How long will I wait for an appointment?
This page contains waiting time information for our services and is updated monthly. This can help you understand how long you are likely to wait for your first appointment.
Please see the Adult and Children’s sections below for information on how figures are calculated.
If there is a change in your condition and you think they may need help more urgently, please contact the service you have been referred to. Contact details are also available in our Adult’s Services pages and Children’s Services pages.
Click on each service heading for more information. This includes what the service does, referral information and resources to support you.
Adult services
Waiting times for adult services are based on average waiting time following referral. The actual waiting time can differ depending on clinical circumstances.
Some people will wait less time than average and some will wait longer. Referrals are managed on clinical urgency and therefore waiting times can vary depending on each person’s clinical condition.
Children's services
Reported waiting times for children’s services are based on the 90th percentile. This means that 9 out of 10 children are seen within the reported timeframe except for autism assessments.
The waiting times shown are for a child’s first appointment or assessment with the service. They do not show how long a child may wait for any follow-up appointments or treatment.
If there is a change in your child’s condition and you think they may need help more urgently, please contact the service your child has been referred to. Contact details are also available in our Children’s Services pages.
Click on each service heading for more information. This includes what the service does, referral information and resources to support you.
You do not need a diagnosis to get help and support for Autism and ADHD. Resources and information are on our support for neurodivergent children page.
*Standard Autism Assessment Pathway waiting list
Children and young people on this pathway cannot currently be given a waiting time for an autism assessment. This is because there is not enough funding to assess every child on the Sirona waiting list. Many children wait for several years, and some may not be offered an assessment before they turn 18.
To help families get support sooner, children will move to a provider called Healios. They will provide a needs-led support pathway. This helps families understand a child’s strengths and needs, offers advice and practical support, and may include an autism assessment where needed. Read the Healios leaflet to find out more about the support pathway link.
You may also be able to choose another NHS provider for an autism assessment through the NHS Right to Choose scheme. Read the Right to Choose leaflet to find out more.
We also have an information page with information on local groups and services that can provide support which you can view.
