Huge wait for autism and ADHD care, council told

The number of adults seeking help for autism and ADHD has increased by 600% in 30 months

Demand for autism services in Kent has rocketed leaving patients waiting seven years for treatment, new papers have revealed.

The number of adults seeking help for neuro-divergent conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has increased by 600% in 30 months, Kent County Council was told.

Councillor Richard Streatfeild said greater recognition of the issue and better diagnosis had led to the massive demand for treatment.

He said: “For example, someone may have once been treated for anxiety alone but now they are taking a deeper look at the root causes.

“The diagnoses have got so much better, particularly for women and girls. The headline figure of 600% is incredible.”

Council papers state that while demand for adult autism and ADHD assessments was expected to grow, the increase seen from 2022 was “unexpected and accelerated” by the pandemic.

The papers added: “We know in Kent that demand has followed the national trend and is strongly influenced by increased public awareness of ADHD along with social and environmental changes that have impacted on people’s lives following the pandemic.”