Autism and ADHD costs surge amid increased demand

NHS spending on autism and ADHD services in Kent has risen from £640,000 to almost £29m in two years, and costs could reach £46m this year.

Figures presented to NHS Kent and Medway's Integrated Care Board (ICB) in September showed spending on assessment and treatment rose from £640,000 in 2023-24 to £28.91m in 2025-26.

The most likely forecast for 2026-27 was £32.1m, while a worst-case scenario could see spending reach about £46m. The board heard £20m had been allocated for the current financial year.

The ICB said the increase had been driven by "a significant and sustained rise in demand" and it planned to introduce a new approach to commissioning services in 2027.

This month, a review ordered by the government found there was a risk of people being over-diagnosed and called for tougher regulation of private firms offering assessments.

Dr John Ribchester, of Whitstable Medical Practice, said 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.

"There's a massive expansion of diagnoses and cost as well."

Dr Julian Spinks, a GP in Medway, said: "There's been a steady increase for some time and that reflects two things - greater awareness and people coming forward for themselves or their children."

The ICB said demand was increasing across both NHS services and the Right to Choose scheme, which allows eligible patients to access NHS-funded assessments from alternative providers, including private companies.

There are currently 46 providers delivering autism and ADHD services in Kent and Medway, 19 of which hold contracts with the ICB, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Dr Ribchester said the use of independent providers reflected a shortage of NHS capacity, adding: "It would be great if the NHS could recruit an awful lot more clinicians, but at the moment they're not able to do that so help from the private sector is needed."

The ICB said it was moving towards a system in which children and families could receive support based on their needs rather than having to wait for a formal diagnosis.

An ICB 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."

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