The charity ADHD UK is threatening a judicial review against West Yorkshire's NHS board over a new policy imposing a minimum two-year wait for autism and ADHD assessments.

ADHD UK has issued a formal legal letter to the West Yorkshire NHS integrated care board (ICB) challenging its decision to enforce a minimum two-year wait for ADHD and autism assessments. The charity alleges the policy is unlawful and has warned it will seek a judicial review if the board does not reverse the rule. The policy, introduced this year, impacts patients across Leeds, Bradford, Kirklees, Calderdale, and Wakefield.

Allegations of Unlawful Procedure

ADHD UK claims the ICB failed to follow proper procedures, including a lack of public involvement, no published equality impact assessment, and a failure to conduct a clinical safety assessment. The charity further alleges the policy breaches equalities legislation and denies patients their legal right to choose non-NHS care providers.

Broader NHS Rationing

West Yorkshire is one of four NHS boards that have imposed minimum waiting times for neurodiversity assessments, with Devon, Somerset, and North East and North Cumbria also implementing similar measures. An additional 11 boards have introduced other mechanisms to ration assessments in response to rising costs and increased demand.

Impact on Patients and Future Reviews

Charity leaders describe the wait as devastating for patients who are already struggling to cope. Meanwhile, a government-commissioned review led by Prof Peter Fonagy is expected to recommend a shift toward a 'needs-based' system that offers support without requiring a formal diagnosis, alongside increased regulation of private psychiatry clinics.