Autism and ADHD Diagnostic Pathways for Children and Young People

The Committee will examine the autism and ADHD diagnostic pathway for children and young people. Demand for appointments for both autism and ADHD assessments is high, with many children waiting years for an assessment with little or no support. The Committee will hear evidence from organisations that support children, young people and their families about what is driving the increasing demand for assessment and diagnosis, and the impact of the current issues in the SEND system. The panel will explore how support can be improved across the spectrum of need throughout the assessment process and what action the Government can take to reduce waiting lists. The Committee will also hear from academics, clinicians and service leaders on the significance of early identification and access to diagnosis. The panel will examine Government strategies, including the ADHD Taskforce and the Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group and explore opportunities for the Government to develop support pathways that enable support without clinical assessment.