
The Kent figures come in the same month as a government-ordered review in England, chaired by Prof Peter Fonagy, which found a risk of people being over-diagnosed with ADHD and autism. The review called for tougher regulation of private firms offering assessments for the NHS. It's a national debate, and Kent's own changes are still being planned.
If you're waiting
The new model is planned for 2027. In the meantime, if you're on a waiting list in Kent and Medway, or anywhere else, and you're unsure where you stand, your GP or the service you were referred to is the place to ask.
Read next
Sources
- Kent NHS autism and ADHD spend rises to £29m amid growing demand - BBC News (Local Democracy Reporting Service), 26 October 2026
- Kent NHS organisation plans new model for ADHD and Autism support amid 'financial challenge' of £32m cost - The Isle of Thanet News (Local Democracy Reporting Service), 25 October 2026
- ADHD and autism at risk of over-diagnosis, says government review - BBC News, 9 October 2026
Rewritten for ADHDer from reporting by BBC News (LDRS). Originally published 26 Oct 2026.
Read the original at BBC News (LDRS) ↗