A pause in autism and ADHD diagnoses for some children and young people in parts of South Cumbria has been described as “gobsmacking” by families and is prompting legal challenges, as waiting lists continue to grow across the UK.
The Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) confirmed the measure, which began on February 2nd, was implemented due to “unprecedented high levels of demand.” The trust is now unable to accept referrals for autism and ADHD pathways where no additional mental health diagnosis already exists for children and young people.
Cat Moffatt, from Ulverston, whose son is awaiting an ADHD diagnosis, said the decision came “out of the blue” and expressed concern about the lack of clarity regarding timelines. “We’re still in limbo since 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, according to the BBC.
The Integrated Care Board (ICB) is working to confirm a commissioned framework by the complete of the month, and the trust has stated it will continue to accept referrals while this process is underway. However, Henry Shelford, chief executive of ADHD UK, emphasized the critical role of medication for many individuals with ADHD. “You can only secure [ADHD] medication if you see a specialist and for me, that is life-changing,” Shelford told BBC Radio Cumbria. “It’s not for everyone, but it is something that has a considerable impact. That avenue has been completely closed off so a very significant intervention is being stopped.”
The situation in South Cumbria mirrors broader concerns about access to ADHD and autism services across the UK. In July 2025, ADHD UK announced it was preparing a legal challenge against the Coventry and Warwickshire integrated care board after it paused referrals for adults over 25, citing similar pressures on waiting lists. The charity is utilizing “right to choose” legislation, which allows patients to select their healthcare provider when referred by a GP.
Shelford criticized the Coventry and Warwickshire ICB’s decision, stating, “It’s ridiculous. We know one in 10 men and boys and one in four women and girls with ADHD will at some point strive to take their own life, so we know there’s a danger.”
The ICB in Lancashire and South Cumbria said it is in talks with other potential providers to take over diagnosing the condition, with further information expected within two weeks. The trust will then review the ICB’s proposed framework and “assess the impact this would have on the current unacceptably long waiting times for children and young people.”
These developments come as the government conducts an independent review, expected to be published in summer 2026, examining how the health system currently delivers mental health, ADHD and autism services. The findings will inform the government’s 10-year health plan commitment to address the “mental health crisis in adults, and children.”
