Autism and ADHD referral halts 'gobsmacking'

A mum with ADHD has described a decision to pause autism and ADHD diagnoses for some children and young people as "gobsmacking".

Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) confirmed the measure had been in place in parts of south Cumbria since 2 February over "unprecedented high levels of demand".

Cat Moffatt, from Ulverston, whose son is waiting for an ADHD diagnosis, said "there was no indication as to what the alternative is or how long that the pause is going to be".

The trust said it had spoken with the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and confirmed it would continue to accept referrals, as the ICB worked to confirm a commissioned framework by the end of the month.

LSCFT said it was unable to continue to accept referrals for autism and ADHD pathways where no additional mental health diagnosis exists for children and young people.

It added: "To clarify, there has been no change to the commissioned mental health pathway for children and young people who have a mental health need and also require ADHD/ASD assessment and treatment."

Moffatt described the decision as "flabbergasting" and "gobsmacking".

She said it had come "out of the blue" and there was already a problem "in that ADHD and autism have been chronically underdiagnosed in this country".

"We're still in limbo because we are still ascertaining what it actually means in terms of time frames, with how long the pausing would last, what is going to happen when it starts again and what provision would be put in place," she added.

The measure means no new referrals are accepted for several age ranges in the following areas:

• For ADHD, Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire between the ages of 11 to 18, and Central and West Lancashire, Fylde Coast and Morecambe Bay and South Cumbria between the ages of five and 18

• For autism, in Lancaster between the ages of five to 17

Chief executive of ADHD UK, Henry Shelford, told BBC Radio Cumbria: "You can only get [ADHD] medication if you see a specialist and for me, that is life-changing.

"It's not for everyone, but it is something that has a big impact.

"That avenue has been completely closed off so a very significant intervention is being stopped," he added.

The ICB said it was in talks with other potential providers who may be able to takeover diagnosing the condition, with more information provided within two weeks.

The trust said it would then review the ICB proposed framework and "assess the impact this would have on the current unacceptably long waiting times for children and young people".

In December, the government launched an independent review examining how the health system currently delivers mental health, ADHD and autism services.

The findings, which will be published in summer 2026, will inform the government's 10-year health plan commitment to tackle "the mental health crisis in adults and children".

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