Gloucestershire Health and Care- NHS Trust logo
with you, for you
Responses > Paediatric Neurodiversity Assessment Waiting Times

Freedom of Information request Paediatric Neurodiversity Assessment Waiting Times

Response published: 19 September 2025
CAMHS/CYPS

FOI Request

This request specifically concerns a child aged 14 who has been referred for neurodevelopmental assessment. I would be grateful if you could confirm: 1.    The current average waiting time for children referred and accepted for neurodiversity testing. 2.    The referral date (month and year) of the most recent cohort currently being invited to attend their initial assessment. 3.    Whether the Trust maintains separate waiting lists or pathways for different age groups (e.g. under-16s vs adults). 4.    Any projected changes to waiting times or service capacity for paediatric neurodiversity assessments in the next 6–12 months. If available, please include any internal guidance, reports, or service planning documents used to manage or forecast waiting list progression. I would prefer to receive the information electronically. If any part of this request is unclear or would incur a cost, please let me know so I can refine it.

FOI Response

Freedom of Information Request – Ref: FOI 212-2025

Thank you for your recent Freedom of Information request. Please find our response below.

You asked:

1.    The current average waiting time for children referred and accepted for neurodiversity testing.

Our response:

The current average waiting time is 775 days, which is consistent with the South West regional average. Waiting times for children over 11 are longer due to reduced psychiatry capacity. Interim locum psychiatry provision has been secured, and the Trust has applied for funding for an additional substantive consultant post.

You asked:

2.    The referral date (month and year) of the most recent cohort currently being invited to attend their initial assessment.

Our response:

  • Clinic Autism Assessment – January 2023 referrals
  • Clinic Combined Assessment Need – August 2022 referrals (Over 11s) and November 2022 referrals (Under 11s)
  • Clinic ADHD Assessment – March 2023 referrals (Over 11s) and September 2024 referrals (Under 11s)

The Trust is taking steps to balance waiting times between Under 11s and Over 11s cohorts.

You asked:

3.    Whether the Trust maintains separate waiting lists or pathways for different age groups (e.g. under-16s vs adults).

Our response:

Yes. Separate waiting lists are maintained for Under 11s, Over 11s, and Adults. A transition agreement is in place to ensure no extended delays at the point of transfer to adult services.

You asked:

4.    Any projected changes to waiting times or service capacity for paediatric neurodiversity assessments in the next 6–12 months.

Our response:

Yes. The Trust anticipates reducing ADHD assessment waiting times to 12 months across both Under 11s and Over 11s pathways. Recruitment is underway to expand capacity by approximately eight additional assessments per month.

Next steps:

Should you have any queries in relation to our response, please do not hesitate to contact us. If you are unhappy with the response you have received in relation to your request and wish to ask us to review our response, you should write to:

Louise Moss
Head of Legal Services / Associate Director of Corporate Governance
c/o Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust
Edward Jenner Court
1010 Pioneer Avenue
Gloucester Business Park
Brockworth, GL3 4AW
E-mail: louise.moss@ghc.nhs.uk

If you are not content with the outcome of any review, you may apply directly to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for further advice/guidance. Generally, the ICO will not consider your case unless you have exhausted your enquiries with the Trust which should include considering the use of the Trust’s formal complaints procedure. The ICO can be contacted at: The Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.