ADHD
Wandsworth Council is addressing concerns over lengthy waiting times for ADHD and autism diagnoses for children and young people.
In November 2026, Wandsworth Council's Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee heard that some children and young people in the borough face waits of up to 93 weeks for an ADHD or autism diagnosis. Demand for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) has increased by 20% in the last year, with neurodevelopmental condition referrals rising significantly.
The increase in demand for services has led to significant delays in treatment, with the average wait for treatment doubling over the past four years. Referrals for neurodevelopmental conditions, including ADHD, now account for 46% of all CAMHS referrals, up from 32% in 2022/23.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Local councils are involved in commissioning and overseeing health services, including those for diagnosis and treatment of such conditions.
Key facts
- Some children and young people in Wandsworth face a wait of 93 weeks for a diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD. Source
- Demand for Wandsworth's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) has risen by 20% in the last year. Source
- The average wait for treatment at Wandsworth CAMHS has doubled from 7.5 weeks to 15 weeks over four years. Source
- Referrals for neurodevelopmental conditions in Wandsworth grew from 32% to 46% of all CAMHS referrals since 2022/23. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 13 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.